The Best Missouri Dog Rescues & Shelters in 2026

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.

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.

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.

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.

Rescue One

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.

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!

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.

Friends of the Animal Shelter of St. Joseph

Friends of the Animal Shelter of St. Joseph, Inc. was founded in 2000 by Cathy Madsen with the guidance of Rick Smith, Manager of the St. Joseph Animal Control & Rescue Shelter at the time. In August 2000, the group had its first meeting. Over a decade later, The Friends of the Animal Shelter, are more than 100 volunteers strong. We are a select group of people from all walks of life – our common bond being a genuine concern for animal welfare. The work we do is not for everyone. Many who start out with us find it difficult to continue due to the many emotionally challenging aspects of volunteering at the Animal Shelter. More times than one can imagine, the appalling condition of animals brought in to the Shelter by concerned citizens, their owners or Staff is shocking; and yet the animals continue to give back unconditional love – their spirits are truly amazing. Our group’s mission is to support all aspects of work done by the Animal Shelter Staff. This includes working to increase animal adoption and redemption rates while minimizing the number of euthanized animals; educating our community regarding animal care and welfare issues; and helping care for the medical needs of all sick and injured animals that come through the Animal Shelter. Some of our volunteers are at the Animal Shelter every possible minute while others find it stressful to do work there on a routine basis. Yet many different volunteer opportunities are available, no matter what your comfort level may be. All we ask of you is your consistent commitment of time and sincere effort. One rewarding aspect of what we do involves community service. This includes: 1. Sponsoring animal education and welfare awareness programs in our local schools to educate future animal owners. 2. Participating in the Missouri Department of Transportation Adopt-A-Highway program on Highway 759 near the Animal Shelter. 3. Showcasing adoptable animals to the public at local businesses and on television for a monthly special adoption day. 4. Coordinating spay/neuter surgeries for low-income families in conjunction with Spay Day USA. 5. Setting up information booths at local events throughout the year. 6. Participating in local parades and festivals to promote the work we do. 7. An annual creative fundraising project. 8. Clean cat condos at Petco. The work we do is solely funded by private donations. And we’re extremely proud to say that 100% of all donations go toward the work we do for the animals at the St. Joseph Animal Control & Rescue Shelter. We consider everything that comes our way in the form of assistance a blessing.

Missouri Pit Bull Rescue

An all-volunteer 501C3 rescue group in Kansas City, Missouri, MPR's Mission is to promote responsible Pit Bull ownership, provide breed education, combat pet overpopulation, fight unfair legislation's and find qualified homes for sound Pit Bull dogs in Missouri and beyond. The Beginning MPR was formed in 1998 by husband and wife Veronique (V) and Robert (Rob) Chesser. The two Pit Bull lovers met online in 1996 when participating in a Pit Bull related forum. Rob and V quickly realized they had a lot in common, including a deep desire to make a difference in the lives of homeless Pit Bulls. V, who is French Canadian and originally from Quebec, Canada, has a certification in Canine Science and over 40 years of experience with dog rescue. Rob, a Network Security Engineer by profession, grew up with Pit Bull dogs and embarked on his rescue journey over 25 years ago. MPR began with Rob and V saving dogs from local pounds one at a time, keeping rescue Pit Bulls in their home with very little resource and no financial assistance until the word spread out and help came forward. The organization started to grow as V joined forces with other local Pit Bull lovers wanting to help this noble, yet vilified and abused breed of dog. MPR was recognized as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in 2003 and has continued to grow ever since. Luckily now, MPR is fortunate enough to receive assistance and financial support from Pit Bull lovers across the country, allowing the organization to build a fund dedicated to covering each dog's basic needs and essential medical care. Thanks to a well-rounded team of committed volunteers and a large base of supporters, MPR has gone from saving 20 Pit Bulls in 2000 to over 100 a year - an increase well over 200%. The Present MPR’s mission is still very much the same as it was when V and Rob were saving Pit Bull dogs one at a time, but on a much larger scale. The organization currently operates with over 50 active volunteers, a dozen dedicated foster homes, its very own private shelter, and a team of advisors to help provide governance. No one is getting paid for their involvement with the group but the rewards are endless. We're all Pit Bull lovers with full-time jobs and families who spend every spare dollar and minute of our time helping those deserving dogs. Our commitments include Pit Bull education (via email, the website and events), evaluating dogs for rescue, fostering, caring for the shelter dogs, vet visits, rehabilitation and nursing sick dogs to good health, attending adoption events, screening applications, conducting phone interviews, home checks, and follow-ups, transporting dogs to potential homes, teaching a dog how to be a good pet, and lastly, LOVING our rescue dogs with all our heart until it's time to let them go to their forever home. In 2016 MPR reached its biggest goal to date. We designed and conceived our very own shelter! We opened our doors in 2017 and this little Pit Bull haven has been thriving since then. We currently have the capacity of 12 dogs at the shelter with a total of 25 on the property. We built the shelter to be comfortable for both pit bulls and our volunteers, and inviting to potential adopters and supporters. We have large kennels with indoor and outdoor access. 2 large playrooms, an isolation/medical room, office space, a laundry room, a kitchen, bathroom, storage and play yards. While pouring our hearts out helping as many blockheads as we can, we must still endure the heartbreaking job of turning away countless dogs, often the victim of extremely poor care, over-breeding and negative image perpetrated by the media, due to limited space, resources, foster homes and funds. We are keeping our chins up however, as we know our hard work is significant even if we only make a dent in the grand scheme of things. Helping 1 dog wont change the world, but it will change the world for that 1 dog. The Future Our future goals include continuing growth and education reach, increase our volunteer base, improve our adoption rate, and always enhance our positive and helpful impact not only on the dogs, but on the breed in general. We also have big plans for our rescue facility, including adding an adoption center, more walking trails and a memorial garden.

