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 4,500 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 our adoption fees to the Houston rescues so they can help save more dogs. As of April 2025, over $1,000,000 has been given to the Houston rescues. Paddy’s Paws relies solely on the dedication of fabulous volunteers and the generous support of their followers.
There are currently 20 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!
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!
WI Department of Ag License: 527862