Walworth County Humane Society was accepted by the state of Wisconsin as a non-profit, tax exempt organization in November of 1978. In 1985 the name was changed to Lakeland Animal Welfare Society (LAWS).

Lakeland Animal Shelter is owned and operated by Lakeland Animal Welfare Society. It is centrally located three miles south of Elkhorn, WI. on highway 67, and it is the only animal shelter in Walworth County. Its doors are open to the public six days a week except on legal holidays. The shelter is staffed by dedicated and trained employees. Volunteers also play a crucial role in meeting many of the shelter's special care needs.

A board of directors, elected by LAWS members, establishes the policies of the Society and the operation guidelines for Lakeland Animal Shelter.

At LAWS it is our goal to prevent cruel treatment to animals. We feel it is our job to educate the public on the needs of pets, to help enforce laws pertaining to animal welfare and to humanely end the suffering of any animal for which a proper home cannot be found.