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

David Adams photo

David Adams

June 25, 2024

Dog Rescues & Shelters

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.

    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


  • 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


  • 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.


  • 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.


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

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.

Sniffspot Dog running on field

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See The Best Dog Rescues & Shelters In Other Cities Near Kansas City


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

Ordered alphabetically, only included states where there is enough data to compile a list


See The Best Dog Rescues & Shelters By Type In Kansas City


Sniffspot Kansas City Dog Rescues & Shelters Frequently Asked Questions

How many dog rescues and shelters operate in Kansas City?

There are 6 in Kansas City. Outside of Kansas City, there are 7 located in Missouri.

What are the most reputable dog rescues and shelters in Kansas City?

There are many reputable rescues in Kansas City, the top 3 on our list are: Missouri German Shepherd Rescue, Furry Kids Refuge, KC Pet Project.

What specialized services do dog rescues and shelters in Kansas City offer?

The most common specialization for dog rescues and shelters in Kansas City is German Shepherd with 1 focusing on it.

How can I adopt a rescue dog in Kansas City?

Using our list of the top dog rescues and shelters, you can find a reputable shelter in Kansas City. The adoption policies of each shelter varies and you can find information on the shelter profile page. Here is an example adoption policy:
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.

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

We do not have any record of breed specific rescues and shelters in Kansas City, but there are the top breed-specific rescue and shelter types in nearby metro, Missouri German Shepherd Rescue, Journey Home GSD Rescue

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

Sniffspot Dog swimming in pool
David Adams photo

David Adams

June 25, 2024

Dog Rescues & Shelters

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