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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

Mastino Rescue, Inc.

MASTINO RESCUE, INC. is a registered 501(c)(3) charitable organization formed in 2017. Our mission is to rescue, rehabilitate, and rehome the growing number of Neapolitan Mastiffs in need within the United States, and to educate the public about the realities of owning this magnificent and unique breed. We are the only breed-specific rescue in the country for the Neapolitan Mastiff, and the only officially endorsed rescue of the United States Neapolitan Mastiff Club. To date, we have placed over 200 dogs into their adoptive homes in 38 states. ​Over the last decade, the Neapolitan Mastiff (or Mastino Napoletano in Italian) has become more popular in the United States, and consequently, an increasing number are being surrendered or dumped in kill shelters. The Mastino is an amazing breed, but it is not a good fit for the inexperienced dog owner, and often ends up with the wrong family or in the wrong environment. It is our goal to help displaced Neapolitan Mastiffs find the very best home for their individual needs while providing advocacy and education about this breed. Our success is largely attributable to our foster program. When we bring a Neapolitan Mastiff into our rescue, we affectionately refer to them as "Mastino Royalty," and attempt to place the Mastino Royalty dog directly into an experienced foster home. This breed bonds strongly with its humans and takes a long time to adjust moving from home to home. The dog remains with a foster until an appropriate adopter is found. We are 100% volunteer based, and as a nonprofit, we are ineligible to receive any government funding. Due to the growing number of Neapolitan Mastiffs in need, we are always looking for dedicated volunteers for fostering, transport, fundraising, home visits and much more.

Wayside Waifs

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.

Pampered Poms Rescue

We are a RESCUE, which is very different than a shelter. Instead of hours, we have appointments. You may fill out an Adoption Application first, or call us to set up a time to meet the dogs we have for adoption. They may all be at our location, but some may be in foster homes. We need to get an idea of which dogs might be a good match for you, then proceed. Adoption is a process. We want to learn about you, as you learn about the pet. We want to make the best match possible for each dog. Some may need a fenced yard, others may do well in an apartment with only leash walking. Some may need a human at home during the day. We try to evaluate each dog thoroughly to see what they need. Sometimes there could be five Poms you can meet all at once to see which one you are attracted to. In the past we have had as many as 8 Poms at once. We get our dogs from a variety of places. Many animal groups work together in this area. Everyone knows we are the Pom Rescue so they may want us to take a Pom because we know more about the breed. We have people that adopt from us that have had this breed for decades, and may choose to adopt, instead of purchase. Most come from individuals who cannot care for the dog. Often times it boils down to finances. Things like housing, jobs, or lack of, allergies, kids, and owners passing are reasons we might get a dog. Most of the times it is not the animals fault. Sometimes the dog needs extra training or is special needs. Life happens, and we try not to blame the humans for making hard decisions that affects this furry friend they are respondsible for. We are always glad in the end that the dogs came to us. We hope to make the rest of their lives, the best of their lives. When we get a dog, our first priority is Love and Acceptance. It is very important the dog feel safe and loved. Then we evaluate the behavior, health, and needs of the dog. We do all the medical before searching for the perfect home. We have fantastic vets who give us a small discount and is awesome with tiny special dogs that often need major surgery. We get applications from far away and many ask about transports. We will contemplate a long distance adoption and we have done this many times. If we have a great application locally it will likely be picked first. Some special needs dogs may be eligible because its harder to find them homes. There are other rescues who will transport dogs to you, but we will not. If you adopt long distance and are approved you must drive here to get them. Sometimes the adopter isn't approved until we meet in person. Meet n greets are so important, for the dog and the people. Personalities and characteristics can't be shown in a picture. Please understand its hard to make everyone happy and its the dog that matters most. Fortunately we are a small rescue and never have a problem with space. The dogs can stay with us as long as needed for rehab or while searching for the perfect home. We are a state licensed, non profit and rely on donations to operate. We charge adoption fees, but often the bills go beyond a reasonable donation fee. We also provide things like collars, leash, harness, kennel, food and grooming for every dog we adopt out.

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.

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.

MoKan Greyhound Adoption

We are a tax-exempt, non-profit corporation founded for the purpose of finding homes for ex-racing greyhounds and educating the public on the suitability and availability of greyhounds as pets. Our programs depend on donations and volunteers to accomplish our wonderful mission. All funds go directly to our programs; the organization is comprised solely of volunteers.

Warriors' Best Friend Foundation

Adopt Rescue Foster

City of Oak Grove Animal Control

Kansas City Doberman Rescue

Angels Left Behind

Independence Animal Services

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.

Animals Best Friends

Animals Best Friends is a 501C3 non-profit organization that is run solely by volunteers. We are proud to be licensed in the state of Missouri.​ Animals Best Friends (ABF) was started in March of 1995 with 6 volunteers. By July of 2004, the organization was able to purchase a vet's office for the rescue facility. ​ We promote the importance of spay/neuter and educate the public on providing basic medical care and humane treatment of animals. All of our animals are spayed/neutered, current on vaccinations, microchipped and heartworm and flea prevention given. Any health problems are cared for and specialty vet services used as needed.​ Our Outreach Program continues to help the animals in need in our community.

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.

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.