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The Best Missouri Dog Rescues & Shelters in 2024

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David Adams

June 25, 2024

Dog Rescues & Shelters

This list showcases the top dog rescues & shelters in Missouri. These remarkable organizations have been recognized for their unwavering dedication to the well-being of countless dogs. We've compiled this list by gathering heartfelt testimonials from both the Sniffspot community and the wider public, ensuring a comprehensive perspective on these exceptional shelters.

    Stray Rescue of St. Louis
    https://data.sniffspot.com/full-fit-in/768x512/Photos/SeoDogRescue/659/2dcfe1459502-stray_rescue_logo.jpg
    2320 Pine StreetSt. Louis, MO 63103
    st. louisMissouriUS
    Stray Rescue provides foster care and rescue services for so many stray dogs that are found on the streets of STL. They offer wonderful training classes (my dog is reactive, and they understood!) and puppy play dates twice a week which is oh so helpful for new puppy parents. I am thankful to have them in my city, as they work tirelessly and advocate for those animals who cannot themselves.
  • Stray Rescue of St. Louis Logo

    Stray Rescue of St. Louis

    #218 in United States, #1 in Missouri

    St. Louis

    What sets Stray Rescue of St. Louis apart in the animal welfare community near and far? We seek out and take in those who no other organization will help or would simply euthanize because they are too expensive to heal. We take the abandoned, beaten, bred, fought, injured, terrified, defeated and betrayed. We see beyond their brokenness and are here to pick up the pieces to make these special animals whole again. We see the individual and know that there's no one size fits all treatment plan. The minute they enter our doors, we look in their eyes and promise them ALL the second chance they deserve for health, home, commitment and love. Because these animals come in with a story that would give us all nightmares, it takes them longer to open up, trust and believe in humankind again. But with patience and time always on their unique schedule we see the light shine in their eyes again. Animals have an amazing ability to forgive which never ceases to amaze us.

    "Stray Rescue provides foster care and rescue services for so many stray dogs that are found on the streets of..."

    sarah c.

    Fan

    "I volunteered at Stray Rescue when I lived in St. Louis for a year. Every day, I was there volunteering..."

    kathleen b.

    Volunteer / foster, Supporter, Fan


  • Unchained Melodies Dog Rescue
    https://data.sniffspot.com/full-fit-in/768x512/Photos/SeoDogRescue/658/9f8dd4c6f6e7-Horiontal_Logo.jpg
    4107 White Tiger Lane, Columbia, MO 65203
    st. louisMissouriUS
    This organization started as a grass roots organization bringing awareness to the chained backyard dog. It has since educated the public of the many detriments of chaining a dog and has spread the word and now people do not just pass by saying ‘poor dog’ they know there is support and help for this dog. UMDR is solely responsible for this awareness and is proud to know that many other organizations have brought this rescue effort into it’s fold. They continue to move forward with many programs and outreach for their community and beyond.
  • Unchained Melodies Dog Rescue Logo

    Unchained Melodies Dog Rescue

    #235 in United States, #2 in Missouri

    St. Louis

    Unchained Melodies rescues, rehabilitates and rehomes chained, penned, and abused dogs that have no voice. We fight for stronger laws and have many programs that benefit our community.

    "This organization started as a grass roots organization bringing awareness to the chained backyard dog. It has since educated the..."

    melody w.

    Staff member

    "While I adopted Lynyrd through another rescue in town, Unchained Melodies Dog Rescue is really who helped me become a..."

    linda g.

    Supporter, Fan


  • KC Pet Project
    https://data.sniffspot.com/full-fit-in/768x512/Photos/SeoDogRescue/669/792b6fe8b58d-kcpet_project.png
    7077 Elmwood Ave.Kansas City, MO 64132
    kansas cityMissouriUS
    We’ve adopted a dog and a cat from KCPP. They are a great rescue and do a lot of awesome community involvement.
  • KC Pet Project Logo

    KC Pet Project

    #361 in United States, #3 in Missouri

    Kansas City

    KC Pet Project is a 501c3, nonprofit charitable organization operating the KC Campus for Animal Care, Kansas City, Missouri's, Animal Shelter. We care for more than 15,000 animals a year and now have 14 locations in Missouri and Kansas to adopt out pets. We focus on progressive programs to help people keep their pets through Lost and Found services, our Keep Em Together, KC program, and pet safety initiatives like microchipping, pet identification, and more.

