About Paddy's Paws





Paddy’s Paws believes in “Rescue Done Right!”  Since beginning in late 2014, and officially becoming a nonprofit in November of 2015, Paddy’s Paws has helped over 3,850 dogs find forever homes. The main mission of Paddy's Paws is to find good homes, for good dogs, with good people.  Many of the dogs helped are from Houston, Texas. Why Houston? The Wisconsin-Texas connection stems from a friendship that Paddy’s Paws’ founder, Erin, had with the founder of the Houston-based rescue, Lola’s Lucky Day. After taking a trip to Houston, Erin witnessed firsthand the huge homeless pet population in Houston where many dogs were getting euthanized in shelters due to lack of space. Erin created Paddy’s Paws so that dogs who would normally have no chance, could have their second chance at life. Thanks to a solid foster program and dedicated volunteers, Paddy’s Paws expanded its rescue connections and currently works with licensed Houston rescues. In addition to helping homeless dogs from Houston, it also assists with local owner surrenders in Wisconsin.    



There are many reasons why Paddy’s Paws is unique.  Paddy’s Paws provides animal education to local youth and creates countless community outreach opportunities. In addition to hosting fundraisers for dogs in need, Paddy’s Paws sends all adoption fees to the Houston rescues so they can help save more dogs.  As of April 2022, over $875,000 has been given to the Houston rescues. Paddy’s Paws relies solely on the dedication of fabulous fosters and volunteers and the generous support of their followers.

There are currently 30 active foster homes and five additional volunteers who help with home visits. Plus, Erin, Cindy, and Kari help with all the behind the scenes work that make the rescue run smoothly. Paddy’s Paws uses its expert match-making skills and thorough approval process to ensure each dog goes to a home that is the best fit. Paddy’s Paws is more than just a rescue...Paddy’s Paws is a family. Always available to support adopters throughout the entire process, Paddy’s Paws takes delight in following the special journey of every dog who comes through the organization.  Thank you for helping Paddy’s Paws change a life...one dog at a time.






More About the Adoption Process


Our adoption process works a bit different than other shelters and rescues! Paddy's Paws serves as a coordinator for Houston rescues. We send out the applications, arrange home visits and secure back up fosters for each of the dogs that will be transported here. Like most foster-based organizations, we do not have a shelter to visit and set up all appointments on an individual basis. Prior to any meet and greets, we require an approved application so we will need to go through all the steps before having you meet any of the available dogs here in Wisconsin. Most of our foster home are in the Fort Atkinson area, but we have a few fosters near Janesville and Madison. Our transports arrive at a private residence near Fort Atkinson and Jefferson, Wisconsin. 

The application, reference checks, and home visit are considered part of the general approval process and we cannot guarantee that a specific dog will still be available when you complete the process, but doing so will get you access to our "match making" service where you will have bios and pictures of multiple dogs that may be exactly what you're looking for! And, of course, there's always the possibility that the dog that sparked your initial interest will still be available!


Begin your application process by filling out an adoption application!


We start with the completed application and then check references/vet records. The next step is a home visit with family and one of our representatives. Once we have gathered all this information, we provide it to the Houston team. Then, we can set up a meet and greet with available dogs.

Essentially, Paddy's Paws provides the volunteer manpower and the rescues, well, do the rescue! Adoptions are approved by the team and transportation is arranged!

Can't adopt, but want to get involved? We will share opportunities to participate in fundraisers, volunteer, and raise awareness for homeless animals!




Fun Statistics About Paddy's Paws

🐾 3,551 dogs adopted as of May 8, 2022
🐾 $887,775 in adoption fees sent back to help Houston rescues as of May 8, 2022
🐾 35 active volunteers
🐾 35,329 followers on Facebook
🐾 2 pounds was the weight of smallest rehomed dog
🐾 125 pounds was the weight of the largest rehomed dog
🐾 178 repeat adopters
🐾 1,142 miles for a one-way trip from Houston, Texas, to Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin
🐾 17 hours and 39 minutes to drive from Houston, Texas, to Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin
🐾 2 transports a month arrive in Wisconsin with dogs for Paddy's Paws
🐾 1 adopter is all that is needed to change the life of a homeless dog

A few testimonials from Google Review:

"I had the best experience ever though Paddy's Paws! It took a little time to get a virtual visit scheduled, but it's understandable as I'm out of their immediate area, and I know they're so busy right now. I was approved very quickly after that, and received immediate responses when I requested information about a dog on the website. Everyone was so nice and answered all of my questions, and it was so easy to meet and pick him up. He also already knew some basic commands and had been crate trained. I would highly recommend this rescue for all of those reasons and more. Thanks Paddy's!"
- Tiffany Kneeland, April 2021

"My experience with Paddy's Paws was excellent. They want to set up the right dog with the right people/environment so the process is very detailed which is great. You know you're getting a dog that will fit with your lifestyle and one that will be happy in your home. They were very responsive and honest- high integrity and ethics in this organization. Our dog is perfect and there were no surprises with her behavior. We knew exactly what we were getting."
- Maeve Maguire, April 2020

"Amazing team that helps you find the perfect new furry friend!"
- Jennifer Slak, August 2020

"This rescue is wonderful! Everyone is so caring and thorough to make sure they place the deserving dogs in the right homes. Highly recommended."
- Molly Johnson, April 2020

"Excellent service, from start to finish! We were sooooo impressed with our adoption, from the application and home visit through meeting the foster parents and bringing our new pup home, that we wanted to learn more about Paddy's Paws. They are all-volunteer and send all the adoption money back to the initial rescues in Houston, TX. When they're ready, a variety of pups come to WI on transports about twice a month, and are lovingly tended and carefully matched with their new families. You'll receive your dog's medical data (professionally up-to-date), and so much expert information to prepare you to manage your new pup's transition...and Paddy's Paws will always be available for you, to answer questions and help you with ANYTHING canine-related! This is really the most impressive rescue organization we've encountered. (And we should know: we've adopted three more 4-legged family members from Paddy's Paws over the past few years!) They are entirely heart-centered and focused on finding the best homes for their dogs!"
- Kitty OM, May 2020

"We just adopted a dog from Paddy’s Paws and it was a great experience!! All the dogs are fostered in homes so you really get to know their personality before committing and all the staff were super helpful with finding the right fit for my family. They are serious about making sure each dog goes to a good home with home checks and detailed adoption applications."
- Erin Kennon, June 2020

"Paddy’s Paws is fabulous, from start to finish!! Love their mission and what they do!! Am constantly telling friends that are looking for a pup to adopt to check them out!!"
- Barbara Schwefel, June 2020