Lucky 13

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.

Lee's Summit Animal Shelter

Animal Control provides enforcement of Animal Control Ordinances to ensure the humane treatment of animals while protecting public health and safety within the City of Lee’s Summit. Temporary shelter is provided to more than 4,000 stray, unwanted, abandoned, orphaned and injured animals each year. With a 98 percent adoption rate, Animal Control makes every effort to find each pet a new home if an owner cannot be located. Animal Control responds to calls for service concerning animal abuse, animal bites, pet waste, barking complaints and disposing of deceased animals. Traps are also available for nuisance wildlife causing property damage.

Boxer and Pittie Paws Rescue

Shep's Place Senior Dog Sanctuary

Shep’s Place Senior Dog Sanctuary is a refuge for abandoned old dogs in the Kansas City area. It is named after Shep, a rescue beagle whose gentle spirit and utter good-dogness convinced his owners to start a place to help others like him. Shep’s Place is located in a renovated old house on 4 acres in Independence, MO. We opened in April 2019. We are a small, private shelter that focuses on the care of senior dogs. We hope to find our dogs new families, but that is often difficult for seniors, so if we can’t, we will be their permanent, loving home. We focus on senior dogs who have already spent time in a shelter or rescue, waiting to find a family. We do not accept dogs directly from the public. We also want to meet the dogs before bringing them in, so we only accept dogs from within 100 miles of our location. The dog’s quality of life is our highest goal at Shep’s Place, with ample play time, freedom of movement, and caring, human interaction. We believe our silver-muzzled friends deserve to enjoy their lives and be themselves for as long as they are able. The goal is to provide a home for the dogs, to get them out of their kennels, and let them wander the house, play in the yard, or sleep, as they choose. Shep’s Place Senior Dog Sanctuary, Inc., is a 501(c)(3) non-profit charitable foundation incorporated in the State of Missouri, charter number N000705469. We operate out of a renovated old house in Independence. We opened for business in April, 2019. Our Namesake, Shep Shep’s Place is named after the handsome guy in the picture below. When he was 8, Shep was picked up as a stray, and brought to the animal shelter in Independence, MO . He was slow and quiet, a bit chunky, with a saddleback, and didn’t attract much attention there. Months later, he was adopted by our founder, Russell Clothier, and his wife Ann. In his good-natured way, he showed his new owners how much old dogs still have to offer, when given the chance. It kindled a desire to help other senior dogs languishing in shelters, as Shep was. Two years later, Shep’s Place opened, in April of 2019. Shep himself passed away at age 12, in October 2020, but his legacy continues.

Pawportunities

May of 2018 Bentley Siems got involved with Unleashed Pet Rescue. In 7 months our home has fostered 1 cat, 6 dogs, 8 puppies, and 14 kittens. It’s been a unique experience to say the least. It has been eye opening to the prevalence of cruelty surrounding us, offset by the measures people will go to help strangers during times of need. October of 2018 Bentley was awarded as a Broadcom Masters Finalist, which yielded a monetary award. Thinking of a way to use his award to make a difference in the world, he decided to use it to begin an animal rescue. He won’t be able to “save them all”, but he can save a few, and begin what will be the next generation of pet rescue. Scanning through free things listed on Craigslist, Bentley found 2 five month old kittens advertised as ‘free’. Knowing their fate would likely end being used as bait in dog fighting rings, he passed that post forward to his parents. Without thinking, mom contacted the seller, and the kittens became Bentleys first official rescue. The kittens were taken to the vet, brought up to date on their shots, neutered, and placed in foster as they wait to be adopted into their forever homes. Once they are adopted, their adoption fees will go towards saving the next animal in need. To support our sons request to start an animal rescue, we are approved with the IRS for 501c(3) status, One requirement to establish a 501c(3) is to have a minimum of 3 board members. In honor of maintaining transparency, it is unfortunately illegal for a minor under the age of 18 to be a board member. Jeff and I will both serve as board members – Jeff, as the voice of logic; and I will vote based on representing Bentley to keep this rescue true to its roots. The remaining board members will remain anonymous at this time, but possess years of experience and yield a variety of viewpoints, in an effort to collaborate ideas into something successful. As a minor, Bentley is allowed and will hold, the position of organizer.

