Stray Rescue of St. Louis
#96 in United States, #1 in Missouri, #1 in 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.
"I volunteered at Stray Rescue when I lived in St. Louis for a yea..." more
Unchained Melodies Dog Rescue
#97 in United States, #2 in Missouri, #2 in St. Louis
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.
"Unchained Melodies Dog Rescue is an incredible organization dedic..." more
Center for Animal Rescue & Enrichment of St. Louis - CARE STL
#99 in United States, #3 in Missouri, #3 in St. Louis
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.
"My husband and I adopted our 2 pups from CARE STL in 2018. I'd be..." more
Dogwood Farm Sanctuary
#100 in United States, #4 in Missouri, #4 in St. Louis
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.
4 Paws 4 Rescue
#100 in United States, #4 in Missouri, #4 in St. Louis
4 Paws 4 Rescue is an all foster home rescue. Since 2009, we have been dedicated to saving animals that are in need, whether from high kill shelters, strays, abandoned animals, or owner surrenders. We strive to find suitable permanent homes for our animals and to help eliminate animal overpopulation through spay and neuter programs. 4 Paws 4 Rescue a 501c3 nonprofit rescue organization.
Furever Shih Tzu & Companion Dog Rescue
#100 in United States, #4 in Missouri, #4 in St. Louis
Furever Shih Tzu Rescue is a nonprofit 501c organization that is dedicated to placing unwanted and abandoned purebred dogs into new homes. All donations are tax-deductible.
Harter's Hospice & PUPPY Rescue
#100 in United States, #4 in Missouri, #4 in St. Louis
Harter's Hospice and Puppy Rescue is a foster home based organization. All of our dogs have been living in homes, some with other dogs, cats and other types of pets. Some are in homes with children. Our dogs are socialized, we know their temperament and their quirks. With us, they learn to be a companion, they learn love and trust, again. They are potty trained, they learn to play nicely, some are crate trained, some are trained further in skills.
All of the dogs are up to date on vaccinations, they are altered and micro chipped.
Our rescue was founded on the senior and sick canines. We provide them top notch veterinary care to get them to their optimum health. The dogs that can obtain a healthy status are able to be adopted. The dogs that are sick and/or dying continue to receive the vet care in order to give them quality of life. They remain in our care until their quality of life cannot be sustained.
We, also, have a puppy division. All of our puppies are appropriately dewormed, vaccinated and altered according to veterinary protocol. The puppies are.....PUPPIES! They are fun and playful. Some are shy and loving. They are taken care of and loved until they are ready for a home of their own.
Harter's Hospice rescue is licensed with the Missouri Department of Agriculture and a recognized 501c3. We operate, solely, on the kind donations of the public that support our mission. Those donations help to provide veterinary care, medications, advanced surgeries, food, treats, toys and in some cases, training by a professional trainer.
Country Acres Rescue
#100 in United States, #4 in Missouri, #4 in St. Louis
Founded in 2000, Country Acres Rescue is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, St. Louis based organization whose primary concern lies with the over population and unnecessary suffering of domestic animals in our community. We are dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, socialization and placement of homeless, abandoned and abused/neglected cats, dogs, kittens, and puppies.
City of Saint Charles Animal Welfare Services
#100 in United States, #4 in Missouri, #4 in St. Louis
The City of Saint Charles Animal Welfare Services focuses on the care of all animals in our City, through our Animal Control Division.
The City of Saint Charles Animal Control Department is responsible for:
1. Enforcing pet ordinances
2. Investigating animal abuse/neglect cases
3. Issuing commercial permits for animal-related businesses
4. Managing animal capture and/or impound
5. Performing bite investigations
Mastino Rescue, Inc.
#100 in United States, #4 in Missouri, #4 in St. Louis
MASTINO RESCUE, INC. is a registered 501(c)(3) charitable organization formed in 2017. Our mission is to rescue, rehabilitate, and rehome the growing number of Neapolitan Mastiffs in need within the United States, and to educate the public about the realities of owning this magnificent and unique breed. We are the only breed-specific rescue in the country for the Neapolitan Mastiff, and the only officially endorsed rescue of the United States Neapolitan Mastiff Club. To date, we have placed over 200 dogs into their adoptive homes in 38 states.
Over the last decade, the Neapolitan Mastiff (or Mastino Napoletano in Italian) has become more popular in the United States, and consequently, an increasing number are being surrendered or dumped in kill shelters. The Mastino is an amazing breed, but it is not a good fit for the inexperienced dog owner, and often ends up with the wrong family or in the wrong environment. It is our goal to help displaced Neapolitan Mastiffs find the very best home for their individual needs while providing advocacy and education about this breed.
Our success is largely attributable to our foster program. When we bring a Neapolitan Mastiff into our rescue, we affectionately refer to them as "Mastino Royalty," and attempt to place the Mastino Royalty dog directly into an experienced foster home. This breed bonds strongly with its humans and takes a long time to adjust moving from home to home. The dog remains with a foster until an appropriate adopter is found.
