NorthStar WI Dog Rescue & Advocacy

NorthStar WI is a 501c(3) non-profit rescue group based in Madison, Wisconsin. We currently help families in the Madison, WI area rehome their dogs.

We also fundraise to support local dogs needing medical care. We have extensive rescue and fostering experience with German Shepherds, Dutch Shepherds, and Belgian Malinois. While, we are not currently fostering, we do offer advice on surrendering and rehoming options. Big dogs don't do well in shelters. Let us help with rehoming!

05/30/2024

Hello Wisconsin and Wausau Folks! I'm a Wausau native currently living in Oklahoma where we have a serious problem with stray cats and dogs. This little guy showed up in our yard on Sunday and according to our local laws, he has served his 3 day stray hold. I've shared him to multiple pages, Reddit, Nextdoor and made a found report as required by our local shelter and no owner has stepped forward.

We've named him Shrimp Scampi and he's an intact male, approximately 1 year old. He has an umbilical hernia and a retained baby tooth, both of which can be corrected at the time of his neuter. He is very people, dog and child friendly. He's playful and loves to cuddle. He hasn't shown any signs of aggression and doesn't bite at hands like many small dogs have a tendency to do. He's house trained but doesn't walk well on a leash yet. He'd be the perfect dog for a recently retired family or a stay at home parent. He's very playful and has an adorable personality. I think he'd even be a great prospect as a therapy dog for hospitals and nursing homes.

He will be vaccinated and microchipped but it's up to his new family to get him neutered and have the surgical corrections I previously mentioned. Neutering is non negotiable and I will require proof of a vet appointment to at least have a surgical consult. I will ask that you provide a vet reference and disclose other pets in the home as well as their spay/neuter status. If you or someone you know is interested, please email me at [email protected]. I am not asking a rehoming fee but I will be picky in choosing the best family/fit for him.

A little background about myself, I’ve spent a year working at a high volume shelter in Oklahoma and the last two years working in a vet clinic. I've also volunteered and fostered for a number of rescues. I can provide references regarding my background if necessary.
I'm coming home to visit for the weekend on June 19th. Ideally, he would have an approved adopter prior to us getting there and then we can meet up with his new family that weekend. The biggest reason I'm asking for vet references is because I won't be able to meet anyone in person ahead of time.

05/17/2024

Dax has new photos on his bio page - He's asking that you check them out! https://www.petfinder.com/dog/dax-71595330/wi/madison/northstar-wisconsin-dog-rescue-advocacy-wi446/

Photos from NorthStar WI Dog Rescue & Advocacy's post 05/17/2024

Oh boy, Look at that face! Penny is looking for a new home. She is a 3 y/o Border Collie Mix about 30lbs. She gets along with resident cats and a dog. Read her bio to learn more and Please SHARE!
https://www.petfinder.com/dog/penny-71690721/wi/madison/northstar-wisconsin-dog-rescue-advocacy-wi446/

Photos from NorthStar WI Dog Rescue & Advocacy's post 05/08/2024

Check out Dax! He too needs our help in finding him a new family. He's currently in the Madison, WI Area. This young GSD/Husky/Lab? male is 2.5 years old. Needs a quieter home with less free-roaming people/animals coming into his yard. Typical GSD.... NorthStar WI is helping the family with rehoming. Please share his bio - https://www.petfinder.com/dog/dax-71595330/wi/madison/northstar-wisconsin-dog-rescue-advocacy-wi446/

Photos from NorthStar WI Dog Rescue & Advocacy's post 05/08/2024

Can everyone share Bodie's bio? He is a sweet dog who is in need of a new home. He is currently residing in the Kaukauna, WI area. NorthStar WI is helping the family with rehoming. Learn all of Bodie's amazing qualities in his bio located here- https://www.petfinder.com/dog/bodie-71595106/wi/madison/northstar-wisconsin-dog-rescue-and-advocacy-wi446/

04/02/2024

Sapphire could really use a hand in finding a new home. She is a young, smart and fun dog! Please share this post! https://www.petfinder.com/dog/sapphire-71080996/wi/madison/northstar-wisconsin-dog-rescue-and-advocacy-wi446/

Photos from NorthStar WI Dog Rescue & Advocacy's post 03/27/2024

Where are the GSD lovers? Meet Kenny, a 5 yo FEMALE who is seeking a new family for her best life. She is a bi-color and is a very typical GSD. She was surrender to a local vet clinic and is being foster by one of the staff. Help us spread the word! https://www.petfinder.com/dog/kenny-71170595/wi/madison/northstar-wisconsin-dog-rescue-and-advocacy-wi446/

Photos from NorthStar WI Dog Rescue & Advocacy's post 03/18/2024

Oh my...Look at that face! 2 y/o Sapphire needs our help in finding her "fur-ever" home Here's her bio - https://www.petfinder.com/dog/sapphire-71080996/wi/madison/northstar-wisconsin-dog-rescue-and-advocacy-wi446/

Photos from NorthStar WI Dog Rescue & Advocacy's post 03/04/2024

UPDATE: Kona has found her fur-ever home! She has been adopted by family friends so what great news!