    "We’ve adopted a dog and a cat from KCPP. They are a great rescue and do a lot of awesome..."

    sophia r.

    Adoptee


  • Center for Animal Rescue & Enrichment of St. Louis - CARE STL
    https://data.sniffspot.com/full-fit-in/768x512/Photos/SeoDogRescue/660/949604ace70e-Border_Logo_with_roof_no_tag_JPG.jpg
    2700 Walnut Place, St. Louis, MO 63103
    st. louisMissouriUS
    My husband and I adopted our 2 pups from CARE STL in 2018. I'd been volunteering at CARE STL for awhile. We still had our little old man toy poodle and knew it was time to grow our pack again. I'm type A and went in with a list of my top 5 dogs at the shelter - dogs that I'd walked or played with at CARE. We met with a staff member who also knew me. And after talking for a bit, we met our first dog, Sawyer (shelter name: Saunter). I fell in love immediately. He was shut down and as with many of our friends in the shelter, was giving into shelter stress. He was a relatively knew intake, so he wasn't on my list lol. He is spunky and sweet. He's my early morning jogging buddy and my sous chef every morning for breakfast. He also LOVES water. A month later, we decided that we wanted to foster a dog. I had had my eye on a dog named Beefcake earlier (he was on my original top 5 list), but had been adopted so when we adopted Sawyer, Beefcake wasn't at the shelter. Well, he was returned to CARE a few days after being adopted. He was attacked by the resident dog, and the humans had given up on him and returned him back to the shelter. But, one man's trash is another man's treasure. And a treasure he is. Now his name is Bulleit (like the bourbon, yall!) - but usually answers to Boolinz. This dude doesn't do anything half ass, whether it's stealing the spatula off the kitchen counter and prancing around the backyard with it, running full speed zoomies, rocking a game of tuggies, or loving his humans (he's always the first to snuggle us and stay by our side when either of us is sick or sad), this dog and his brother are my whole heart. CARE STL encompasses a lot of good people who volunteer their time and money, staff that works tirelessly, and a fearless leader in Weng Horak, who care deeply and endlessly about the dogs in their care. They see the best and worst of humanity in our city, in the lives of the neglected animals. And to take a municipal shelter and turn it into a no-kill environment has taken (and still takes daily) a herculean effort of a group of people who are for the animals through and through. I know there are a lot of deserving rescues, but if it wasn't for CARE, we wouldn't have the absolute joy of having Sawyer & Bulleit in our lives. Sniffspots has also been a godsend for us, and its origin story all the more sweeter because both of our boys are dog-aggressive (towards other dogs, not each other!), and human/stranger-aggressive. There are thousands of rescue dog owners like us who can't do the traditional things with their dogs and are incredibly thankful for the people in our community who open up their yards to us via Sniffspots.
  • Center for Animal Rescue & Enrichment of St. Louis - CARE STL Logo

    Center for Animal Rescue & Enrichment of St. Louis - CARE STL

    #361 in United States, #3 in Missouri

    St. Louis

    We accept the homeless, abused, neglected, injured, and surrendered animals of the City of St. Louis into our care so they will be safe and loved until they can be adopted into loving homes.

    "My husband and I adopted our 2 pups from CARE STL in 2018. I'd been volunteering at CARE STL for..."

    kavitha m.

