The Best St. Louis, MO 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.

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.

Advocates 4 Animals

Judy's Forgotten Jewells

Our amazing team of employees and volunteers are committed to helping our animals find forever homes. Our veterinarian has dedicated her life to animal rescue. We take our convictions and turn them into action to help better our community and provide our animals with the best. Our History Judy's Forgotten Jewells is a licensed Non-Profit Animal Rescue Group. It was founded by our veterinarian Patricia L. Smith DVM in 2009 in honor of her mother's childhood dog "Judy Dog" and Jewell Animal Hospital. Dr. Smith believes that ALL animals deserve quality pet care and a caring home. The rescue is supported by volunteers, the Jewell Animal Hospital staff, and pet-passionate people in our community who donate money and supplies. The rescue does not receive any funding from large corporations or private foundations. We do charge an adoption fee which helps cover only a fraction of what it costs to spay/neuter, vaccinate, blood test, implant a microchip, provide routine flea/tick/heartworm prevention, feed our animals, and also provide any medical treatment prior to adoption.

Saint Louis Scottish Terrier Rescue

St. Louis Scottish Terrier Rescue is dedicated to the rescuing, vetting & re-homing of purebred Scottish Terriers. Our adoptable Scotties come from animal shelters, commercial breeders, and owner releases. We completely vet every dog to the best of our abilities. Each dog is spayed/neutered, tested for heartworms and given all applicable vaccinations. A Scottie in our rescue lives in a foster home where he will receive one on one attention and evaluation along with a lot of love. Scotties ready for adoption can be found via the Available Dogs button above.

Love A Golden Rescue

Love a Golden Rescue began in January 2001; at its foundation, it was a small group of volunteers who saw a need to help golden retrievers and golden retriever mixes in Central and Eastern Missouri and Central and Southern Illinois. That first year 50 dogs found forever homes. That was more than was anticipated, but we soon found that the "need" was larger than we initially thought. With everyone working together, the dogs received the necessary veterinary care, and lived in caring homes before moving into their forever homes. Adoption applications and home visits ensured that the forever families and the dogs were the right "fit." Now we are 22 years old, and have rescued more than 1400 dogs, all due to the concerted effort of our volunteers. Love a Golden has rescued dogs with a wide variety of needs. We have taken in pregnant dogs who delivered a litter soon after intake. We have saved goldens who required major surgery immediately after we took them in. We find great homes for golden retrievers who have spent all their lives in a breeding facility; they quickly become beloved family members. Seeing the photos from the new families---as the dogs snuggle on the couch with their two-legged and four-legged brothers and sisters or as they romp on the beach during a vacation--- is why rescue is so important to us. Not only do we strive to rescue goldens who have special needs but we also reach out to save seniors (dogs who are 9 years or older). Seniors have such a special place in Love a Golden's heart, and our Senior Life program recognizes the incredible families who adopt senior goldens. As foster homes are available we have taken labs, labs mixes and other dogs with no alternative.

APA Adoption Center

The APA is dedicated to bringing people and pets together, advancing humane education, and creating programs beneficial to the human/animal bond. To support this vision, we've adopted the tenets of a socially conscious animal welfare organization. That means we balance our commitment to animals with the St. Louis community, and consider the impact of our programs on the lives of both humans and pets. While we're proud that 6,000 animals found homes through the APA last year, we're also proud to continue supporting those families through spay and neuter operations, classroom initiatives, senior services, an on-site clinic, and many more programs. Each is designed to help people and pets bring out the best in each other for years to come.

Home 2 Home Canine Orphanage

Home 2 Home is a non-profit canine orphanage revolutionizing the way dogs find their perfect homes. With a high standard of care, a premium facility, screened foster homes, and a more personalized matchmaking system, the truths about their personalities are able to be communicated more accurately. Our goal is to give our dogs a better life before you adopt them and to make sure that we are pairing people appropriately to minimize the risk of return. Being a reputable rescue should look like ensuring the dogs we agree to take are always welcomed back in the rare occasions when they need to be returned. We understand that situations can arise out of an owners control but part of our job is making sure our dogs always have a safe spot to land. With the opportunity for affordable training, access to preventive vet care, and a team of people ready to assist, our dogs quality of life and safety always remain our top priorities.

Pet's Second Chance, Inc.