Kona is still looking for her new home. Check out these new photos! Read more about her here: https://www.petfinder.com/dog/kona-70793044/wi/madison/northstar-wisconsin-dog-rescue-and-advocacy-wi446/

02/20/2024

Who's a good girl? Kona!!! This 1 1/2 year old Lab mix needs our help to find her forever home. She sound like a dream in the making for a great dog! She's spayed, vaccinated, housetrained, gets along with dogs, cats and kids. Loves her kennel! She does need continued training as most young dogs do! https://www.petfinder.com/dog/kona-70793044/wi/madison/northstar-wisconsin-dog-rescue-and-advocacy-wi446/

11/14/2023

Exactly!

Photos from NorthStar WI Dog Rescue & Advocacy's post 11/14/2023

12/18 Update: Bodie has been rehomed and adopted by a lovely family! Thanks to everyone for sharing Bodie's story.

Friends, can you spread the word far and wide to help us find Bodie a safe landing. This sweet 2 year dog needs a stable landing and people who understand huskies and mixes. We are helping the current "pawrent" rehome our friend. He's a good boy and loves other dogs. A home with pups and people would be pawfect!

06/13/2023

Meet Huey…

Some of you may remember him. He has been adopted then returned. Huey is 1 years old. He weighs in at 25lbs & is described as a Golden/Doodle mix.
Huey loves playing with his dog friends & he could probably live with a cat.

The reason for Huey’s return is resource guarding. Huey’s best family would have experience with resource guarding. His best family would not leave toys & bones laying all over. We also want him to have a dog friend.

Huey is an amazing soul. He is very sweet & he loves to be loved. He just needs a family to keep him safe.

Huey is available for adoption through Ma Paws & Me Pet Rescue based out
of Watertown, WI. Huey is spayed/neutered, microchipped, dewormed, up to date on all age appropriate vaccines, and current on flea/tick and heartworm prevention. Adoption fee is $325 To apply please visit mapawsmepetrescue.com

Yorkville, IL - American Bulldog/Boxer. Meet Star a Pet for Adoption - AdoptaPet.com 03/10/2023

I know there are Boxer lovers out there - Here's a sweetheart, Star -

Yorkville, IL - American Bulldog/Boxer. Meet Star a Pet for Adoption - AdoptaPet.com Pictures of Star a American Bulldog/Boxer for adoption in Yorkville, IL who needs a loving home.

03/10/2023

For those in the Madison area, the Wisconsin Community Vet Center is holding a clinic tomorrow. Follow them for future clinic hours. No exam fees. Very helpful!

Rentals 03/09/2023

Shout-out to Victoria Murray, a Realtor in Madison who has created a one-stop website for dog and Madison lovers! She even has a really nice list of dog-friendly rental properties

Rentals Property Location Phone Notes Arbor Hills Apartments Madison – West (608) 276-8300 Allows cats & most dogs with the exception of the following breeds: Chow Chows, Dobermans, German Shephe…

Photos from Winnebago County Animal Services's post 01/20/2023

Look at these lovelies. They are available for adoption.

01/06/2023

Speaking of puppies?!?!?!

These Winnebago County cuties are almost 8 weeks!

Photos from Winnebago County Animal Services's post 01/06/2023

Our good friends at Winnebago Co. Animal Services in Rockford, need to get some dogs adopted! There are so many cuties!!!!

11/26/2022

Courtesy post.

Another rescue is requesting help. She’s urgent and needs placement. She’ll likely be a longer term foster. Let us know if you can help or if you have other ideas that could work for her. We would take her into rescue. And Albert's Dog Lounge would keep her with theirs with a committed foster. Please share for Savannah!

Meet Savannah! I'm a southern girl that came here because the folks at Alberts said they have the best adopters around. You see, while I'm only around 4 years old, I was hit by a car which has made me completely incontinent. (I wear diapers in the house) I still get around just fine! I love being active and I really like running the fence line with the horses at my foster home. My most favorite thing is people! I love everyone I meet. My second most favorite thing is being outside. I even sleep outside at night sometimes. We have a dog door here so I just go out there whenever the mood strikes. Doesn't matter the temperature, I'm an outdoorsie gal. I also like taking all the toys outside, as well as shoes. I don't chew on the shoes though, I just like to carry them out there and leave them there. I live with dogs of all sizes as well as cats. Though, I think cats are here to play with me so a dog savvy cat would be best. I'm only 50 pounds, I like riding in the car, and enjoy all the new adventures, so if you are looking for a new buddy to do all the things with, I'm down for anything!

11/22/2022

Please do your research if you are thinking about a Christmas puppy!

↪️Tis the season!🎄 Please research breeds 🐕‍🦺the needs they require, and if you can accommodate them properly! Some may get big! Some need regular grooming, need to have a job, tend to be very protective, do you have allergies? Plan on moving where they might not be allowed? The list goes on...Puppies are cute AND furever! It's a big deal!

Adopt Misha on Petfinder 11/16/2022

Misha, a gorgeous female 1.5 y/o German Shepherd Dog needs our help finding a new home Please share her story! NorthStarWI is assisting her current family in the rehoming process.

