The Best Missouri Dog Rescues & Shelters in 2025

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

Valentine’s Second Chance Animal Rescue

North Kansas City Animal Control

The Animal Control Unit is responsible for responding to all domesticated animal related complaint calls, picking up and disposing of animal carcasses, picking up and transporting injured animals, and educating the public on animal related ordinances and care issues. There is an animal control officer available seven days a week. The shelter is open 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., Tuesday through Friday and 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Saturday. You may contact them by telephone at (816) 274-6024. The shelter is located at 2020 Bedford, North Kansas City.

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.

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!

KC Protective Animal Welfare Society

Missouri Pit Bull Rescue

An all-volunteer 501C3 rescue group in Kansas City, Missouri, MPR's Mission is to promote responsible Pit Bull ownership, provide breed education, combat pet overpopulation, fight unfair legislation's and find qualified homes for sound Pit Bull dogs in Missouri and beyond. The Beginning MPR was formed in 1998 by husband and wife Veronique (V) and Robert (Rob) Chesser. The two Pit Bull lovers met online in 1996 when participating in a Pit Bull related forum. Rob and V quickly realized they had a lot in common, including a deep desire to make a difference in the lives of homeless Pit Bulls. V, who is French Canadian and originally from Quebec, Canada, has a certification in Canine Science and over 40 years of experience with dog rescue. Rob, a Network Security Engineer by profession, grew up with Pit Bull dogs and embarked on his rescue journey over 25 years ago. MPR began with Rob and V saving dogs from local pounds one at a time, keeping rescue Pit Bulls in their home with very little resource and no financial assistance until the word spread out and help came forward. The organization started to grow as V joined forces with other local Pit Bull lovers wanting to help this noble, yet vilified and abused breed of dog. MPR was recognized as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in 2003 and has continued to grow ever since. Luckily now, MPR is fortunate enough to receive assistance and financial support from Pit Bull lovers across the country, allowing the organization to build a fund dedicated to covering each dog's basic needs and essential medical care. Thanks to a well-rounded team of committed volunteers and a large base of supporters, MPR has gone from saving 20 Pit Bulls in 2000 to over 100 a year - an increase well over 200%. The Present MPR’s mission is still very much the same as it was when V and Rob were saving Pit Bull dogs one at a time, but on a much larger scale. The organization currently operates with over 50 active volunteers, a dozen dedicated foster homes, its very own private shelter, and a team of advisors to help provide governance. No one is getting paid for their involvement with the group but the rewards are endless. We're all Pit Bull lovers with full-time jobs and families who spend every spare dollar and minute of our time helping those deserving dogs. Our commitments include Pit Bull education (via email, the website and events), evaluating dogs for rescue, fostering, caring for the shelter dogs, vet visits, rehabilitation and nursing sick dogs to good health, attending adoption events, screening applications, conducting phone interviews, home checks, and follow-ups, transporting dogs to potential homes, teaching a dog how to be a good pet, and lastly, LOVING our rescue dogs with all our heart until it's time to let them go to their forever home. In 2016 MPR reached its biggest goal to date. We designed and conceived our very own shelter! We opened our doors in 2017 and this little Pit Bull haven has been thriving since then. We currently have the capacity of 12 dogs at the shelter with a total of 25 on the property. We built the shelter to be comfortable for both pit bulls and our volunteers, and inviting to potential adopters and supporters. We have large kennels with indoor and outdoor access. 2 large playrooms, an isolation/medical room, office space, a laundry room, a kitchen, bathroom, storage and play yards. While pouring our hearts out helping as many blockheads as we can, we must still endure the heartbreaking job of turning away countless dogs, often the victim of extremely poor care, over-breeding and negative image perpetrated by the media, due to limited space, resources, foster homes and funds. We are keeping our chins up however, as we know our hard work is significant even if we only make a dent in the grand scheme of things. Helping 1 dog wont change the world, but it will change the world for that 1 dog. The Future Our future goals include continuing growth and education reach, increase our volunteer base, improve our adoption rate, and always enhance our positive and helpful impact not only on the dogs, but on the breed in general. We also have big plans for our rescue facility, including adding an adoption center, more walking trails and a memorial garden.

City of Oak Grove Animal Control

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.

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.

Autumn Acres Animal Rescue

In 2004 Donna and Jenifer started Autumn Acres Animal Rescue. Both women were aware of the plight of dogs in area shelters and the neglect and abuse many dogs face every day. Instead of standing along the sidelines they decided to become involved. Both had previously volunteered with other organizations. Donna had been highly involved in volunteer transports including numerous cross country transports and Jenifer had volunteered with several animal organizations. When starting Autumn Acres Animal Rescue Donna had a very strong love of the Newfoundland dog breed and her focus was on those special dogs. With her leadership our rescue pulled many new fies from puppy mill auctions, shelters, breeder releases and even handled owner surrenders. In those early years there weren’t many groups around helping out New found lands. The NCA club had such strict requirements that many of our owner surrendered newfies had been turned down by the NCA breed club rescues. As time went on…more and more rescues started focusing on giant breeds and the need for us to have the Newfie Division wasn’t there anymore. Jenifer’s focus when starting Autumn Acres Animal Rescue continues to this day. She has always focused on the dogs the other rescues ignored. The ones who trembled in fear, who growled, who refused to make eye contact…the ones that needed extra time due to their fear, heartbreak, illnesses, or special needs. Those are the dogs she’s always had a need to help. Many times she had to fight with shelters to get those dogs released. Most shelters refused to allow a dog who was scared and may possibly defend themselves if pressed in corner to be released. Things have changed so much since those beginning days. More dogs are given a chance…but one thing that hasn’t changed? There are still very few rescues willing to give those dogs the time and chance they need. In 2018 Autumn Acres Animal Rescue was finally able to take in their first rescue horses. We had become aware of the horrible things that happen to horses about 4 years ago but we didn’t have a chance to become involved until this past year. We are working with a kill lot in Kansas and we hope to help even more horses that were slaughter bound in the coming years! “Horses are pets too!” is the name we’ve given this program. If you haven’t been around horses you need to schedule a time to meet ours. Horses give love, affection, and their all for their people. They are loyal and they have hearts and feelings too. These animals are not meant to be used as a machine then thrown away. They don’t deserve the pain and heartbreak they experience on the way to the slaughterhouse. They deserve so much more.

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.

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.

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.

Friends of the Friendless

We have helped animals since 2001. We are an all-volunteer association whose aim is to rescue animals and help place them into loving homes. These animals have a history of being unwanted, abandoned, lost, and abused but after proper care and assessment have been found to be stellar companions. There are usually many wonderful dogs and cats available. But there are also many, many more that need homes, too. That's where volunteers and donations become so crucial to the mission. A tax Deductable 501(c)3 charitable organization. DONATIONS WELCOME! 100% of all donations go toward the quality care we provide each animal. Let us know if you would like to help with any volunteer work.

Boxer and Pittie Paws Rescue

Warriors' Best Friend Foundation

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.