Since 2002, Helping Strays has been dedicated to the welfare and protection of animals. We rescue, shelter and rehabilitate homeless pets, finding them loving forever homes. Formerly known as the Humane Society of Monroe County, IL, Helping Strays operates under no-kill standards. We are proud to have one of the highest save rates among animal shelters anywhere.
Our History
In 2002, a handful of concerned citizens met to discuss the conditions of Monroe County Animal Control at that time, where nearly all stray and surrendered pets were euthanized. Out of that meeting, the Humane Society of Monroe County was born and soon thereafter gained its non-profit status.
Beginning with just a few foster homes and adoption events in 2004, the newly formed Humane Society of Monroe County slowly began to grow. Adoptions began to increase and all of the animals rescued by Helping Strays at this time were kept in foster homes until adoption.
2006, A spot was secured on St. Louis’ NBC Affiliate KSDK's Sammy Stars in 2006, and our adoptable pets continue to be featured weekly on KSDK to this day.
In 2007, Helping Strays leased a small building just north of Red Bud, IL and it was filled to capacity within two months. In addition to our foster homes, the shelter offered 14 dog runs and room for 25 cats.
In 2013, while legally remaining the Humane Society of Monroe County, the organization began doing business as Helping Strays. This rebranding offered a distinction between Helping Strays and many other Humane Societies because we rely entirely on donations and do not receive any funds from any federal, state, or local government entities.
In 2016, Helping Strays’ new facility and current home opened, allowing many more pets to be saved, significantly increasing adoptions, and providing a resource to the community for animal welfare education. Our current shelter can house over 60 homeless pets and includes a turf play yard, surgery suite, meet and greet rooms, intake and recovery rooms, office space and more.
Today, we average over 1,000 adoptions each year and maintain a Save Rate over 98%. We are proud to say that over 10,000 homeless pets have been rescued and adopted since our humble beginning in 2002.
Mission and Vision
Our Mission is to Rescue, shelter, and rehabilitate homeless pets, find them loving homes, and promote responsible pet ownership.
Adoption Policy
How to Adopt
We encourage walk-ins, so you can visit the shelter to meet your new best friend any time that is convenient for you! If you would like to meet an animal in foster care, give us a call at 618-939-7389 and we will help you schedule a convenient time to meet.
Adoption information
Adoption Fees
Dog Adoption Fees
$300 - Puppies
(under 7 months old)
$250 - Adults
(7 months & older)
In addition to your new family member, your adoption fee comes with over $500 in medical services included. What’s Included:
• Routine Vaccinations
• Spay/Neuter Surgery
• Microchipping
• A Collar and Starter Bag of Purina Pet Food
• FeLV and FIV Testing for Cats
• Heartworm Testing For Dogs
• Heartworm & Flea/Tick Prevention
You'll love our easy process:
• Meet
• Fall in Love
• Sign Here
• Live Happily Ever After!
Great, we encourage walk-in adoptions!
Requirements and Details:
• Adopters must be 18 years of age or older.
• Adopters agree that cats will be housed indoors and will not be declawed.
• Adopters agree that dogs will be housed indoors and remain on heartworm prevention.
https://helpingstrays.org/adopt/adopt-a-dog/
Testimonials
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