    Adoptee


  • Missouri German Shepherd Rescue
    https://data.sniffspot.com/full-fit-in/768x512/Photos/SeoDogRescue/662/b22c53f358b4-s2152logo20221104084256.jpg
    kansas cityMissouriUS
    German ShepherdGerman Shepherd
    MOGS is an amazing rescue organization who always steps in to help out the most neglected, abused and unwanted German Shepherds, get them the vetting, training and love they need to be ready for their new lives. Adopting MOGS Aiden was one of the best decisions we’ve made in our adult lives!! He went through months of obedience training with MOGS foster before he came to us and he’s the most perfect boy!
  • Missouri German Shepherd Rescue Logo

    Missouri German Shepherd Rescue

    #361 in United States, #3 in Missouri

    German Shepherd

    Kansas City

    MOGS has several long-timers in our system that would really love to find either an Adoption or Foster Home. All of these amazing GSD's arrived at MOGS with some rough edges, but have worked really hard and are ready to take the next steps in the rehab process - landing in their forever home!

    "MOGS is an amazing rescue organization who always steps in to help out the most neglected, abused and unwanted German..."

    heather b.

    Adoptee


  • Furry Kids Refuge
    https://data.sniffspot.com/full-fit-in/768x512/Photos/SeoDogRescue/665/4e9da8f721fe-FKR_Logo.jpg
    kansas cityMissouriUS
    They do an amazing job fostering animals until the right owner comes along! Got my best baby ever after searching for over a year.
  • Furry Kids Refuge Logo

    Furry Kids Refuge

    #361 in United States, #3 in Missouri

    Kansas City

    We are a no-kill, all volunteer animal rescue organization which started in the year 2003 by founder Carla Wing. Furry Kids Refuge was established to benefit the public at large by supporting local animal control agencies in their efforts to reduce the number of homeless companion animals. In June 2005, Furry Kids Refuge was established as a Missouri Not-for-Profit Corporation and a Federal 501(c) (3) charitable organization animal rescue that operates with a network of foster homes, a small facility and many dedicated volunteers.

    "They do an amazing job fostering animals until the right owner comes along! Got my best baby ever after searching..."

    rachel w.

    Adoptee


  • Rescue One
    https://data.sniffspot.com/full-fit-in/768x512/Photos/SeoDogRescue/674/91cc5c95c75f-rescue_one_logo.png
    MissouriUS
    Rescue one ALWAYS comes up with a way to help any and all animals even when they are full. They have the most dedicated medical staff for horrific injuries and illnesses that are presented.
  • Rescue One Logo

    Rescue One

    #361 in United States, #3 in Missouri

    Rescue One is a state-licensed, 501(c)(3), foster-based rescue located in Springfield, MO. All of the animals in our care live in foster homes until a forever home can be found. We rescue without regard to breed, age, or ease of placement. Our mission is not only to rescue animals in need, but to also educate the public on responsible pet ownership and help provide low cost spay/neuter for those in need of assistance. Since forming in 2013, Rescue One has helped saved thousands of animals. Dogs find their way to us for many reasons: some are owner surrenders, some are strays, some dogs are found abandoned, left to fend for themselves in vacant homes, open fields, or on the side of the road, and many are pulled from area kill shelters. Besides giving love and socialization to the animals, all will receive necessary medical care, required vaccinations, and be spayed or neutered prior to adoption.

    "Rescue one ALWAYS comes up with a way to help any and all animals even when they are full. They..."

    tami g.

    Supporter


  • Hearts for Rescue
    https://data.sniffspot.com/full-fit-in/768x512/Photos/SeoDogRescue/666/30e59a155679-s8918logo20200401220909.jpg
    452 County Road 565 Poplar Bluff, MO 63901
    MissouriUS
  • Hearts for Rescue Logo

    Hearts for Rescue

    #600 in United States, #8 in Missouri

    Hearts for Rescue is a 501(c)3 non-profit, all volunteer dog rescue organization. We are a foster-based rescue group that takes in dogs that have become homeless due to any circumstance. Our dogs live with foster families while they are waiting to be adopted into permanent homes. We provide all age appropriate veterinary care and treatment to ensure that our dogs are healthy. We are helping to reduce and prevent overpopulation of dogs in our community and surrounding areas by requiring each dog in our program to be spayed or neutered. Since being newly licensed in June of 2015, we have had over 610 dogs come through our program. Those 610 dogs will not contribute to the pet overpopulation problem in our community. Our adoption goal is for lifetime placement in the best choice home for both our dogs and the adoptive families. Our adoption process includes an application, verification of references and a home visit prior to placement which includes an adoption contract. We are also committed to our dogs for the life of the dog. Our adoption contract states that if for any reason the adopting family can no longer keep the dog, the dog comes back to Hearts for Rescue.


