Available Animals
There are so many reasons to adopt a rescue animal. All of our animals at Helping PAWS Pet Rescue are in need of a second chance. By choosing to adopt, you will give one of them a new life in a loving home.
Make a Donation
Page Quick Links: Cats Dogs Feline-ality®
Before You Begin
We are seeking the best match for our animals. As such, we consider all applications for a particular animal and do not operate on a first-come-first-serve basis.The decision to adopt is an important one which we take very seriously. We approve adopters who have excellent veterinary history which includes annual wellness exams and preventive care for their pets, as well as immediate medical attention for illness or injury.
Finding the Perfect Pet Can Be Easy, But There’s Lots to Consider!
Thank you for considering adoption or fostering! The decision to adopt is an important one which we take very seriously. We approve adopters who have excellent veterinary history which includes annual wellness exams and preventive care for their pets, as well as immediate medical attention for illness or injury.
All of our animals are examined and cared for by a licensed veterinarian. As you learn about our available animals, please consider your lifestyle and how this may affect the animal you choose. We recommend that you also learn more about our adoption and foster processes.
While we typically have cats available for adoption, we at times also have dogs, horses, rabbits, birds, and other domestic animals. Check back often to see who is available.
Find Your Match
Here at Helping PAWS Pet Rescue, Meet Your Match! To help match adopters and animals more closely, we have adopted the Feline-ality® Assessment that many rescues use. There are Purple cats, Orange cats, and Green cats, and we recognize that some cats can match more than one description!
Purple Cats
There are three types of Purple Cats:
Private Investigator – These cats work undercover to keep an eye on you and your family. These cats are skittish and shy and startle easily. If you need a cat who knows how to stay out of trouble and will always keep your secrets, this is the cat personality for you.
Secret Admirer – When it comes to relationships, these cats are very level-headed. They don’t leap in paws first, but give them a little time, and they’ll shower you with purrs, head-butts, and plenty of lap time. In the meantime, you may not see a lot of them but they’ll be thinking about you and admiring you from a distance.
Love Bug – Do you seek affection from your cat? These cats love affection, love being pet, and are purring machines! They are looking for an adopter who enjoys quiet times and togetherness.
Orange Cats
There are three types of Orange Cats:
Executive – These cats are busy cats. They first have to check out what’s happening out the window. And then look in closets or cabinets. And then take a nap. And then socialize with whomever comes by.
Sidekick – Like all sidekicks, these cats are just good company. They like attention, but also like solitude. They are steady companions who will travel with you on the road of life.
Personal Assistant – Are you working on the computer? Let them press the keys? Reading a paper? They’ll hold down the pages for you. Watching TV? They’ll join you and sit in your lap. They’ll even help you with your chores, and then will relax with you when done. You’ll wonder how you ever managed without them.
Green Cats
There are three types of Green Cats:
MVP – These are savvy cats who are pretty unflappable. While they don’t mind entertaining themselves, they like a companion and a nice scratch behind the ears. If you are looking for a resourceful addition to your team, adopt a Most Valuable puss*cat!
Party Animal – These cats are on a mission and love to play and explore and test their limits! They’ll play with you but will also make a toy out of anything – pencils, paper, potatoes! If you’re looking for some laughs, think about adopting a party animal.
Leader of the Band – These cats do everything in a big way. They not only like to be in the middle of things, but they like to lead. While they are adventurous cats, they’ll make plenty of time to show you their affectionate side.
Available Animals
Cats
Please Note: Helping Paws is a volunteer-run rescue so it may take a few days for us to respond to your inquiry or review your application.
Click image to enlarge.
Wrangler
Older Kitten – Female
Feline-ality: Green – Leader of the Band
About Me: I’m a friendly, curious, and snuggly kitten. I love to lead my siblings around as we explore our surroundings and find new things to play with. You might call me a little wrangler! Hope to see you soon!
Dog Compatible: Yes
Click image to enlarge.
Gloria Vanderbilt
Older Kitten – Female
Feline-ality: Orange – Sidekick
About Me: I’m a sweet, mellow kitten who enjoys the company of my sisters and cat friends. I can be a little shy when you first meet me but am gaining more confidence and I have the loudest purr! I’d love to find a home with one of my sisters.
Dog Compatible: Yes
Click image to enlarge.
