Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is the Humane Society of Wickenburg operational?
A: Yes, we are! You may view adoptable animals Tuesday - Saturday, 10am - 4pm.

Q: Will the Humane Society of Wickenburg be a "no-kill shelter" when it reopens?
A: Simply, no. All animals are evaluated for medical and temperament problems. Some animals arrive too sick, too severely injured or too horribly abused to be medically rehabilitated. They are humanely euthanized to prevent suffering. Animals with severe behavioral and/or temperament problems that constitute a safety risk to people or other animals may be euthanized after evaluation.

Q: I can not keep my pet. Can I bring it to the shelter for adoption by another family?
A: We always recommend that you surrender your pet to a shelter only as your last option. Notify friends, family members, neighbors and coworkers that you need to find a new home for your pet. This type of networking can have positive results. If you must surrender your pet to a shelter, there will be paperwork to complete and a donation to help cover the costs of providing care for the animal. You will be asked important questions about why you must relinquish your animal as well as information about the pet and its behavioral and medical history. Once the animal is surrendered, it becomes the legal property of the shelter and no information will be released to you regarding the status of the animal. Animal surrenders are by appointment only. The shelter operates off a waiting list.

Q: Will the Humane Society of Wickenburg offer euthanasia services?
A: No. Contact a local veterinarian at either Bar S Animal Clinic (928) 684-7846 or Wickenburg Veterinary Clinic (928) 684-7866.


Q: My pet died. Can the HSW dispose of it?
A: No. Again, contact a local veterinarian for this service.

Q: Does my pet need a license?
A: Yes. All dogs older than three months must be licensed by Maricopa County Animal Care and Control. Cat licenses are not mandatory, but may be purchased as well. The shelter will not issue any type of dog or cat licenses. For more information, call the Town of Wickenburg Animal Control at (928) 684-5411, Maricopa County Animal Control at (602) 506-PETS or Yavapai County Animal Control at (928) 639-8100.

Q: My neighbor’s dog barks constantly. What can I do about this problem?
A: Contact your local police or the sheriff’s department to handle barking dog complaints because they may be a violation of the noise nuisance ordinance.

Q: There are stray or feral cats in my neighborhood. Will the HSW remove them?
A: No. We do not trap stray cats. You may contact an organization that promotes TNR (Trap, Neuter, Return) such as AzCats at (480) 968-4TNR. We will not accept feral cats at the shelter. We are an adoption agency and feral cats cannot be adopted or handled safely.

Q: May I adopt an animal as a gift for someone else?
A: We may approve it on a case-by-case basis. It is strongly recommended that people pick their own animals to adopt. Adoption is a personal decision and all potential adopters are carefully screened to ensure that the pet and adopter are a good match. If you are considering adopting a pet as a gift, we recommend that you purchase a HSW Gift Certificate.

Q: Is the HSW part of another humane society?
A: No. We are a private, nonprofit animal welfare organization funded entirely by grants and donations and receive no other financial assistance.