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.

Faery Tails Corgi Rescue of St. Louis Inc.

Is Today My Day Rescue

Is Today My Day Rescue (ITMD) was formed by a group of dog-loving individuals in July of 2017. ITMD is a licenced, 501c3, non-profit dog rescue that strives to help homeless dogs find permanent placement in adoptive homes. We are a foster-based rescue with most of our fosters within an hour of St. Louis, MO. Our primary service area is rural south central Missouri. After two major animal shelters/rescues in the area permanently shut their doors, resources for dogs in need in this area were few and far between. It is an area with significant canine overpopulation and few resources. We work with individuals from this area to rehome personal dogs and help place stray dogs. Our community outreach includes altering family pets to reduce the overall dog population in the area as well as providing preventative care and dog food for families in need. While our focus is rural south central Missouri, we will help any dog we can. Our dogs come from a variety of circumstances, including strays, owner relinquishes, breeder releases, animal control facilities, and dogs at risk of euthanasia.

Fourche Valley Rescue

We are a non-profit organization based in Bloomsdale, MO and are dedicated to helping animals in need.

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.

Wonder Weims Rescue

The Goode Life Rescue

On My Way to Furever Rescue Inc.

On My Way To Furever Rescue Inc is a 501c3 non-profit, fully foster based rescue, licensed through the Department of Agriculture. We are based in St. Louis County, Missouri. On My Way to Furever Rescue Inc. is a nonprofit animal rescue dedicated to finding homes for pets in need. We are a foster based rescue that works to prepare the pets in our care for life in a forever home. We provide needed medical care, socialization, and love while looking for a home that matches their needs. We work with adoptive families to help them find the perfect fit for their family. We also work to reunite lost pets with their families and educate owners on care, training and keeping their pets secure and safe in their own homes.

St. Animal Pet Adoptions

St. Animal Pet Adoptions (SAPA) is a 501c3 non-profit Volunteer/Adoption Group that works in partnership with the City of St. Ann (MO) Animal Control to re-home pets that have been surrendered or unclaimed. Above all else, our focus is on saving and improving the lives of animals. This commitment can be found in everything we do—from advocacy and education to rescue and rehabilitation efforts.

MO Min Pin Rescue Corp.

MO Min Pin Rescue Corp. is a non-profit 501c3, volunteer dog rescue serving the state of Missouri as well as many other states nationwide. Founded in January of 2017, 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, and those in danger of abuse or neglect. We strive to place all of our rescued dogs with loving families, following a comprehensive adoption process. This process includes a completed adoption application, reference and vet checks, and educating prospective adopters about the responsibilities and costs of bringing a dog into their lives. We are a foster-based rescue, and we depend on volunteers to help us save dogs. All of our intakes are spayed or neutered and receive all appropriate veterinary care before going to their permanent homes. We assist dogs in need without regard to age, breed, or ease of placement, to the extent our finances allow. We work with area veterinarians to try to keep our expenses low so that virtually every dollar taken in goes directly toward the care of the dogs. Our rescue remains interested in and committed to, the welfare of the dog beyond the adoption process. Finally, we strive to work with area shelters, other rescues, and transporters to develop a network in order to create a better world for homeless pets. We are a 501c3 non-profit dog rescue licensed by the Missouri Department of Agriculture.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

Great Pyrenees Rescue of Missouri

Great Pyrenees Rescue of Missouri is a nonprofit organization supported fully by volunteers and donations. Without the help of generosity - be it time, support or monetary - we would not be able to rescue the dogs that we do. We rescue, foster, and find new homes for dogs in Missouri and surrounding states - Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Nebraska, Arkansas, and Oklahoma. our story Rescue has always been a passion of ours. Being able to help animals in need is one of the most rewarding ways to give meaning to life. We are dedicated to rescuing as many Great Pyrenees as we can, providing them with love, safety and a second chance at finding happiness with a forever home. In 2019, we started fundraising for a family that did not have the means to care for their sick Pyrenees and realized how much of a need there was for a Great Pyrenees Rescue in the Midwest. What started out with 2 rescue dogs and one foster family has quickly turned into over 350 successful adoptions, at at any given time about 15 foster families, and between 20-40 dogs in rescue awaiting their forever homes. If you would like to join our growing Great Pyrenees Rescue Team, please fill out a volunteer or foster application.

Hootie's Rescue Haven

Hootie’s Rescue Haven is a not for profit no kill animal shelter. We care for unwanted and seriously ill pets. Our goal is to rehabilitate and adopt out the animals we take in to our shelter. We will leave a solid foundation for this rescue to be built on by future generations. With your support we placed 38 dogs and 10 cats in loving homes in 2019. We provide emergency medical care, medication and food supplies to animals in need.

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.

Dogwood Farm Sanctuary

Dogwood Farm Sanctuary provides medical care, food, shelter and companionship to orphaned or abandoned animals, including horses, dogs, cats, and chickens. Although we find wonderful homes for many of our dogs and cats, some are deemed unadoptable because of age, temperament and/or special needs. For these animals, Dogwood Farm Sanctuary can offer a permanent sanctuary. Our Story Dogwood Farm Sanctuary became a 501c3 in 2005. However, we have been doing rescue for more than 30 years of dogs, cats and horses. We were formerly called Canine Rescue and funded by one individual. We decided to become a not-for-profit when a friend wanted to make a substantial donation on behalf of the animals. Since then, we continue to raise funds to help care for the animals at our facility. Most of the animals at our facility started as strays. We have many dogs and cats that would make excellent pets for a family: a family of one or a family of many. We work very hard to find appropriate homes for our dogs and cats. If an animal is deemed unadoptable, they will receive lifetime benefits of top veterinary care, a comfortable home at the facility and a premium diet. They also have daily human interaction and are carefully monitored. Our goal is to emulate a home environment for our dogs and cats and provide the best care within a small farm environment for our chickens and horses.

Franklin County Humane Society

FCHS is a privately run 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, tax ID 43-1244655, dedicated to serving the homeless, abandoned, and lost dogs and cats in our area. We incorporated in 1981 and operated as a foster network for homeless pets for 13 years. In 1994, we opened our current shelter location in Union, Missouri. FCHS is an open-admission animal shelter, which means we schedule intake of stray dogs and cats brought to us and provide them the opportunity of adoption into forever homes. We do not accept feral cats brought to our shelter in a trap. Feral cats are not adoptable as pets. We are the only open-admission animal shelter within a 40-mile radius. Each year we serve thousands of pets in Franklin County, Missouri and surrounding areas including: Augusta, Gerald, Hermann, Labadie, New Haven, Pacific, Robertsville, St. Albans, St. Clair, Sullivan, Owensville, Union, Washington and more. It costs over $1,800 a day to operate our shelter. We are supported by donations, fundraisers, grants and fees. We do not receive funding from Humane Society of Missouri, the United Way, federal, state or county governments or any animal welfare organizations.

Warrenton Animal Control Shelter