  • Lucky 13
    https://data.sniffspot.com/full-fit-in/768x512/Photos/SeoDogRescue/670/1ced01754629-qt_q_95.jpg
    119 W. Gregory Blvd. #7907, Kansas City, Missouri 64114
    kansas cityMissouriUS
  • Lucky 13 Logo

    Lucky 13

    #600 in United States, #8 in Missouri

    Kansas City

    Lucky 13 Rescue is an organization dedicated to the rescue and aid of homeless and neglected dogs in the Kansas City metro and surrounding rural areas. We do not limit our efforts to a specific breed, but rather strive to assist any dog that is facing neglect, homelessness, abuse or death. Our ultimate goal is to rehabilitate each canine in our care through placement in loving fosters homes until they can be carefully matched with adoptive families.


  • APA Adoption Center
    https://data.sniffspot.com/full-fit-in/768x512/Photos/SeoDogRescue/664/db3d0ad8cf33-APA_Logo_300x115_1.png
    1705 South Hanley Rd.St. Louis, MO 63144
    st. louisMissouriUS
  • APA Adoption Center Logo

    APA Adoption Center

    #600 in United States, #8 in Missouri

    St. Louis

    The APA is dedicated to bringing people and pets together, advancing humane education, and creating programs beneficial to the human/animal bond. To support this vision, we've adopted the tenets of a socially conscious animal welfare organization. That means we balance our commitment to animals with the St. Louis community, and consider the impact of our programs on the lives of both humans and pets. While we're proud that 6,000 animals found homes through the APA last year, we're also proud to continue supporting those families through spay and neuter operations, classroom initiatives, senior services, an on-site clinic, and many more programs. Each is designed to help people and pets bring out the best in each other for years to come.


  • All Paws Safe Haven
    https://data.sniffspot.com/full-fit-in/768x512/Photos/SeoDogRescue/663/11250429e3da-allpaws_logo_resized_480x342.png
    MissouriUS
  • All Paws Safe Haven Logo

    All Paws Safe Haven

    #600 in United States, #8 in Missouri

    WE ARE NOT A RESCUE We Are a Sanctuary There are some dogs who do not always work well in a shelter environment. We partner with other local rescues to take on dogs who have been with the rescue for years and have not had much interest or dogs who have been deemed unadoptable by others. We take these dogs into our facility, work with them on a specialized adoption plan, and do special training with them. If their behaviors are too strong to be adopted, we set that dog up to live out the rest of his/her life in our loving sanctuary.


  • Needy Paws Rescue - St. Louis
    https://data.sniffspot.com/full-fit-in/768x512/Photos/SeoDogRescue/671/ff8d30b1221a-s6733nu2f3cfcdt8.jpg
    st. louisMissouriUS
  • Needy Paws Rescue - St. Louis Logo

    Needy Paws Rescue - St. Louis

    #600 in United States, #8 in Missouri

    St. Louis

    Needy Paws Rescue is located in St. Louis, MO and exists through donations from the community. We are a 501(c)3 non-profit, volunteer, 100% foster-based organization saving dogs from high-kill shelters, strays, abandoned and surrendered in St. Louis and surrounding rural Missouri areas, regardless of breed or size.


