This list showcases the top dog rescues & shelters in Kansas City, MO. 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.
#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
#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
#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
#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.
#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.
Welcome to the 2024 Kansas City, MO Sniffspot Top Dog Rescue & Shelter List, highlighting the top rescues and shelters in Kansas City, MO chosen by the Sniffspot community and the public.
This list is sponsored by Sniffspot, the largest global network of private dog parks. Sniffspot offers 6 private dog parks in the Kansas City area, including fenced, water, indoor, and beach parks. As a hub for rescue dogs, our sponsorship underscores our dedication to supporting shelters and rescues. Explore Kansas City dog parks on Sniffspot's platform.
Ordered alphabetically, only included states where there is enough data to compile a list
Please Note: We do not adopt out of state and limit our adoptions to the KC metropolitan and surrounding areas. Step 1: Adoption ApplicationBefore meeting one of our animals, you will be asked to fill out an application. (Application links at the bottom of this page.) Completely fill out the application and click the submit button at the bottom of the page. Incomplete applications will not be processed. Step 2: Application ReviewOur volunteers will initially screen your application (This process can take several days.)1. If you rent your home, your landlord will be contacted to make sure you have approval to have an animal in your home. We also ask about any breed or size limitations.2. Your veterinary reference(s) will be verified to determine if all your current pets are spayed/neutered and up to date on vaccinations.3. Personal references may be contacted and asked questions regarding your ability to be a responsible pet owner.At this point, our volunteer will determine if your application should move on to the next step. Since our goal is to find the perfect, safe and happy forever home for our animals, we appreciate your understanding should you be eliminated as an adoption candidate. We do our best to notify all applicants of their application status, however, due to the number of applications we process, and our limited volunteer manpower, this is not always possible. If you are not contacted, we are most likely pursuing other applications.Step 3: Phone InterviewIf your application is chosen, a volunteer will contact you within 7 days to conduct a phone interview consisting of questions about you, your family, your home and other scenarios. This interview will help us determine if you and the animal selected are a suitable match.Step 4: Home VisitIf at the end of the interview process both parties agree to proceed, we will schedule a home visit, if required. (Not all pets require a home visit) During the home visit, we will observe the interaction with the animal, with your other animals, children, and adults. We ask that everyone in the household be present for the home visit.Step 5: AdoptOnce the previous steps are completed and all requirements are met, the adoption can proceed. If you and the animal you would like to adopt seem to be well matched, we will make arrangements for you to meet the adoptee at one of our weekly Adoption Events. You will be required to sign an adoption contract and to provide payment of the adoption fee.Step 6: Trial PeriodAt this point, the adoption trial period can begin. If at any time during the trial period you are having issues with the animal, please call us immediately at 816-277-8284. A volunteer will be in touch with you ASAP. At the end of the trial period, the adoption will be considered final unless you notify us of any issues. At that time your adoption fee will no longer be refundable.Step 7: Post Adoption Follow-upTo ensure a successful adoption, a volunteer will contact you after the trial period. We will be interested in learning how your new pet is transitioning into your home and how the relationship between you and your forever friend is growing! We are committed to each and every animal we rescue for the rest of his/her life, so please stay in touch with us as we love getting updates!PLEASE NOTE: Furry Kids Refuge reserves the right to refuse adoption. If your application for the adoption of an animal is not approved, we will do our best to explain the reason(s). Please bear in mind that denial is not a rejection of you, as a person; it is a refusal to place a particular animal in a particular situation.Need more information? Check out our FAQ page.
Does your dog ever growl when you walk by their food dish? Maybe they get possessive of treats, carrying them far away and giving you side-eye when you start to approach — or snarling at your other pets or children if they get too close.
As almost every dog owner is aware, the nose of a dog is an amazing thing. Just as they can pick up sounds we can’t hear, their sense of smell and ability to pick up scents is well beyond ours. In fact, dogs have 40 times the number of olfactory receptors as humans.
More than 80 million Americans rely on their service dogs to help them navigate the world. Task-trained assistance animals perform a huge range of life-changing—in many cases, life-saving—services: These dogs act as eyes for visually impaired handlers, provide mobility support, alert to seizures and blood sugar crashes, interrupt anxiety attacks, remind their people to take medications, and so much more.
You thought your dog was house trained. Your home was clean from puddles of pee, those dreaded middle-of-the-night bathroom breaks were behind you, and you loved every minute of dog ownership… until your four-legged best friend started using the bathroom inside again. What’s going on?
Ah, poop. We humans think it’s disgusting… but many of our dogs seem to love the stuff. If you’re wondering why your canine companion tries to eat feces (either their own or that of other animals) you’re not alone!
Do you have a water-loving dog looking to burn some energy? There are countless dog parks to visit throughout our country — but some of them become far too hot in the midday sun to be safe for your pets to play. That’s why we’ve put together a list of some of the best dog water parks throughout the United States! At these locations, your pup can frolic, splash, and swim to their heart’s content.