Adopt Misha on Petfinder Misha is an adoptable Dog - German Shepherd Dog searching for a forever family near Madison, WI. Use Petfinder to find adoptable pets in your area.

11/10/2022

UPDATE: Home has been found! Thank you everyone for the shares and assistance in finding a place for Bear =)

❤️🐾🏡 Home to Home Adoption 🏡🐾❤️
In an attempt to help keep pets in homes and cages open for animals that truly need us, we offer home to home adoption posts for people looking to rehome their dog or cat. If you think you could provide a good home for this pup, please email Jared at [email protected]

Meet Bear! He is a 4 year old purebred German Shepherd, of the Czech line of Shepherd . Bear is great around adults, kids and other animals. He loves to be petted and long walks. He does stay around the yard and comes when he is called. He is trained in English and German commands! As most shepherds are, he is high energy and does jump up quite a bit. We currently do not have an area for him to run around which is what he needs and we do not have a lot of spare time to take him for those much needed walks. Bear is up to date on all vaccinations but is still unaltered. Please help us find the right home for him so that he can be the best dog he can be!

Thank you in advance for the shares 🙏 let’s find Bear a good home!

Adopt Bruno on Petfinder 11/09/2022

UPDATE: Bruno has been adopted

Bruno, a 3 y/o Labrador is in need of a new family. Can you help us share his story? https://www.petfinder.com/dog/bruno-58805372/wi/madison/northstar-wisconsin-dog-rescue-and-advocacy-wi446/

Adopt Bruno on Petfinder Bruno is an adoptable Dog - Labrador Retriever Mix searching for a forever family near Madison, WI. Use Petfinder to find adoptable pets in your area.

Adopt Brownie on Petfinder 11/09/2022

UPDATE: Brownie has been rehomed!

Brownie, a sweet soul, needs to find a new home. NorthStar is helping the family rehome Can you help share his story?
https://www.petfinder.com/dog/brownie-58798921/wi/madison/northstar-wisconsin-dog-rescue-and-advocacy-wi446/

Adopt Brownie on Petfinder Brownie is an adoptable Dog - Chocolate Labrador Retriever searching for a forever family near Madison, WI. Use Petfinder to find adoptable pets in your area.

07/19/2022

WHS does so much for so many of our furry friends. Please make a donation if you can! https://bit.ly/WHSDonateSupplies

🚨Our Furry Friends Pet Food Pantry shelves are bare and we could really use your help! Would you consider donating a bag of dog food, cat food, or kitty litter?
👉To donate from home, simply visit: https://bit.ly/WHSDonateSupplies
By using the link above, you can instantly donate a bag of food or litter to the pet food bank through our online store without ever leaving your couch. The prices start at just $5 for a bag of kitty litter, $8 per bag of cat food, and $15 for dog food -- there's no shipping fee and we put your donation to use as soon as we receive your order! Of course, donations from any site or store are greatly appreciated and our Amazon Wish List can be found here https://amzn.to/3ng0XFR. We accept all brands, types, and sizes - our only requirement is that the containers are unopened. Thank you so much!

Photos from Michigan Standard Poodle Rescue's post 07/01/2022
4 Best German Shepherd Rescues in Wisconsin! (2022) - We Love Doodles 06/16/2022

4 Best German Shepherd Rescues in Wisconsin! (2022) - We Love Doodles This guide created by our team at We Love Doodles will help you find the best German Shepherd rescues in Wisconsin. Find German Shepherd puppies for sale in Wisconsin today.

Adopt Ruka (Roo) from White Paws German Shepherd Rescue 05/11/2022

UPDATE: Ruka Roo has found a new family! Thanks for all your shares!!!!!!

NorthStar is cross-posting Ruka for her grandma. If you have any questions about Ruka (Roo), please contact White Paws German Shepherd Rescue at [email protected] Let's find this young girl her "fur"ever home. She is currently located in the Madison, WI area.

Adopt Ruka (Roo) from White Paws German Shepherd Rescue White Paws is cross posting Ruka for her grandma. Please contact us and we can put you in touch with her. Let's find this girl a forever home. My name is Ruka – but my friends call me Roo, and y...

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Our Story

We are a small all-breed rescue based in Madison, WI. We have foster homes located throughout the state as well as in northern Illinois. We adopt dogs out to people in this same general area.

We are a 501(c)(3) organization and are licensed by the State of Wisconsin (#287061-DS).

While many of us have deep experience with working breed dogs, We rescue and foster dogs of all shapes, sizes and some with extensive medical needs. You can visit our website - http://www.northstarwi.com to learn more about us.

Videos (show all)

Pete is looking for a foster (to adopt) home!
Help Petey find his new fur-ever home!  Learn more about him at https://www.petfinder.com/dog/petey-44107362/wi/madison/...
Here’s Odie taking care of a bone.  This is a dog safe sofa at the foster mama’s house.....
Foster dog Riley enjoying some play time with his foster bros :) He is available for adoption through NorthStar Wi. Adop...

Address


Madison, WI

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm
Friday 8am - 5pm
Saturday 9am - 2pm
Sunday 10am - 4pm

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