Mac's Mission

We are a tiny but hardworking grassroots rescue based in Jackson, Missouri but we rescue nationwide. We save the ones who need us most. Many are neonatal puppies, (cleft palates/hydrocephalus newborns). We have a very extensive, experienced neonate program. Mac’s Mission is a federally recognized 501c3 non-profit and a Missouri state licensed dog rescue. We have a satellite location near Fredricksburg, Virginia. The Mission lives by "i am pitbull strong", a federally trademarked registered slogan that we share to help raise funds so we can keep rescuing sick homeless dogs. This phrase is a way of life for us. We rely 100% on donations from our dedicated supporters. We also help pay for costs by selling merchandise designed by one of our most dedicated volunteers. When you purchase a product in our store you help save sick puppies!!! We can not do this without our generous supporters and we thank you so much for being part of the solution to save these helpless souls.

Adopt Rescue Foster

City of Oak Grove Animal Control

Second Chance Pet Adoptions

Second Chance Pet Adoptions is a NO-Kill not for profit adoption organization operating in the Greater Kansas City Area. We are dedicated to helping homeless animals and displaced dogs and cats find loving, responsible, safe homes. Second Chance sponsors adoption events at Petsmart (2650 NE Vivion Rd KCMO). Between the events the animals are kept in foster homes of volunteers who socialize and tend to the animals. Our History Back in 1997 a group of us formed Second Chance Pet Adoptions with our first dog Goldie and her ELEVEN puppies which came from Independence Avenue. We were one of the original groups that started in Pet Food Save Mart (before Petsmart and Petco came to Kansas City). They allowed us to keep both our dogs and cats in the store. We were an all breed rescue at that time. In the early days we adopted thousands of animals per year. Petco purchased Pet Food Save Mart and we at that point became foster home based. Through the years we have done hundreds of mobile adoptions with our motorhome or canopies and tents through the summers. When Petsmart opened up in the Merriam store location we were there for many years with our cats an dogs. Target on Barry Road welcomed us with our motor home for over 10 years. I still have people come up to us and say, "Yep, I adopted from you at Target!" We have been invited to showcase our animals through the years at multiple Petsmart locations throughout the KC metro. We opened up an Adoption Center on North Oak and were in that freestanding facility for 4 years. We welcomed students, girl scouts, birthday parties, and lots of belly rubs there. We focused on adoptions, training, and educating the youth on spay/neuter and adoption first. The health of some of our volunteers changed so we went vack to being primarily foster home program helping small breed dogs find good homes. We opened up an Adoption Center on North Oak and were in that freestanding facility for 4 years. We welcomed students, girl scouts, birthday parties, and lots of belly rubs there. We focused on adoptions, training, and educating the youth on spay/neuter and adoption first. The health of some of our volunteers changed so we went back to being primarily foster home program helping small breed dogs find good homes. We moved into Petsmart (2650 NE Vivion Rd) in February 2018 when the store opened. We love working with Stephanie, the manager, and her staff. It's a wonderful relationship that we greatly appreciate. Please go check out our cats during regular business hours and we also showcase our dogs most weekends. We are still in the business of educating the public on pet over populations and to think adoption first. Our focus has never changed, it's to find our animals their forever homes and to give them a second chance. The landscape in Kansas City has changed over the years. In the last 20 plus years Kansas City has welcomed many groups of wonderful rescues. So Kansas City can help thousands of animals find forever homes. We are a smaller group now and our focus is on permanent homes. We try to match the right pet with the right family. We pride ourselves in a less than 1% return rate. This is more important to us at this stage as we embark on our 22nd year. Our pets come from transports from out of state shelters, our local shelters, and owner turn ins. All of our animals are spayed/neutered, have age appropriate vaccinations, heart worm negative, cats are FELV/FIV tested, kittens FELV tested, and all are seen by a vet prior to adoption.

Kansas City Doberman Rescue

Excelsior Springs Animal Control Center

The current Excelsior Springs Animal Control Center (ESACC) opened in March 2012, and it is successfully meeting the needs of our community! Animal Control Officers are committed to public safety and animal welfare in the Excelsior Springs community. They work with animal bites, dangerous dogs, sick or injured animals, animal neglect or cruelty, stray animals, deceased animals, excessive barking, lost or found pets, surrenders and any other incident that is cause for concern within city limits.

