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.

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!

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.

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.

Chain of Hope

Chain of Hope KC is a 501 c3 organization, formed in 2010 with a primary goal of alleviating the suffering of abused and neglected animals within the urban core of Kansas City. Our ultimate goal is to break the chain of ignorance, break the chain of suffering, and break the chain of unwanted litters. Mission Statement: Helping owners become aware of the crucial needs of their pets. Canvassing target areas searching for animals in distress. Providing survival supplies such as: -Food, shelter, and water -Medical supplies -Veterinarian information -Free or Low cost Spay/Neuter information Educating inner city youth groups promoting responsible pet ownership. Chain of Hope has improved the lives of so many inner city animals. Even if it means that the animal gets spayed or neutered and gets onto a tie-out cable, rather than the heavy tow chain it probably was dragging around. Sometimes that’s all we can do, but it improves their lives at least a little. Chain of Hope is relentless against animal neglect and abuse. We monitor, check back, call animal control when needed – we always try to make sure that the animal doesn’t fall through the cracks. Chain of Hope is a grass roots organization helping neglected animals right here in this city. Our volunteers are highly dedicated and the compassion in our hearts for animals is great. Thanks to all of you for supporting Chain of Hope and keeping us out there!

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.

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.

Midwest Animal Resq

Midwest Animal ResQ (MARQ) was founded in 2009 as a small foster-based rescue group focused on saving dogs from inhumane conditions at local large scale breeding facilities. With the help of dedicated supporters and volunteers, MARQ has grown into a multifaceted group in a short period of time. While we are still very passionate about retired breeding dogs, our scope has increased along with our capacity to serve the animals of the greater Kansas City area. Our adoption center in Raytown, MO opened in 2015, and our sanctuary property on 6 acres provides safe housing for animals needing special medical or behavioral help prior to going to their forever homes. MARQ's fantastic network of fosters open their hearts and homes to animals in need until a forever home can be found. We are passionate about pets of course, but are also passionate about people and making sure their experience with us is just as wonderful as the new family member they are adopting. Our mission statement is "Completing families one tail at a time" and, our focus is taking the time to get to know our pets and our customers so we can make a perfect match! All of our adult animals go on a 30 day trial adoption to make sure everyone is happy in the new home, and our commitment to each animal is lifelong.

KC Protective Animal Welfare Society

Liberty Animal Control & Shelter

Liberty Animal Control enforces Missouri statues and Liberty Codes regarding the keeping of animals within the City of Liberty. This division strives to maintain a balance of the health, safety and welfare needs of residents and animals within Liberty city limits. Services Animal control provides the following services: o Picks up stray dogs within the City. o Investigates animal neglect and cruelty. o Investigates animal bites. o Issues citations for ordinance violations. o Makes court appearances. o Assists with barking dogs and other nuisance animal complaints. o Picks up deceased animals from residential City streets. Deer are the only exclusion. To report a deceased deer for removal, please contact the Non-Emergency Police Dispatch line at 816.439.4701. o Removes sick or injured wildlife that could pose a public safety risk. o Animal Control does not provide nuisance wildlife removal. All wildlife concerns should first be directed to the Missouri Department of Conservation. o If a wild animal has made an intrusion to your actual living space, call the Liberty Animal Control for assistance removing it from your home. o If you are having problems with a wildlife infestation, such as bats in your attic or a family of raccoons living under your porch, you will be directed to contact a professional pest removal company to handle the problem. o Assists with wildlife intrusion into human living spaces (not wildlife infestation). o Operates the Liberty Animal Shelter.

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.

Angels Left Behind

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.

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.

Old drum animal shelter

Old Drum Animal Shelter will provide compassionate animal care in support of a thriving pet welfare community within Johnson County, Missouri.

Valentine’s Second Chance Animal 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.

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.

Warriors' Best Friend Foundation

Mid-America Bully Breed Rescue

Mid-America Bully Breed Rescue History Kansas Pit Bull Rescue (KPR) was founded in 2003 by two dog lovers who were tired of having to turn homeless pit bulls away from their small foster home network because they lacked space, volunteers and adequate funding. Their goal was to assist pit bull-type dogs who found themselves in high kill shelters in the Midwest. With significant help from supporters and donors, KPR placed over 100 needy pit bulls and pit bull mixes into responsible forever homes within their first two years of incorporation as a licensed 501(c)(3) not for profit organization. Kansas Pit Bull Rescue Becomes MABBR As we met more local bully lovers, KPR expanded in 2005 and created Mid-America Bully Breed Rescue (MABBR), a foster home network maintained entirely by volunteers. Since its expansion, MABBR has successfully placed thousands of pit bull-type dogs into permanent homes. With hard work, dedication and charitable donations, we believe MABBR will continue to have a tremendous impact on bully breed dogs in the Midwest. Dogs in MABBR’s Adoption Program MABBR volunteers rescue dogs from a variety of different situations. However, most of the dogs in our program come from small shelters in the Midwest where they have little chance of getting the exposure they need to find the right adopters. All the dogs in our program are temperament tested and evaluated on a daily basis until they find their new homes. Most MABBR dogs are in foster homes where they are socialized with other dogs, children and adults. Our foster families play a big part in our success as they not only invite these dogs into their home and care for them, but they also spend countless hours working with their foster dogs to ensure they are stable and well-mannered pets. MABBR takes the responsibility of choosing good adoption prospects very seriously. Although we don’t expect the dogs to come to us with perfect manners, we do expect them to be friendly with all people. MABBR has a zero tolerance policy with dogs that exhibit human aggression and will not place dogs that display dangerous behavior towards humans. As responsible bully owners and rescuers, it is our duty to ensure the dogs in our program are good breed ambassadors. MABBR is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation MABBR is licensed by the State of Missouri and is a 501(c)(3) not for profit corporation. All donations are tax deductible.

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.

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.

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.