Meet Kate!
Kate is the Community Engagement and Volunteer Coordinator at MADACC. We asked her a few questions so we could better understand her role, the difference MADACC makes in local pets’ lives, and how we can create better advocacy for the animals in our community.
What does MADACC do?
MADACC is first and foremost a public safety organization. We currently rescue and assure safe, temporary shelter, and basic veterinary and humane care for over 13,000 stray, unwanted, abandoned, mistreated, and injured animals each year—more than any other animal control organization in Wisconsin. We also have thriving adoption and foster programs.
What does it take to keep MADACC operational?
Caring for thousands of animals isn’t cheap. MADACC operates 365 days a year, providing food, medical care, vaccinations, microchipping, and clean shelter environments.
The shelter is publicly funded but still faces an operating deficit of over $160,000 in 2025. Donations and community support are critical to keeping services running.
MADACC isn’t just a shelter — we are also a resource hub for pet owners across Milwaukee County. We offer low cost spay/neuter services when available through Friends of MADACC.
How can people get involved with MADACC and become bigger advocates for animals in our local shelters?
There are so many ways people can get involved with MADACC and help make a real difference for animals in our community. Volunteering, donating supplies or money, sharing adoptable animals on social media, fostering, or just talking to friends and family about spay/neuter, responsible pet ownership, and adoption—it all adds up.
And honestly, just showing up with compassion and an open mind makes you an advocate. Every little action helps build a better future for these animals.
What are your hopes for the future of Milwaukee in general, and in terms of animal welfare?
I just want to see Milwaukee keep growing into a kinder, more connected city—where people look out for each other, and that includes the animals.
When it comes to the shelter and animal welfare, I hope we see fewer backyard breeders, more pets getting spayed, neutered, and microchipped, and stronger laws around animal abuse.
I’d love to see more animals getting reclaimed by their families, and more support systems in place so pets can stay in the homes they already know and with the people who love them.
Honestly, my dream is to be out of a job one day because shelters just aren’t needed anymore. I’d happily retire early if it meant every animal was safe, loved, and exactly where they belong.
Learn more about MADACC and view adoptable animals here!