Independence Animal Services

Friends of Parkville Animal Shelter

Founded in 1999 by a group of concerned citizens, FOPAS’s primary mission is to provide care and find permanent homes for the abandoned and stray animals in our care, primarily accomplished through the generosity of volunteers and donors. FOPAS believes our entire community benefits from the compassion and humanity shown in caring for animals who have been discarded. Animals cannot speak for themselves, so FOPAS speaks and acts for them. FOPAS is a 501(c)(3) organization.

Friends of the Friendless

We have helped animals since 2001. We are an all-volunteer association whose aim is to rescue animals and help place them into loving homes. These animals have a history of being unwanted, abandoned, lost, and abused but after proper care and assessment have been found to be stellar companions. There are usually many wonderful dogs and cats available. But there are also many, many more that need homes, too. That's where volunteers and donations become so crucial to the mission. A tax Deductable 501(c)3 charitable organization. DONATIONS WELCOME! 100% of all donations go toward the quality care we provide each animal. Let us know if you would like to help with any volunteer work.

Boonville Animal Shelter

Welcome to Boonville Animal Shelter. We strive to offer healthy adoptable pets for adoption. We think an adoption should be a positive experience for both the new owner and the pet. We are a city run shelter and are licensed with the state of Missouri under the ACFA (Animal Care Facility Act) program. If you met our guidelines for adoption we will do our best to help you to find a great companion pet.

Columbia Second Chance

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.

Carthage Humane Society

Carthage Humane Society is a not-for-profit animal shelter, serving our community for over 75 years. The Society's mission — to provide a safe haven for animals entrusted to our care —is a joyful one full of challenges and opportunities. We are a 501(c)(3) corporation, and our EIN is 43-6064526.

Central Missouri Humane Society

Our History • 1943: The Columbia Humane Society is formed as a regional animal welfare organization operating out of a small building on Creasy Springs Road. • 1968: Renamed the Central Missouri Humane Society and recognized as a nonprofit. • 1976: New shelter is built at 616 Big Bear Blvd. • 1988: Building addition to house more kennels. • 2009: Won the Zootoo.com Shelter Makeover Competition. On average, CMHS takes in and cares for over 2,000 animals each year! View our intake data on our shelter stats page. Each year our veterinary team performs thousands of free or low cost spay/neuter surgeries. Spaying or neutering your pet is the best way to reduce the unwanted pet population. We expand our limited shelter capacity through the kindness of over 100 foster homes; approximately 300 volunteers augment our shelter staff. We have a contract with the City of Columbia to house and care for animals picked up by animal control. We are not affiliated with any national humane organization and generate our funding primarily through private donations. It costs over $25,000 per week to run the shelter.

Pulaski County Humane Society D.B.A Loving Paws Adoption Center

Pulaski County Humane Society D.B.A Loving Paws Adoption Center is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, licensed by the Missouri Department of Agriculture and incorporated in the state of Missouri. Loving Paws Adoption center, built in 2011, is a physical shelter in Crocker, Missouri. We house up to 12 dogs and 15 cats/kittens at a time. Our mission is to help pets in need through sheltering, adoption, fostering, education, spay/neuter, and community outreach. Our shelter is a safe, comfortable, no kill place for these animals to stay until they find their forever home. We do not receive any public or government funding and rely solely on donations from private individuals and area fundraisers as well as utilizing volunteers to support and manage our adoption center.

Dexter Animal Shelter

The animal shelter is a division within the Dexter Police Department

M'Shoogy's Emergency Animal Rescue

With a strict no-kill policy, several hundred dogs, cats and other animals of all ages and sizes call M'Shoogy's home. It costs approximately $50.00 per month per animal, excluding medicine, and approximately $500.00 per day to open the door. In over 19 years, we have saved more than 15,000 animals from certain death. Gary and Lisa Silverglat started M'Shoogy's and have given and lived a 24 hour commitment to the animals. They have had four days away from the Sanctuary in over 20 years. They have never taken a salary for themselves, only given everything they have with no thought of monetary compensation. There are also other individuals, volunteers, and employees who help provide care and love for the animals. Several acres in the back are also dedicated to wildlife rehabilitation. Many animals are given medical attention and food until they are old enough and/or well enough to be reintroduced into the wild. Summer and spring brings around a large amount of raccoons and possums. Fox, owls, deer, squirrels and ducks have all called M'Shoogy's home for a little while. M'Shoogy's also provides educational tours and talks for groups to teach the importance of treating animals with dignity and respect. Permit laws and legislation against animal abuse have also been passed with M'Shoogy's help.