Pet's Second Chance, Inc., founded in St. Louis, Missouri in 2000 by Linda Moore as a 501 (c)(3) not-for-profit organization, rehabilitates and re-homes abandoned Pembroke and Cardigan Welsh Corgis, as well as Corgi mixes. Linda is a member of the The St. Louis Herding Club, The Gaitway Agility Club, The Greater St. Louis Agility Club, and she serves on the Board of Metro Animal Resources. Pet’s Second Chance is a member of the Nestle-Purina Pet Lovers Coalition, which works to end euthanasia in the Greater St. Louis Area. PSC accepts Corgis from Missouri, Northern Arkansas, and Southern Illinois. Our dogs range in age from puppies to seniors. We rescue Corgis abandoned by their owners due to divorce, relocation, financial difficulties, the birth of a child, and any number of reasons for which a family may no longer be able to keep their Corgi. Many come to us from shelters. We accept all Corgis regardless of their age or physical condition, and many Corgis who come to us suffer from the following medical issues: heartworms, dental carries, internal parasites, urinary tract infections, fleas and ticks, and even lice. Some have broken bones or cancer. Nearly all suffer from broken hearts and broken spirits. We don’t have a shelter affiliated with our rescue. Our Corgis receive proper medical care and rehabilitation in loving foster homes with other Corgis or Corgi mixes. Adoption requires an application, an interview, and a contract. We make home visits before and after placing our dogs and continue to provide support post adoption; you’ll not only acquire a Corgi but also a Corgi family. Basic obedience with an approved trainer is also required for adoption. Corgis, a highly intelligent breed, want to learn and to work. Easily bored, Corgis will find their own job if one’s not provided for them, which can lead to trouble. No matter what breed you are looking to adopt, research the breed’s temperament. The right dog placed in the right home leads to a happy dog and a happy family. We don’t pride ourselves on the number of dogs adopted; instead, we focus on matching each Corgi with a family who will provide the dog a forever home. Not all rescues have the same philosophy. Before you adopt, contact the Missouri Department of Agriculture, 573-751-3076 to ask questions about a specific rescue organization. Rescues in Missouri must be licensed and inspected at least once a year. We strongly encourage anyone planning to adopt to consider the true cost of dog ownership. It’s not a one-time adoption fee. Routine physicals, monthly heartworm, periodic dentals, and unplanned veterinary care or medical emergencies cost money. High quality food and training are also an investment. A pet savings account or pet insurance can help.

Dirk's Fund

History of Dirk’s Fund Our story begins in the 1980s, when the founder and his wife started rescuing dogs. Through the popularity of their own Golden Retrievers, Sadie and Hannah, they were contacted by animal control regarding a Golden Retriever that was going to be euthanized. Her name was Jenny. They were able to find her a home and then replaced her with another homeless dog. This is the cycle that started Dirk’s Fund. They rescued rehabilitated and found loving homes for eleven dogs in the first year. The director and his wife used their own home, resources and personal time to make sure each and every dog’s life had a happy ending.

Lucky K9 Rescue - St. Charles, MO

Lucky K9 Rescue is a non-profit, volunteer dog rescue organization serving local communities of St. Louis/St. Charles, Missouri. We are dedicated to rescuing dogs left homeless for whatever reason – dogs in public shelters where they are at high risk of euthanasia due to pet overpopulation, dogs given up by their owners because of difficult circumstances, and those in danger of abuse or neglect. We place dogs in loving, responsible, committed permanent homes, following a comprehensive adoption process which includes taking considerable care in finding good matches and educating prospective adopters about the responsibilities and costs of bringing a dog into their homes and lives. Animals in our care are spayed or neutered, receive all appropriate veterinary care and treatment, and placed in nurturing foster homes while they await placement in their permanent homes. We assist dogs in distress without regard to age, breed or ease of placement. To the extent our finances allow, dogs in the greatest need take priority. We are determined to keep administrative expenses extremely low so that virtually every dollar taken in goes directly to the care of the animals. Our group remains interested in and committed to the welfare of the dog beyond the adoption process. Finally, we strive to work with area shelters and other rescue and humane organizations to develop a network of supporters and volunteers in order to create a better world for homeless pets.

St. Charles County Pet Adoption Center

The St. Charles County Pet Adoption Center opened in November 1999 as the home to the Division of Humane Services. Since that opening, the division has been dedicated toward improving the lives of animals in our community by: o Sheltering and adopting animals into loving, forever homes. o Working with prospective owners to enhance animal welfare. o Reuniting lost pets with their owners. o Enforcing St. Charles County's Animal Control Ordinance. o Fostering community engagement with the Pet Adoption Center. Open Admissions Shelter The St. Charles County Pet Adoption Center is an Open Admissions Shelter, which means that we accept authorized stray animals regardless of their adoptability. Owner-relinquished pets are individually assessed based on current shelter resources at the time of surrender. All stray dogs and cats are required by law to be held for a minimum of five business days, and 10 business days if the animal has identification. Once that legal hold time has been satisfied, we make all healthy, behaviorally sound animals available for adoption. Time Limit We do not give adoptable animals a time limit. We make them available for as long as we have space, and as long as they remain physically and mentally healthy. We also work with other area shelters and rescue groups, and have a very active foster parent program, which helps us to place more animals - including those with special needs.

