Tucked away on Broadway Street in the heart of Green Bay, Wisconsin, Safe Haven Pet Sanctuary doesn’t look like your typical animal rescue. It is filled with couches instead of cages. But what truly makes it unique is its mission to save animals others may have given up on with a stated mission to provide love, dignity, and compassion.
Founded in 2016 by Elizabeth Feldhausen, Safe Haven was born out of a personal experience with her cat, who suffered a stroke. When veterinarians suggested euthanasia, Elizabeth refused to give up. Instead, she dove into research, found rehabilitative therapies, and slowly helped her cat recover. That moment was life-changing for her. Elizabeth came to believe in a need for a place that did not see special-needs animals as burdens but as beings worthy of a chance.
What started in Feldhausen’s own home grew into a small sanctuary in De Pere and later into their current space on Broadway. In 2021, Safe Haven expanded again, and became a larger nonprofit sanctuary.
Joe Becker, a longtime volunteer and advocate at the sanctuary, shared his experience behind Safe Haven’s work.
“Our mission is to provide a sanctuary and find ‘forever homes’ for at-risk cats,” Becker explained. “Many have health issues or disabilities, but not all. We’ve been getting a lot of ‘euthanization transfers’ lately. If Safe Haven can take them, transport will be arranged. And we do everything we can to give them a shot at life.”
Safe Haven specializes in a unique method of animal care, declared by its officials to specialize in empathy.
“We’re (mostly) cage-free and open to the public,” Becker said. “People don’t need to be interested in adoption. They can just come in, hang out with the cats, decompress, and cuddle up on a couch. It’s a safe space not just for the cats but for the people who visit.” Cats roam the two building areas and are everywhere. Cats can be found throughout the space, often resisting or engaging in playful behavior.
Although the area appears well-maintained and the cats are in good condition, significant work takes place behind the scenes. The sanctuary is home to cats with a range of medical needs, from diabetic cats who receive daily insulin to incontinent ones requiring hygienic care or physical help expressing their bladders. The staff and volunteers are what makes Safe Haven able to run.
But it’s not all work. Safe Haven regularly hosts events in the aim to bring joy to animals and people. One of the most popular events is “yoga with kitties.” This is one of the many ways they get donations and money. Because it is a nonprofit organization, it relies solely on the community and people who visit for donations. “While supplies like food, litter, and cleaning items are appreciated, monetary donations are critical for covering rent, medical bills, and utilities.” Supplies can be donated through Safe Haven’s Chewy, Amazon, or Walmart wishlists—linked on the website and socials. Items are shipped directly to Safe Haven, and delivery drivers have expressed enjoyment in visiting the cats.
One of the stories Becker says is his most memorable was about a dog named Penny. “About a year ago, we took in a ‘euthanization transport’ of four cats and three dogs from an overcrowded shelter. When the animals arrived, we quickly realized there were seven cats instead of four; the shelter had quietly added a few extras in hopes of saving them. Thankfully, all were healthy, integrated well, and were later adopted. But the dogs were labeled as aggressive when they were just terrified. Trying to earn Penny’s trust through treats and soft pets, they slowly saw a faint pink spot on Penny’s fur. It was then they noticed someone had kissed her goodbye, knowing she was going to be saved,” Becker said. “This is one of the small reasons he’s a part of Safe Haven.”
Safe Haven is located at 151 N. Broadway, Green Bay, Wisconsin 54303.