* All Sniffspot articles are reviewed by certified trainers for quality, please see bottom of article for details *
Does your dog destroy every toy you give them? Is your house littered with remnants of fabric and stuffing of all different sizes? Are you tired of investing in “indestructible” toys only for your pup to still dismantle—or worse, get bored of—them in just a few days?
You’ve been told your dog needs regular exercise. There’s a reason “walking the dog” is a classic daily activity: Frequent excursions give your pup a chance to experience the world, maintain a healthy weight, and — most importantly — spend time with you! Consistent physical activity can also improve their strength, muscle tone, coordination, and mental ability over time.
* All Sniffspot articles are reviewed by certified trainers for quality, please see bottom of article for details *
Many dogs have gotten a bad reputation over the years for being "dangerous breeds." Rottweilers are among them. Like pit bulls and other large, blocky-headed types of dogs, these powerful and beautiful animals are often assumed to be aggressive.
Your dog is reactive. They’ll see another dog, person, or other stimulus in the environment (like a car or bike) while out on a walk and suddenly go crazy at the end of their leash. The barking, lunging, and growling feels embarrassing for you — and it’s clear that your pup isn’t having a great time either.
Does your dog display reactivity to other pets or people? Maybe they’re a new rescue pup and are still settling into your home. Or they were sick growing up, so you missed their critical socialization period. Possibly they’ve had a bad experience after being raised as a normal puppy.
Do you have a reactive dog or suspect you may have one? You’re not alone!
* All Sniffspot articles are reviewed by certified trainers for quality, please see bottom of article for details *
From 2009 to 2020, there was a 40 percent increase in the development of public dog parks. Designated spots for canine exercise have become commonplace in every major city in North America — many pet owners won’t even consider renting an apartment that doesn’t have its own fenced-in pet area for their canine companions.
Thousand Oaks, California has been a safe haven for Sniffspot host, Jen, since childhood. Having grown up in busy Santa Barbara, Jen, an introvert from an early age, would seek out solitude and serenity away from tourists attractions and droves of people visiting from elsewhere. “My grandparents own 60 acres about a 30 minute drive from here, and I grew up spending every summer and every holiday visiting them on the ranch,” Jen explained. “In Santa Barbara, we wouldn't go to the beach on the weekend because that's where everybody was, so you'd find places off the beaten path where the tourists weren't. For me, the ranch was just my happy place.”
Ellen is the host of Country Pasture Getaway, one of Sniffspot's most popular sniff spots. She has taken the time to write up the lessons she has learned about how to be a great sniff spot host.
Just 20 minutes outside of the busy city of Portland, Oregon, and settled right on the banks of the Columbia River, you’ll find what countless visitors have flocked to the area in search of – mountain views, crisp, clean air, and running water for miles. What you might not expect to find, however, is a hidden oasis designed just for dogs and their people, owned and operated by a farming couple and enjoyed by visitors on two legs, and four.
Fran is the host of Ranch Setting, one of Sniffspot's most popular spots. She has taken the time to write up the lessons she has learned about how to be a great Sniffspot host.
Looking for a space to play with your dog no matter what the weather’s like outside? Look no further than our list of the best indoor dog parks in the United States! These climate-controlled spaces are growing in popularity as pet ownership increases throughout the country. As a bonus, many of them also offer dog training, boarding, grooming, or daycare services on the premises.
Looking for the perfect place to play with your dog? We’ve got you covered! It’s hard to narrow down, but we’ve put together some of the best off-leash dog parks throughout the country so you can plan your next adventure — along with a checklist of what to bring, what to know beforehand, and some frequently asked questions.
Looking for the perfect place to play with your dog in Las Vegas? We’ve got you covered! Take a look at the best local dog parks to plan for your next adventure in Sin City.
Looking for the perfect place to play with your dog? We’ve got you covered!
Looking for the perfect place to play with your dog in Portland? We’ve got you covered! Take a look at the best local dog parks and plan for your next adventure in the City of Roses.
Discover the German Shepherd Dog, a breed celebrated for its intelligence, loyalty, and versatility. Known for its impressive size and smooth, graceful movements, German Shepherds excel in various roles, including as guide, therapy, bomb detection, and police dogs, while being a devoted family companion.
Discover the Labrador Retriever, a breed celebrated for its playful nature, affectionate temperament, and trainability. Labradors are known for their friendly demeanor and adaptability, making them perfect family companions and versatile working dogs.
Discover the Golden Retriever, a breed celebrated for its affectionate, playful, and trainable nature. Considered a large dog, Golden Retrievers were originally bred in Scotland for hunting and retrieving game beginning in the 1860s.
Discover the American Staffordshire Terrier, a breed celebrated for its playful, friendly, and loyal nature. Considered a medium-sized dog, American Staffordshire Terriers were originally bred in the United Kingdom for baiting bulls, fighting, and hunting beginning in the 1800s — though they're known as gentle, playful lovers today.
Discover the Australian Shepherd, a breed celebrated for its trainable, playful, and affectionate nature. Considered a medium dog, Australian Shepherds were originally bred in the United States for herding beginning in the 1950s.