Humane Society of Missouri - Longmeadow Rescue Ranch

Nestled among 165 acres of woodland near Union, MO, the Humane Society of Missouri’s Longmeadow Rescue Ranch is haven for hundreds of abused and neglected horses, cows, goats, pigs, ducks and other farm animals. The ranch is one of the most comprehensive horse and farm animal care and rehabilitation centers in the country. In addition to animal care, ranch staff provide hands-on humane education experiences for both children and adults. Our History Longmeadow Rescue Ranch, once known as Packwood Longmeadow Farm, was purchased in 1988, made possible by a generous bequest from George Packwood, Jr. Mr Packwood’s commitment to the Humane Society of Missouri began as an active supporter of the organization and continues today through his generous donation of land to be used specifically for the care of ranch animals. The same bold spirit that colored his philanthropic life marked Mr. Packwood’s career. He began his career as an engineer and applied his expertise as a signal construction foreman for the Frisco Railroad. He often found himself washing his dirty hands until they were practically raw. So, working in a rented loft, he created a milder industrial soap along with a special soap dispenser. He liked the idea of marketing his product instead of sitting behind a desk as a consulting engineer. In 1926 he was ready to launch his own business, which in the 1950s was sold to the Calgon Corporation. Mr. Packwood is quoted as saying, “In the world of business, if you perfect something good, you can get up on the housetop and flap your wings and crow about it.” Well, Mr. Packwood, through your generous donation of land we created something good – Longmeadow Rescue Ranch. And we promise we will get up on the housetop and flap our wings and crow about it as we make this safe haven for horses and ranch animals even greater.

Camp Chaos Puppy Rescue

Camp Chaos Puppy Rescue is a small foster based puppy rescue that saves animals from rural areas and local high kill shelters. We specialize in the care and rescue of pregnant mothers and litters of puppies. We are not equipped to take in or care for adult dogs, especially large breeds, other than the pregnant females and mothers of the puppies in our care. On rare occasion our organization will take in other puppies and dogs in need based on foster home availability. Our goal is to place homeless pets in the best home possible and to see to it that they are spayed/neutered to eliminate their ability to add to the over population of unwanted and homeless pets. Our rescue is "Foster Based," meaning all of our dogs live in the homes of our foster families throughout the week, we do not have a shelter/institution.

St. Louis Senior Dog Project

The St. Louis Senior Dog Project is a foster-based dog rescue organization specializing in older dogs but also taking and finding homes for dogs of all ages.

Heartland Humane Society of Missouri

Heartland Humane Society is a 501(c)3 non-profit group of dedicated foster homes that gives abandoned, abused, and unwanted animals another chance for loving, permanent homes through our adoption program. OUR OPERATING COSTS ARE $260k annually, not including what our amazing fosters pay for out of their own pockets for supplies and other expenses. We are 100% volunteer-based so the majority of funds received go towards veterinary fees, which comprises about 75% of our overall budget. This includes spays/neuters, vaccines, surgeries, dental procedures, emergency hospital visits and other necessary medical treatments. The remaining funds are used for medical supplies and food. Only 20% comes from adoption fees. The remaining 80% is derived from donations, fundraisers and grants. Heartland was founded in 1998 and has been saving animals for over 25 years! We currently rescue and find homes for about 400 pets each year through adoptions at the O’Fallon and Wentzville PetSmart stores and the Whisker Station Cat Café in Kirkwood.

PALS Animal Shelter

PALS is essentially a “no-kill” shelter. The only time an animal is euthanized is if it is too sick to be treated or too aggressive to be suitable for adoption. Even in these circumstances, the decision to euthanize is not taken lightly and must be approved by our Board of Directors. Other than for those reasons, a pet will have a caring home with PALS until adopted.

Stray and Orphaned Animal Rescue

Stray and Orphaned Animal Rescue is a 501(c)3 non-profit group committed to helping the most needy, as well as the readily adoptable, canines looking for new homes in our community. We are a 100 % volunteer operated organization dedicated to restoring the dogs under our care to physical and emotional health as they await placement in loving, responsible homes. We are a small foster based organization with one location in O'fallon, Missouri and another small chapter in Denver, Colorado.

City of Crystal City Animal Control

Animal Control is available to help you with a variety of both domestic and wildlife related problems or questions. Crystal City Animal Control is conveniently located at Hugs Landing Road in Crystal City Mo. Upon request, city owned traps will be set as needed, however traps will be picked up before holidays and weekends. Disposal of animals that are caught in traps that are not the city's will be the residents responsibility. The Animal Control Officer is not available on Wednesdays or Saturdays.

Stepping Stone Bully Rescue

Stray Paws Rescue

Stray Paws Rescue is a 501c3 nonprofit, foster based rescue. Our organization believes it is our moral responsibility to protect and improve the lives of rescued animals and place them in loving permanent homes in St. Louis Metro Area.