Georgie
Young Adult – Spayed Female
Feline-ality: Orange – Sidekick
About Me: Hi Everyone, I’m Georgie! I’m a petite little lady who is curious, affectionate (I like to love nibble), and playful. While I came from an outdoor cat colony, I’m liking the indoor life and all of the toys I have to play with. I’d do best in a home with another cat friend. Come meet me!
Dog Compatible: Likely
Click image to enlarge.
Spritzy
Young Adult – Spayed Female
Feline-ality: Orange – Sidekick
About Me: I’m one of the longest residents at the rescue, having been here almost 2 years since I came from another rescue in South Dakota. In foster care, I get along well with other cats and people too, as long as they don’t hold me (I’m not a fan). I’m a cat who loves to play and snuggle with other cats. Come meet me so I can add some sparkle to your life!
Dog Compatible: Yes
Click image to enlarge.
Jordache
Kitten – Female
Feline-ality: Purple – Lovebug
About Me: I’m a super friendly, affectionate, and playful kitten who loves to cuddle with my foster family. And I’m smart too! Did you know that the brand name Jordache is a contraction of Joe, Ralph, David, and Avi Naccache? They are brothers who founded the jeans company.
Dog Compatible: Yes
Click image to enlarge.
Luna
Older Adult – Female
Feline-ality: Purple – Lovebug
About Me: Luna is a long hair tortoiseshell with pretty green eyes and a big purr despite her petite size. She’s a middle-aged cat at 10 years old, loves to cuddle, be brushed, and follow her favorite person around. In the past, she’s been a little stressed when going to the veterinarian, so home appointments have been better for her.
Right now, she is a bit stressed with the dog in her home and newer cat and is looking for a home where she can be the only spoiled pet. She’s had a little loose stool that is probably behavioral.
Dog Compatible: No
Chiffon
Young Adult – Spayed Female
Feline-ality: Orange – Sidekick
About Me: I’m a petite cat who likes company but also is content doing my own thing. While I came from an outdoor cat colony, I now enjoy spending my days getting pets, sleeping in my comfy bed, and playing with toys at the rescue.
Dog Compatible: Likely
Click image to enlarge.
Click image to enlarge.
Mrs. Butterworth
Adult – Spayed Female
Feline-ality: Purple – Lovebug
About Me: I’m a friendly, sweet cat who loves, loves, loves pets! It might take me a minute to warm up to you but when you approach me, I just melt for pets! And tummy rubs too! At the rescue, I spend my days relaxing but have a playful side too. The volunteers think I’d do best in a quieter home. Give me a chance!
Dog Compatible: Likely (as long as it doesn’t chase me)
Click image to enlarge.
Indigo
Kitten – Female
Feline-ality: Green – Party Animal
About Me: I’m a playful kitten who likes to explore and try new things. I can often be found chasing a new toy, climbing into my foster dad’s boots, or cuddling with my sisters. I’d love to find a home with a cat friend. See you soon!
Dog Compatible: Yes
Click image to enlarge.
Snuggles
Middle-Aged Adult – Spayed Female
Feline-ality: Purple – Lovebug
About Me: Hi everyone! I recently found myself back at the rescue after my owner came on hard times. I had a bit of an adjustment period as I don’t like other cats and this place has a lot of cat smells. And I had to get used to some new people caring for me. Once you earn my trust, I’ll show you my friendly, snuggly side. If you are looking for a solo cat for companionship, I’m your gal. I can’t wait to get out of here!
Dog Compatible: No
Click image to enlarge.
Pippin
Young Adult – Neutered Male
Feline-ality: Green – Leader of the Band
About Me: Hi folks, it’s Pippin here! And I love just about everyone and everything! I’ve been at the rescue now for over 2 years, living in a foster home, but I can’t wait to find my permanent home! I have some mild special needs as I need daily medicine mixed in my food to help me keep my #2s moving. But otherwise, I’m just fine! I’d love to join an active home with fun people and other animals. See you soon!
Dog Compatible: Yes
Click image to enlarge.
Black Caviar
Older Kitten – Spayed Female
Feline-ality: Purple – Lovebug
About Me: Friendly, affectionate, curious, and mellow kitten who loves to be with other cats. I have mild special needs as I have Megaesophagus. This means I do best with just canned food, a daily antacid, and a tilted food dish that brings my food up just a bit higher. I’ve probably had this since birth and it might get better as I get older but I don’t let it get me down!
Dog Compatible: Yes
Click image to enlarge.
