About Us
Board Members
Dr. Kerry Brown, President
Julie Koelsch
Rachel Elder
Debra Norwalk, Secretary
Cynthia Julian
Staff Members
Danielle – Office Manager & Animal Care
Tia – Animal Care Manager & Trainer
Lainie – Adoptions Coordinator
Butch – Foster Coordinator
Deb – Volunteer Coordinator
Kathi – Reception
Animal Care Team
Kathy, Jasmine, Melissa, Jason, Heather, Ashleigh, Stephanie, Krista & Danielle
Frequently Asked Questions
Please visit our hours and location page for more information!
Yes, there is an adoption fee and an application process for all adoptions. Please visit our adoption page for adoption fees, application, and what is included.
If you have lost your cat or dog please contact our organization at 315-697-2796 or wrhareception and leave a lost report. Also be sure to contact your local animal control officer and local veterinary hospitals.
If you have found a dog please contact your local animal control officer. Wanderers’ Rest Humane Association is not able to accept stray dogs from members of the public. If you have picked up a stray cat please contact our office at 315-697-2796 and a WRHA staff member will assist you.
Wanderers’ Rest Humane Association is able to assist Madison County residents. Our surrender page provides information on the process. Please call our office at 315-697-2796 to set up an appointment or get more information on the process.
Please contact Mason at masonnn82093@yahoo.com for more information of volunteering. You may also visit the volunteer section of our website for an application.
No, we are not able to provide these services to the public. Please contact your local veterinary hospitals for information on these services.
Yes, we are able to assist low income individuals and families spay or neuter their pets. Please contact Carlee at wrhaoffice@gmail.com or visit our Spay/Neuter assistance page for more information.
Wanderers’ Rest Humane Association is an open admission compassionate care shelter dedicated to providing the highest quality care and compassion for the animals entrusted to us while leading our community in creating a more humane society.
Wanderers’ Rest Humane Association abides by the Madison County Corporate Compliance.
Our Mission and Purpose
WRHA is a Compassionate Care facility.
WRHA is the sole open admissions dog and cat shelter in Madison County which is dedicated to providing the highest quality care and compassion for the animals entrusted to us, striving to enhance adoptability, and re-homing adoptable animals at the highest rate possible, while educating and leading our community in creating a more humane society.
Wanderers’ Rest Humane Association is an open-admission shelter in Canastota, New York, that serves more than 1,000 cats and dogs each year. Wanderers’ Rest accepts unwanted or stray dogs and cats from Madison County, but is open to all Central New Yorkers who wish to adopt a dog or cat. Through its public education programs, the shelter promotes responsible pet ownership and humane treatment of animals everywhere. Wanderers’ Rest is a non-profit, 501c3 organization that welcomes contributions and volunteers.
***Please note that we can not accept any animal that is in need of medical care, is aggressive or shows aggressive tendencies towards animals or people. Acceptance is also based on our available space and an appointment MUST be set for surrender.
We DO NOT have a vet on staff/premises
General Information