All About Paws

Nonprofit Providing a Safe Haven for Animals All About Paws is a 501c3 group of volunteer animal lovers whose mission is to rescue, provide sanctuary, and ultimately re-home abandoned, stray, and neglected companion animals. All animals in our care are spayed or neutered and receive the necessary medical attention. The All About Paws foster home system provides a safe haven for the animals until they can be placed in carefully screened forever homes.

Unleashed Potential Animal Rescue

Unleashed Potential is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit, foster based rescue. Our goal is to save as many dogs as possible and help them find foster and forever homes. ​We serve the St. Charles County/ O'Fallon MO area

Even Chance Pitbull Rescue

Jefferson County Animal Control

The Animal Control Division is committed to the enhancement of responsible pet ownership for all animals. We respond to requests for service regarding dogs and cats running at large, animal neglect and abuse, injured animals and wild animals inside the living areas of a home. Roles We investigate neglect and abuse allegations, investigate and quarantine animals for potential rabies exposure, while also providing adoption services in our shelter. We inspect and license dog and cat boarding and breeding facilities, as well as animal rescue facilities and foster-care homes. We maintain a "lost and found" canine and feline list of animals reported to us. We also operate the Animal Resource Center as a rabies quarantine facility and temporary housing facility for dogs and cats available for rescue and adoption. Enforcement The Animal Control Division enforces Chapter 215: Animal Control Order to protect public health and safety. Awards Jefferson County Animal Control has been awarded the No-Kill award from the Best Friends Animal Society for 2022 and 2023 due to having a live release rate of 90% or greater. This means that animals are only euthanized if medically necessary or due to severe behavioral issues. Jefferson County Animal Control is proud to say that we have not euthanized an adoptable animal in over seven years.

Missouri K9 Friends

Missouri K9 Friends is a 501(c)3 non-profit volunteer led organization. We rescue dogs in need, advocate for animal welfare, and promote ending breed discrimination

Pet Rescue Network

Pet Rescue Network, is a 501(c)(3) all volunteer organization licensed in the state of Missouri. It is comprised of dedicated and experienced volunteers determined to positively impact the lives of animals in need. We serve St. Louis and surrounding rural communities. Many PRN volunteers have 10 to 15 years experience in animal rescue activities. PRN strives to meet both the medical and psychological needs of animals who have suffered abuse, neglect, or abandonment through no fault of their own. What We Do Pet Rescue Network places unwanted and neglected pets in loving forever adoptive homes. While awaiting their permanent home, pets reside in loving foster homes and are treated as cherished family members. In order to secure the most permanent placements possible, PRN is committed to public education and thoughtful selection of potential families. Every rescued animal receives appropriate veterinarian care. PRN stresses the importance of spaying and neutering. We are strongly committed to promoting this throughout our community in an effort to reduce the number of unwanted pets. PRN participates in community outreach programs assisting citizens in finding low cost spay/neuter services when needed. PRN provides education to families regarding ways to provide structured, consistent, safe, and loving environments for all pets. We also provide education on the benefits of ongoing socialization and training for the family pet. By adopting from PRN, you can be assured that your new pet has been given the best of care. All animals reside in foster homes while awaiting adoption. They are socialized and assessed for behaviors, quirks and special needs PRIOR to being listed as “available” on our site. Since our adoptees are in homes, we usually know quite a bit about each pet’s individual personality. We can introduce each pet with information such as who does or does not interact well with other cats, dogs and children.

Midwest Doberman Rescue of St. Louis

Midwest Doberman Rescue of St. Louis is a not-for-profit (501(c)3) operating under Purebred Dog Rescue of S t. Louis, an all volunteer organization. We do not have a shelter or kennels, rather we take dogs into "foster care". Our first priority are the Dobermans who are in pounds, shelters or humane societies who have no other options and will be euthanized if we don't take them. Our second priority is helping people who have inherited a dog from a relative who has passed away or who because of circumstances beyond their control are no longer able to care for their Dobermans. Our last priority are owner surrenders. Our preference is to help you place your own dog. We will list your dog on our web site and prescreen all applicants prior to giving them your phone number. The transition from your home to a new home will be easier on the dog if they don't have to go into foster care first. We want every Doberman to be able to live out his/her natural life in a loving home. We want every adoption to be a happy, permanent placement. Each Doberman available for adoption is screened as carefully as possible. The simple fact is that not all dogs are appropriate for certain environments. Some dogs have specific temperaments and needs that not everyone can provide. You are asked to fill out an application before you meet our Dobermans so we can fit the right dog with your family.

Lucky Chance Rescue

Lucky Chance Rescue is a foster based rescue located near Lake St. Louis, Wentzville, O’Fallon, MO. We help families in St. Charles, St. Louis, Missouri & surrounding areas find their furever best friend.