  • Is Today My Day Rescue
    https://data.sniffspot.com/full-fit-in/768x512/Photos/SeoDogRescue/667/7d849a4e27fa-cropped_29197180_1877328925891107_2613938983498940416_o.jpg
    st. louisMissouriUS
  • Is Today My Day Rescue Logo

    Is Today My Day Rescue

    #600 in United States, #8 in Missouri

    St. Louis

    Is Today My Day Rescue (ITMD) was formed by a group of dog-loving individuals in July of 2017. ITMD is a licenced, 501c3, non-profit dog rescue that strives to help homeless dogs find permanent placement in adoptive homes. We are a foster-based rescue with most of our fosters within an hour of St. Louis, MO. Our primary service area is rural south central Missouri. After two major animal shelters/rescues in the area permanently shut their doors, resources for dogs in need in this area were few and far between. It is an area with significant canine overpopulation and few resources. We work with individuals from this area to rehome personal dogs and help place stray dogs. Our community outreach includes altering family pets to reduce the overall dog population in the area as well as providing preventative care and dog food for families in need. While our focus is rural south central Missouri, we will help any dog we can. Our dogs come from a variety of circumstances, including strays, owner relinquishes, breeder releases, animal control facilities, and dogs at risk of euthanasia.


  • Old drum animal shelter
    https://data.sniffspot.com/full-fit-in/768x512/Photos/SeoDogRescue/672/83f1720a70c8-ODAS_Logo.jpg
    35 SW 101st Rd, Warrensburg, MO 64093
    kansas cityMissouriUS
  • Old drum animal shelter Logo

    Old drum animal shelter

    #600 in United States, #8 in Missouri

    Kansas City

    Old Drum Animal Shelter will provide compassionate animal care in support of a thriving pet welfare community within Johnson County, Missouri.


  • Wayside Waifs
    https://data.sniffspot.com/full-fit-in/768x512/Photos/SeoDogRescue/675/97d9a611825c-WW_80th_logo_1D.png
    3901 Martha Truman RoadKansas City, MO 64137
    kansas cityMissouriUS
  • Wayside Waifs Logo

    Wayside Waifs

    #600 in United States, #8 in Missouri

    Kansas City

    As Kansas City's largest and most comprehensive no kill pet adoption campus, Wayside Waifs is committed to finding homes for all adoptable pets. We serve more than 27,000 pets and people every year through pet adoptions, youth education, canine training programs, and community outreach. We do not euthanize adoptable animals, and there are no time limits for animals in our care. Only animals suffering from significant medical issues or those that pose a danger are humanely euthanized. We are proud to be a part of Kansas City's no kill community. Wayside is a private nonprofit 501(c)(3) charity with regional and national reach.


  • Open Door Animal Sanctuary
    https://data.sniffspot.com/full-fit-in/768x512/Photos/SeoDogRescue/673/8b10efee4ff2-cropped_ODASlogo_horz_blueWEB.png
    st. louisMissouriUS
  • Open Door Animal Sanctuary Logo

    Open Door Animal Sanctuary

    #600 in United States, #8 in Missouri

    St. Louis

    The vision of Open Door Animal Sanctuary is to offer a loving environment and eventual home for every cat and dog in need of our help. We take in and adopt out nearly 1,400 dogs and cats per year! Open Door Animal Sanctuary is one of the area's largest no-kill animal shelters. Since our founding in 1975, we have provided hope, help and healing to tens of thousands of animals. We serve the community by taking in stray, homeless and otherwise unwanted cats and dogs. Each day, we provide shelter, food, medical care and most of all LOVE to 350 animals. Many of the precious angels who arrive at Open Door recognize for the first time in their lives that there can be love and trust in the world. Every animal that comes to us has a home and a second chance at life. We have a lifetime return policy which means if a family can no longer care for a cat or dog that was adopted from us, it must be returned to our sanctuary.