We are 100% volunteer based, and as a nonprofit, we are ineligible to receive any government funding. Due to the growing number of Neapolitan Mastiffs in need, we are always looking for dedicated volunteers for fostering, transport, fundraising, home visits and much more.
Five Acres Animal Shelter
#100 in United States, #4 in Missouri, #4 in St. Louis
Five Acres believes in the power of pets and seeks to enrich the lives of pets and their owners. Our values include:
Community – Five Acres exists to serve its community. This includes not only reducing the number of pets in need by finding them homes, but also supporting the pet owners in our community.
Lasting Relationships – Whether you adopt, foster, volunteer, donate, attend an event, or spread the word about our mission, you are a part of the Five Acres Family! We love creating relationships with our community, and we especially love to witness the new and strengthening bonds between humans and their pets.
Safe & Thriving Environments for our Animals – The safety and well-being of our animals is of the highest importance to our organization. We want the spaces in which our animals live to not just be safe and clean, but enriching and relaxing as well. Providing this for our animals is the top priority of our team.
Enriching the Lives of Pets & People – We believe that pets are better off with people, and people are better off with pets! Everything we do is to improve and foster the connection between humans and animals, but it doesn’t end with just adoption. It includes a robust foster program, impactful volunteer opportunities, community events, our AniMeals Food Pantry, and so much more.
In 2022 our values led Five Acres Animal Shelter to the strategic decision to move toward the Human Animal Support Services model (often referred to as HASS), focused on not only finding homes for pets in need in our community, but also promoting a lasting and healthy relationship between pets and their owners.
Our History
Five Acres Animal Shelter formed in 1973 as the St. Charles County Humane Society, by a small group of individuals dedicated to animal welfare. Five Acres utilized volunteer foster homes for animals in need of adoption until the first shelter opened in 1988. In 1996, Five Acres acquired the current property on Pralle, operating the only no-kill feline house and canine shelter in St. Charles County. We added the Ruth Anne Scheidegger Canine Adoption Building in 2012, and the Kathryn Favre Kitty Cottage was completed in 2016. Five Acres remains free and clear of debt, and in 2021, we took in 1,691 animals. We adopted out 1,435 and reunited 270 animals with their families in that same year.
St. Louis Pet Rescue
#100 in United States, #4 in Missouri, #4 in St. Louis
St. Louis Pet Rescue is a non-profit rescue group focusing on saving pets from local animal control facilities and neglect situations. STLPR strives to end pet overpopulation and abandonment of unwanted pets through education about spay/neuter, pet behavior and training and other aspects of responsible pet ownership.
All of the pets STLPR rescues are in loving foster homes. Foster homes provide love, care and training needs of the pets. To learn more about becoming a foster for pets in need, see our foster page.
STLPR does not have a facility, nor any paid staff. STLPR relies on the generosity of others to donate funds and volunteer their time to help pets in need.
Open Door Animal Sanctuary
#100 in United States, #4 in Missouri, #4 in St. Louis
The vision of Open Door Animal Sanctuary is to offer a loving environment and eventual home for every cat and dog in need of our help. We take in and adopt out nearly 1,400 dogs and cats per year!
Open Door Animal Sanctuary is one of the area's largest no-kill animal shelters. Since our founding in 1975, we have provided hope, help and healing to tens of thousands of animals. We serve the community by taking in stray, homeless and otherwise unwanted cats and dogs. Each day, we provide shelter, food, medical care and most of all LOVE to 350 animals. Many of the precious angels who arrive at Open Door recognize for the first time in their lives that there can be love and trust in the world. Every animal that comes to us has a home and a second chance at life. We have a lifetime return policy which means if a family can no longer care for a cat or dog that was adopted from us, it must be returned to our sanctuary.
Serendipity German Shepherd Dog Rescue
#100 in United States, #4 in Missouri, #4 in St. Louis
Serendipity German Shepherd Dog Rescue is a state-licensed 501(c)3 non-profit rescue organization founded in 2004. Based in St. Louis, Missouri, we do our best to assist dogs in Missouri and surrounding areas.
The Feral Companion
#100 in United States, #4 in Missouri, #4 in St. Louis
We are a no-kill organization. Our group is very unique. We cater to all of those pups that take a long time to rehabilitate. In many shelters, there is no time for lengthy rehabilitation and sometimes workers lack experience with these shy dogs.
We specialize in feral, shy, and special needs dogs. We want to help as many as we can that sometimes get overlooked in kill shelters.
We assist the public, animal controls, other shelters and rescues with support for their feral dogs they want to work with.
Stray Paws Rescue
#100 in United States, #4 in Missouri, #4 in St. Louis
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.
Needy Paws Rescue - St. Louis
#100 in United States, #4 in Missouri, #4 in St. Louis
Needy Paws Rescue is located in St. Louis, MO and exists through donations from the community.
We are a 501(c)3 non-profit, volunteer, 100% foster-based organization saving dogs from high-kill shelters, strays, abandoned and surrendered in St. Louis and surrounding rural Missouri areas, regardless of breed or size.
On My Way to Furever Rescue Inc.
#100 in United States, #4 in Missouri, #4 in St. Louis
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.
