If you live in the 53713 zip code or Allied Drive neighborhood and are looking for pet food or medical treatment for your animal, Pets for Life is here to support and serve you! We provide free pet food and supplies delivered to your door. Contact us at (608) 513-4262 (call or text) today!!

What is Pets for Life?

We believe everyone should get to enjoy the love of a pet, regardless of income or other difficulties. Through door-to-door outreach, our team connects with people to provide support and create long-lasting relationships. PFL meets community members where they are, rather than waiting for them find us.

PFL can offer:

• free vet wellness care
• spay and neuter surgeries
• flea and tick treatment
• pet supplies
• information

DCHS’s PFL program currently works in the 53713 zip code and Allied Drive neighborhood. We know that families in these areas work hard to support their pets, but they often face extra challenges. With 27% of its residents living below the poverty line and a lack of pet stores and veterinary clinics, these areas are considered “resource deserts.” This makes it even more difficult for pet owners to find the care their animals need.

The PFL program's goal is to keep pets healthy and happy in their loving homes by supporting people in our community.

Contact PFL

To reach Gwen, please call or text (608) 513-4262 or call (608) 838-0413 ext. 226.

Make a gift below to provide pet services and resources to our community!

Want to help support our Pets for Life program? Host your own fundraiser! Use the button below to set up your fundraiser and get a personalized link to share.

Gwen Callahan, Pets for Life Outreach Coordinator

• Call or text: (608) 513-4262
• Email: glincoln@giveshelter.org

Gwen grew up just north of Madison, in Lodi, and has continued to live in the area post-graduation to stay close to family. Gwen started working at Dane County Humane Society in August of 2021 on the Canine Behavior Team and joined Pets for Life in December 2023. Gwen is a Certified Dog Trainer through Animal Behavior College and is an IAABC-Shelter Behavior Affiliate. She has assisted in teaching local dog training classes and worked at Mounds, where she loved finding unique ways to help every pet and owner work together as a team.

As her love for shelter work has grown, Gwen has learned the importance of DCHS's motto "Helping People Help Animals". She saw the joy that pets experience being reunited with their owners and how special the love is that the people have for their pets. Gwen believes that nobody should be unable to have or keep a pet, simply due to a lack of resources or where they live.

Gwen has two cats and two dogs of her own: Bentley, Charlie, Ellie, and Otis. She has also fostered 32 dogs and counting through DCHS, including 2 moms with their litters of puppies. In her non-dog-related free time, Gwen enjoys digital art, photography, reading, movies, and attending soccer games.

Janeen Ihm-Villalpando, Pets for Life Outreach Assistant

• Call or text: (608) 219-4074
• Email: jihmvillalpando@giveshelter.org

Janeen has lived in Madison for over 30 years and has spent much of that time helping people with their pets. She has always had a deep connection with animals and has cared for a wide variety over the years, including dogs, cats, and birds. Janeen currently has an Akita named Alfred, a Basset Hound named Bruno, a Senegal named Sunny, an Umbrella Cockatoo named Scooter, a Cockatiel named Baby, and two Budgies named Frankie and Fluffy.

Her journey with Dane County Humane Society began after she adopted from the shelter. Initially, she was unsure about volunteering because she worried it would be too hard to not take every animal home. But over time, she came to understand how important the role of volunteers is in the lives of shelter animals. She also realized that her help made a real difference in giving animals a better chance at finding their forever homes, and the impact that animals made on their owners. 

In addition to volunteering at DCHS, Janeen has worked in a vet clinic, assisted with dog training classes, and provided pet-sitting services. She enjoys helping people and their pets, and she looks forward to continuing to make a positive impact in the lives of both animals and their owners.

Kelly Craven, Pets for Life Outreach Assistant

• Call or text: (608) 219-4074
• Email: kcraven@giveshelter.org

Kelly was born and raised in Madison and is passionate about having a positive impact on the community she calls home. After attending St Olaf College in Minnesota and moving back home, Kelly started working at DCHS in 2025, excited to help people and their pets stay together.

Outside of work, Kelly loves to read, run, craft, and play with her dog, Smokey.

If you have questions about the free Pets for Life Program, you can call or text Kelly at (608) 219-4074.