  • Journey Home GSD Rescue
    https://data.sniffspot.com/full-fit-in/768x512/Photos/SeoDogRescue/668/df622732e075-journeyhomeheader.png
    MissouriUS
    German ShepherdGerman Shepherd
  • Journey Home GSD Rescue Logo

    Journey Home GSD Rescue

    #600 in United States, #8 in Missouri

    German Shepherd

    Journey Home GSD Rescue is a small, foster-based rescue in Central Missouri run by a small group of very devoted, unpaid volunteers who love the German Shepherd Dog. Our goal is to assist in the rescue and rehoming of abused, neglected, unwanted or abandoned German Shepherds. Journey Home GSD Rescue was founded in August 2015, and although we are based in Central Missouri, we are willing to rescue dogs across the state as well as out of state. We are dedicated to saving as many German Shepherd Dogs as possible.


  • Columbia Second Chance
    https://data.sniffspot.com/full-fit-in/768x512/Photos/SeoDogRescue/661/6c617352c098-Columbia_Second_Chance_586w.jpg
    24687 Highway 179, Boonville, MO 65233
    MissouriUS
  • Columbia Second Chance Logo

    Columbia Second Chance

    #600 in United States, #8 in Missouri

    At Second Chance, we make families. We're a privately-funded animal rescue organization dedicated to rehoming animals and supporting relationships between people and pets. We do this through acts of rescue, adoption and education. We're always striving to increase the number of animals we help every year, and we wouldn't be where we are today without our amazing staff, donors, volunteers and foster families.


The Best Kansas City, MO Dog Rescues & Shelters In 2024

    KC Pet Project
    https://data.sniffspot.com/full-fit-in/768x512/Photos/SeoDogRescue/669/792b6fe8b58d-kcpet_project.png
    7077 Elmwood Ave.Kansas City, MO 64132
    kansas cityMissouriUS
    We’ve adopted a dog and a cat from KCPP. They are a great rescue and do a lot of awesome community involvement.
  • KC Pet Project Logo

    KC Pet Project

    KC Pet Project is a 501c3, nonprofit charitable organization operating the KC Campus for Animal Care, Kansas City, Missouri's, Animal Shelter. We care for more than 15,000 animals a year and now have 14 locations in Missouri and Kansas to adopt out pets. We focus on progressive programs to help people keep their pets through Lost and Found services, our Keep Em Together, KC program, and pet safety initiatives like microchipping, pet identification, and more.

    View profile

  • Missouri German Shepherd Rescue
    https://data.sniffspot.com/full-fit-in/768x512/Photos/SeoDogRescue/662/b22c53f358b4-s2152logo20221104084256.jpg
    kansas cityMissouriUS
    German ShepherdGerman Shepherd
    MOGS is an amazing rescue organization who always steps in to help out the most neglected, abused and unwanted German Shepherds, get them the vetting, training and love they need to be ready for their new lives. Adopting MOGS Aiden was one of the best decisions we’ve made in our adult lives!! He went through months of obedience training with MOGS foster before he came to us and he’s the most perfect boy!
  • Missouri German Shepherd Rescue Logo

    Missouri German Shepherd Rescue

    MOGS has several long-timers in our system that would really love to find either an Adoption or Foster Home. All of these amazing GSD's arrived at MOGS with some rough edges, but have worked really hard and are ready to take the next steps in the rehab process - landing in their forever home!

    View profile

  • Furry Kids Refuge
    https://data.sniffspot.com/full-fit-in/768x512/Photos/SeoDogRescue/665/4e9da8f721fe-FKR_Logo.jpg
    kansas cityMissouriUS
    They do an amazing job fostering animals until the right owner comes along! Got my best baby ever after searching for over a year.
  • Furry Kids Refuge Logo

    Furry Kids Refuge

    We are a no-kill, all volunteer animal rescue organization which started in the year 2003 by founder Carla Wing. Furry Kids Refuge was established to benefit the public at large by supporting local animal control agencies in their efforts to reduce the number of homeless companion animals. In June 2005, Furry Kids Refuge was established as a Missouri Not-for-Profit Corporation and a Federal 501(c) (3) charitable organization animal rescue that operates with a network of foster homes, a small facility and many dedicated volunteers.