Home 2 Home Canine Orphanage
#100 in United States, #4 in Missouri, #4 in St. Louis
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.
Dirk's Fund
#100 in United States, #4 in Missouri, #4 in St. Louis
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.
Humane Society of Missouri - Longmeadow Rescue Ranch
#100 in United States, #4 in Missouri, #4 in St. Louis
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.
PALS Animal Shelter
#100 in United States, #4 in Missouri, #4 in St. Louis
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.
Franklin County Humane Society
#100 in United States, #4 in Missouri, #4 in St. Louis
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.
Judy's Forgotten Jewells
#100 in United States, #4 in Missouri, #4 in St. Louis
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.
St. Animal Pet Adoptions
#100 in United States, #4 in Missouri, #4 in St. Louis
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.
Is Today My Day Rescue
#100 in United States, #4 in Missouri, #4 in St. Louis
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.
/fit-in/512x512/Photos/SeoDogRescue/659/2dcfe1459502-stray_rescue_logo.jpg){kind=logo}
/fit-in/512x512/Photos/SeoDogRescue/658/9f8dd4c6f6e7-Horiontal_Logo.jpg){kind=logo}
/fit-in/512x512/Photos/SeoDogRescue/660/949604ace70e-Border_Logo_with_roof_no_tag_JPG.jpg){kind=logo}
/fit-in/512x512/Photos/SeoDogRescue/673/8b10efee4ff2-cropped_ODASlogo_horz_blueWEB.png)
/fit-in/512x512/Photos/SeoDogRescue/671/ff8d30b1221a-s6733nu2f3cfcdt8.jpg)
/fit-in/512x512/Photos/SeoDogRescue/667/7d849a4e27fa-cropped_29197180_1877328925891107_2613938983498940416_o.jpg)
/fit-in/0x128/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Moving-with-your-pet-2.png)
/fit-in/0x256/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Moving-with-your-pet-2.png)
/fit-in/0x128/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Moving-with-your-pet-1.png)
/fit-in/0x256/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Moving-with-your-pet-1.png)
/fit-in/0x128/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/shutterstock_363026282.jpg)
/fit-in/0x256/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/shutterstock_363026282.jpg)
/fit-in/0x128/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/shutterstock_383395357.jpg)
/fit-in/0x256/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/shutterstock_383395357.jpg)
/fit-in/0x128/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/sniffspot_dog_chasing_its_tail_in_a_living_room_photorealistic_589077b5-15e2-4383-9847-acca48c4231c.png)
/fit-in/0x256/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/sniffspot_dog_chasing_its_tail_in_a_living_room_photorealistic_589077b5-15e2-4383-9847-acca48c4231c.png)
/fit-in/0x128/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/shutterstock_635006102.jpg)
/fit-in/0x256/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/shutterstock_635006102.jpg)
/354x256/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/bernese-mountain-dog-208092_1280.jpg)
/354x256/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/shutterstock_543831754.jpg)
/354x256/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/shutterstock_494495788-1.jpg)
/354x256/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/shutterstock_237584221-1.jpg)
/354x256/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/shutterstock_705844504.jpg)
/354x256/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/dogwaterpark.png)
/354x256/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/shutterstock_174836186.jpg)
/354x256/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/shutterstock_1346929262.jpg)
/354x256/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/dogexercisecalculatorfeaturedimage.jpg)
/354x256/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/bb.jpg)
/354x256/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Screen-Shot-2024-05-23-at-9.33.57-PM.png)
/354x256/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/dogreactivitychartfeaturedimage.jpg)
/354x256/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/shutterstock_523383649.jpg)
/354x256/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/a.jpg)
/354x256/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/shutterstock_796422001.jpg)
/354x256/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Sniffspot_infographic_1-01.jpeg)
/354x256/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Final-Edit-003-1.jpg)
/354x256/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/good-photo-3_orig.jpg)
/354x256/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/sniffspot-28-of-45-1.jpg)
/354x256/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/screen-shot-2019-09-19-at-2-01-47-pm_orig.png)
/354x256/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/indoordogparks.png)
/354x256/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/offleashdogparks.png)
/354x256/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/vegas.jpg)
/354x256/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/portland.jpg)
/354x256/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/German-Shepherd-Dog.png)
/354x256/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Screen-Shot-2024-07-24-at-4.06.05-PM.png)
/354x256/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Screen-Shot-2024-07-25-at-3.05.09-PM.png)
/354x256/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/staffy.jpg)
/354x256/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Screen-Shot-2024-07-25-at-3.39.43-PM.png)
/354x256/Photos/SeoDogRescue/1282/178507e67e44-MC_logo_square.jpg){kind=logo}
/354x256/Photos/SeoDogRescue/931/cef8bbb17769-South_Coast_Humane_Society.png)
/354x256/Photos/SeoDogRescue/61/30aea3371b69-MainSquare_2.png)
/354x256/Photos/SeoDogRescue/298/1000035238.jpg)
/354x256/Photos/SeoDogRescue/814/91cfd62cd986-IMG_1035.jpeg)