Lucy
Adult – Spayed Female
Feline-ality: Orange – Personal Assistant
About Me: If you like sweet and spicy cats, I’m the one for you! When I arrived at the rescue this spring, I was glad to have my spay surgery as I had been in and out of estrus for several months which was making me stressed out. As a result, I don’t really like other cats and am looking for a home where I can be a solo cat. I love to follow the volunteers around and help them do chores. And when I’m not doing that, I like to chase toys or grab a few pets. Come meet me!
Dog Compatible: No
Ready to Adopt or Foster?
Your next step is to learn about the process and complete our application. Getting approved does not obligate you to adopt but helps streamline the process.
Foster Process
Adoption Process
Available Animals
Dogs
Please Note: Helping Paws is a volunteer-run rescue so it may take a few days for us to respond to your inquiry or review your application.
At this time, Helping PAWS Pet Rescue has no dogs available for adoption.
Check availability at our partner rescues Chequamegon Humane Association and Catkins Animal Rescue, both located in Wisconsin.
Adoption Process
Food and Water
- Here at Helping PAWS, we feed a measured amount of dry food and canned food mixed with a bit of water for optimal dental health and kidney health. We do NOT free feed.
- Always provide continuous access to fresh water.
- Treats should be no more than 5% of the diet.
Enrichment/Toys
- To keep your pet stimulated and at a healthy weight, interactive toys are a must!
Grooming
- Regular brushing helps reduce shedding and hairballs (cats), and helps keep your pet clean. Many cats and dogs really enjoy this!
- Regularly trim nails to help prevent a nail from curling and growing into the foot pad.
Annual Exams and Vaccines
- Your pet should see its veterinarian at least once a year for an examination and annual shots, and immediately if he/she is ill or injured.
Tips for Cats
Food: Remember that cats require taurine, an essential amino acid, for heart and eye health. Be sure to check the food label.
Litterbox and Litter – Number of litterboxes, location, cleanliness, and type of litter is key to your cat adopting good litterbox habits. Rule of thumb: Provide at least 1 box per cat. Locate the litterbox in an easy-to-find location that is quiet. Scoop the litterbox at least once/day, and wash regularly. Use a litter material that your cat likes. And remember that not all cats will feel comfortable in a hooded litterbox. If your cat isn’t using its litterbox, bring it to the veterinarian as he/she may have a medical condition.
Scratching Post or Pad – Cats like to scratch, which helps remove old outer nail sheaths. Provide your cat with a sturdy scratching post at least 3 feet high, covered with a rough material. Scratching pads are also an option. Most cats will not scratch furniture if provided a proper place to scratch. If you consider declawing, learn more about it first and find a veterinarian that uses a laser which is more humane.
Houseplants and Cats – Many cats can’t resist chewing on plants. Many plants are toxic irritants, and cause inflammation of the skin, mouth, and stomach. Other plants may have a systemic toxic effect and damage a cat’s organs. Learn which plants are okay to keep around and which plants are not.
Cat Carrier – Ideal for safely transporting your cat to the veterinarian for annual exams and vaccines.
Tips for Dogs
Exercise – Dogs need exercise to burn calories, stimulate their minds, and stay healthy. Exercise also tends to help dogs avoid boredom, which can lead to destructive behaviors. Individual exercise needs vary based on breed, sex, age, and level of health. Follow local leashing laws. And remember to pick up poop to protect water quality, wildlife health, and people’s shoes!
Grooming – And most dogs don’t need to be bathed more than a few times a year. Brushing your dog’s teeth is also a good dental health practice.
Fleas and Ticks – Daily inspections of your dog for fleas and ticks during the warm seasons are important. There are several methods of flea and tick control; speak with your veterinarian to find the right one.
Licensing and Identification – Follow your community’s licensing regulations. Use an ID tab of implanted microchip to help secure your dog’s return should he/she become lost.
Helping PAWS is a 501(c)(3) organization. We areprimarily a volunteer-run organization. If you are interested in joining our volunteer team, please contact us.
Location
126 West Bayfield Street, Suite 3
PO Box 294|
Washburn, WI 54891
Contact
Preferred Contact: @ Email Us
Alternative Contact: 715-513-6106
Hours
By Appointment Only
Hwy 13 Detour Instructions
If you are coming from the south/southwest into the City of Washburn, there will be a detour due to road work. Follow the detour and turn right (R) on to Omaha Street. From there, travel a little further east and turn left (L) on 2nd Avenue West. The rescue's parking lot will on your right.
Connect
Send us a message, questions, suggestion, pet story, sign up for our newsletter ... or just say Hi!