    View profile

The Best St. Louis, MO Dog Rescues & Shelters In 2024

    Stray Rescue of St. Louis
    https://data.sniffspot.com/full-fit-in/768x512/Photos/SeoDogRescue/659/2dcfe1459502-stray_rescue_logo.jpg
    2320 Pine StreetSt. Louis, MO 63103
    st. louisMissouriUS
    Stray Rescue provides foster care and rescue services for so many stray dogs that are found on the streets of STL. They offer wonderful training classes (my dog is reactive, and they understood!) and puppy play dates twice a week which is oh so helpful for new puppy parents. I am thankful to have them in my city, as they work tirelessly and advocate for those animals who cannot themselves.
  • Stray Rescue of St. Louis Logo

    Stray Rescue of St. Louis

    What sets Stray Rescue of St. Louis apart in the animal welfare community near and far? We seek out and take in those who no other organization will help or would simply euthanize because they are too expensive to heal. We take the abandoned, beaten, bred, fought, injured, terrified, defeated and betrayed. We see beyond their brokenness and are here to pick up the pieces to make these special animals whole again. We see the individual and know that there's no one size fits all treatment plan. The minute they enter our doors, we look in their eyes and promise them ALL the second chance they deserve for health, home, commitment and love. Because these animals come in with a story that would give us all nightmares, it takes them longer to open up, trust and believe in humankind again. But with patience and time always on their unique schedule we see the light shine in their eyes again. Animals have an amazing ability to forgive which never ceases to amaze us.

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  • Unchained Melodies Dog Rescue
    https://data.sniffspot.com/full-fit-in/768x512/Photos/SeoDogRescue/658/9f8dd4c6f6e7-Horiontal_Logo.jpg
    4107 White Tiger Lane, Columbia, MO 65203
    st. louisMissouriUS
    This organization started as a grass roots organization bringing awareness to the chained backyard dog. It has since educated the public of the many detriments of chaining a dog and has spread the word and now people do not just pass by saying ‘poor dog’ they know there is support and help for this dog. UMDR is solely responsible for this awareness and is proud to know that many other organizations have brought this rescue effort into it’s fold. They continue to move forward with many programs and outreach for their community and beyond.
  • Unchained Melodies Dog Rescue Logo

    Unchained Melodies Dog Rescue

    Unchained Melodies rescues, rehabilitates and rehomes chained, penned, and abused dogs that have no voice. We fight for stronger laws and have many programs that benefit our community.

    View profile

  • Center for Animal Rescue & Enrichment of St. Louis - CARE STL
    https://data.sniffspot.com/full-fit-in/768x512/Photos/SeoDogRescue/660/949604ace70e-Border_Logo_with_roof_no_tag_JPG.jpg
    2700 Walnut Place, St. Louis, MO 63103
    st. louisMissouriUS
    My husband and I adopted our 2 pups from CARE STL in 2018. I'd been volunteering at CARE STL for awhile. We still had our little old man toy poodle and knew it was time to grow our pack again. I'm type A and went in with a list of my top 5 dogs at the shelter - dogs that I'd walked or played with at CARE. We met with a staff member who also knew me. And after talking for a bit, we met our first dog, Sawyer (shelter name: Saunter). I fell in love immediately. He was shut down and as with many of our friends in the shelter, was giving into shelter stress. He was a relatively knew intake, so he wasn't on my list lol. He is spunky and sweet. He's my early morning jogging buddy and my sous chef every morning for breakfast. He also LOVES water. A month later, we decided that we wanted to foster a dog. I had had my eye on a dog named Beefcake earlier (he was on my original top 5 list), but had been adopted so when we adopted Sawyer, Beefcake wasn't at the shelter. Well, he was returned to CARE a few days after being adopted. He was attacked by the resident dog, and the humans had given up on him and returned him back to the shelter. But, one man's trash is another man's treasure. And a treasure he is. Now his name is Bulleit (like the bourbon, yall!) - but usually answers to Boolinz. This dude doesn't do anything half ass, whether it's stealing the spatula off the kitchen counter and prancing around the backyard with it, running full speed zoomies, rocking a game of tuggies, or loving his humans (he's always the first to snuggle us and stay by our side when either of us is sick or sad), this dog and his brother are my whole heart. CARE STL encompasses a lot of good people who volunteer their time and money, staff that works tirelessly, and a fearless leader in Weng Horak, who care deeply and endlessly about the dogs in their care. They see the best and worst of humanity in our city, in the lives of the neglected animals. And to take a municipal shelter and turn it into a no-kill environment has taken (and still takes daily) a herculean effort of a group of people who are for the animals through and through. I know there are a lot of deserving rescues, but if it wasn't for CARE, we wouldn't have the absolute joy of having Sawyer & Bulleit in our lives. Sniffspots has also been a godsend for us, and its origin story all the more sweeter because both of our boys are dog-aggressive (towards other dogs, not each other!), and human/stranger-aggressive. There are thousands of rescue dog owners like us who can't do the traditional things with their dogs and are incredibly thankful for the people in our community who open up their yards to us via Sniffspots.
  • Center for Animal Rescue & Enrichment of St. Louis - CARE STL Logo

