Small Animal Advocates

About Us

SAA has no funding except what our readers and members donate and the proceeds from our fund raisers. See #5 below under Goals for more complete description.

Small Animal Advocates
1124 US Hwy 51-138
Stoughton, WI 53589
608 873-9851

History in a Nutshell

SAA president Kathy Thode and Treasurer George Thode.

In October of 1984, a newspaper article in the local Stoughton paper alerted Kathy Thode to the issue of animal control officers given permission to 'kill' unlicensed dogs or cats if unable to capture. Kathy started her campaign to find a better way, and to focus on keeping strays and unwanted pets contained through low-cost spay/neuter clinics. She visited local Vets and it was suggested forming a club and educating the public. Next, Kathy placed an article in the local paper asking for interested people to meet, and the first meeting was held on November 26, 1984 with 4 women attending. By the next meeting of February 4, 1985, eleven were present along with a guest speaker.

On March 20, 1985, the first Rabies Clinic was held with over 100 innoculations given. In May of that year was the first yard and bake sale, earning over $300. In July at the Stoughton Fair, the first two free spay/neuter certificates were given. SAA complained to the local Fair Board in 1988 on the practice of giving away kittens, bunnies and ducklings. Though there was no response, the practice was stopped. In 1989, SAA started presenting a 'kindness to animals' talk to the local Head Start.

Our Mission

Reasons Why We Exist:

1. To promote responsible pet ownership.
2. To speak for those who cannot: The small animal population of the Stoughton, Wisconsin area.
3. To encourage the spaying and neutering of pets in the Stoughton area.
4. To assist those who qualify with the cost of spaying/neutering their pet(s).
5. To stop small animal abandonment and cruelty.

Our Goals:

1. To educate the public on responsible pet ownership.
2. To become financially able (through donations and fund raisers) to help those who qualify with the cost of spaying or neutering their pets.
3. To eliminate the local stray problem.
4. To increase our membership (no dues).
5. To encourage people to list SAA as their charity of choice at the local Pick 'N Save store. Our # is 717000. In addition, to encourage people to designate SAA in the KWIK TRIP Rewards Program. Also, we are now a part of the "Support Oregon" program at Bill's Food Market in Oregon.

Our Projects

1. Release information to public to promote responsible pet ownership.
2. Offer spaying and neutering certificates to those in need.
3. Encourage pet owners (through handouts, ads, letters to the editor, etc.) to have their animals spayed or neutered.
4. Educate against abondonment and cruelty
5. Write letters to officials and sign petitions to enforce anticruelty practices.
6. Offer a live trap to catch stray or injured animals. We charge a small daily fee and deposit. (The deposit is returned to you.)
7. Present an animal care program to Head Start or anyone interested.
8. Give hints as to how one can find homes for animals when needed.
9. Encourage people to report abuse and step in for animal's safey.
10. Sponsor a low-cost rabies clinic in the spring.
11. Give hints (and encouragement) to those searching for lost pets.
12. Warn against free puppy and kitten offers.
13. Offer free booklets on many subjects at rabies' clinics and garage sales.
14. Supply the city food pantry with cat and dog food.
15. Sponsor public service programs on Cable TV.
16. Work hand-in-hand with local veterinary clinics to help needy pet owners.
17. Offer materials containing solutions to pet problems.
18. Supply pets home alone wallet cards.
19. Offer a short (edited) home video on the birth of kittens. (No charge.) Use this as a teaching tool after you spay your pet.