The 19-acre site will provide space for outdoor activity areas for people and their pets as well as outdoor exercise areas for the shelter's animals. The natural area will also be ideal for wildlife rehabilitation. The mission of the CRHS is to serve the people of the La Crosse area in its efforts to promote the humane treatment of animals. By sheltering animals, preventing animal cruelty and neglect, and educating the community, the CRHS actively promotes the positive human-animal relationship and recognizes the interdependence between people, animals and the environment. The CRHS is a charitable non-profit organization that is not supported in any way by city, county or federal tax dollars.
Funding comes entirely from donations, fundraisers and memorial endowments.
The CRHS does not receive any funding from the national humane society or from any county, city or charitable entity, such as the United Way. According to Davis, people sometimes confuse the Humane Society with Animal Control, which is supported in part by tax dollars. Animal Control works with the cities of La Crosse and Onalaska as well as La Crosse County to enforce ordinances pertaining to responsible pet ownership. After a seven-day waiting period, the Humane Society accepts and places for adoption animals that are unwanted and absorbs the cost of caring for these animals. Subcommittees will target professionals, community, civic and service organizations, youth groups and business leaders.