    Center for Animal Rescue & Enrichment of St. Louis - CARE STL

    We accept the homeless, abused, neglected, injured, and surrendered animals of the City of St. Louis into our care so they will be safe and loved until they can be adopted into loving homes.

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What's the Sniffspot Missouri Top Dog Rescue & Shelter List About?

Welcome to the 2024 Missouri Sniffspot Top Dog Rescue & Shelter List, highlighting the top rescues and shelters in Missouri chosen by the Sniffspot community and the public.

Sponsored by Sniffspot, the largest global network of private dog parks, each park offers secure, private bookings on private land, including fenced, water, indoor, and beach parks. As a hub for rescue dogs, our sponsorship underscores our dedication to supporting shelters and rescues. Explore Missouri dog parks on Sniffspot's platform.

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Get safe exercise for your dog by renting a private dog park near you

See The Best Dog Rescues & Shelters By City In Missouri


See The Best Dog Rescues & Shelters In Other States Near Missouri


See The Best Dog Rescues & Shelters By Specialization


Sniffspot Missouri Dog Rescues & Shelters Frequently Asked Questions

How many dog rescues and shelters operate in Missouri?

There are 18 in Missouri. 7 are located in St. Louis with 11 are located in other areas of the state.

What are the most reputable dog rescues and shelters in Missouri?

There are many reputable rescues in Missouri, the top 3 on our list are: Stray Rescue of St. Louis, Unchained Melodies Dog Rescue, Center for Animal Rescue & Enrichment of St. Louis - CARE STL

What specialized services do dog rescues and shelters in Missouri offer?

The most common specialization for dog rescues and shelters in Missouri is German Shepherd with 2 focusing on it.

How can I adopt a rescue dog in Missouri?

Using our list of the top dog rescues and shelters, you can find a reputable shelter in Missouri. The adoption policies of each shelter varies and you can find information on the shelter profile page. Here is an example adoption policy:
All interested parties must fill out an adoption application, we vet all applicants by contacting veterinarian's, landlords and offer a 'foster to adopt' program to be sure we are making the right fit for the family. We offer free consults and training to all adopters

Are there any breed-specific dog rescues and shelters in Missouri?

We do not have any record of breed specific rescues and shelters in Missouri, but there are the top breed-specific rescue and shelter types in nearby states, including New Jersey, Utah, Illinois.

Can you recommend any dog rescues in Missouri that specialize in senior dogs or special needs animals?

Can you recommend any reputable dog rescue organizations that focus on specific regions or communities within Missouri?

Yes! The top rescue and shelter in St. Louis is Stray Rescue of St. Louis. The top specialized rescue and shelter in Missouri is Missouri German Shepherd Rescue.

Get your dog the safe enrichment they need by renting a Sniffspot

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David Adams photo

David Adams

June 25, 2024

Dog Rescues & Shelters

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