Green Bay Cites Pet Sanctuary for Unauthorized Homeless Shelter

City says Safe Haven Pet Sanctuary must stop overnight stays immediately

Published on Feb. 6, 2026

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The city of Green Bay has issued a notice of violation against Safe Haven Pet Sanctuary, a downtown pet shelter, for operating as an unauthorized emergency homeless shelter. The shelter had opened its doors overnight in January to provide a warm place to stay during extreme cold, but the city says homeless shelters must comply with occupancy, zoning, safety and public health regulations.

Why it matters

This case highlights the challenges faced by organizations trying to help the homeless population, as they must navigate a complex web of regulations to operate emergency shelters, even on a temporary basis. It also raises questions about the role of private businesses in addressing homelessness when traditional shelters are at capacity.

The details

The city's complaint, posted on a website, acknowledged that Safe Haven was trying to help those in need but stated that the business must make changes and discontinue overnight stays on Friday. Elizabeth Feldhausen, the executive director of Safe Haven, issued a statement on Facebook saying they had simply seen people freezing outside and let them come in, but that they will no longer be able to support the community in this way. Feldhausen also stated that she will be meeting with the Mayor on Tuesday to discuss the situation.

  • In January, Safe Haven Pet Sanctuary opened its doors overnight to provide shelter during extreme cold.
  • On February 6, 2026, the city of Green Bay issued a notice of violation against Safe Haven Pet Sanctuary.
  • On February 10, 2026, Elizabeth Feldhausen will be meeting with the Mayor to discuss the situation.

The players

Safe Haven Pet Sanctuary

A downtown pet shelter in Green Bay, Wisconsin that opened its doors overnight in January to provide shelter for people during extreme cold.

Elizabeth Feldhausen

The executive director of Safe Haven Pet Sanctuary.

Green Bay

The city that issued a notice of violation against Safe Haven Pet Sanctuary for operating an unauthorized homeless shelter.

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What they’re saying

“Will this always be a Safe Haven thing? No, we simply saw people freezing outside and had them come in. But we are happy to support our community right now, with the resources we are so lucky to have.”

— Elizabeth Feldhausen, Executive Director, Safe Haven Pet Sanctuary (Facebook)

What’s next

Elizabeth Feldhausen will be meeting with the Mayor of Green Bay on Tuesday, February 10, 2026 to discuss the situation.

The takeaway

This case highlights the challenges faced by organizations trying to help the homeless population, as they must navigate a complex web of regulations to operate emergency shelters, even on a temporary basis. It also raises questions about the role of private businesses in addressing homelessness when traditional shelters are at capacity.