At IN Kansas City, we have extra appreciation for pets adopted from Kansas City’s animal shelters and rescues—all our office pets are alums of local shelters.
Most local shelters have been at max or critical capacity over the last few months. Local rescues are not only on the lookout for new pet parents but also in need of volunteers, donations, and foster families who can temporarily house pets.
October just so happens to be National Adopt-a-Shelter Dog month, and we’re putting together a list of local shelters, animal rescues, and adoption programs where you can find your next furry friend or offer a helping hand.
Kansas City Rescues
Another Chance Cat Rescue 323 W 79th Terr.
The focus is on abandoned and orphaned cats and kittens at ACCR’s no-kill shelter. Learn about adoption events here.
Dogs by Debin 5559 NW Barry Rd.
This foster-based rescue specializes in care and adoption services for dogs. Learn more about how to help here.
KC Pet Project 14 locations in Missouri and Kansas, primary facility at 7077 Elmwood Ave.
KCPP’s no-kill shelter cares for over 14,000 animals each year. Adoption services include dogs, cats, and small animals. Learn more about volunteer opportunities here.
Lucky 13 Rescue 119 W Gregory Blvd.
This foster-based rescue is dedicated to finding families for homeless and neglected dogs. Learn more about adoptable dogs or how to get involved here.
Pampered Poms Rescue 7719 Wornall Rd.
Part of Pampered Paws Grooming Salon, this rescue usually has Pomeranians for adoption, but occasionally you’ll find poodles, Shih Tzus, and papillons.
Wayside Waifs 3901 Martha Truman Rd.
With the largest one location, no-kill pet adoption campus in Kansas City, Wayside Waifs finds new homes for thousands of dogs, cats, and small animals each year. Learn about volunteer opportunities here.
Whiskers Cat Cafe and Coffeehouse 3705 SW Trafficway
Grab a cup of coffee while spending time with adoptable cats.
Jackson County, Missouri Rescues (Outside of Kansas City)
Pawportunities Animal Rescue Blue Springs
All of the dogs and cats at Pawportunities are placed in foster homes until they are adopted. Learn more about volunteer opportunities here.
City of Gladstone Animal Control 3960 NE 76th St., Gladstone
Adoption services include dogs and cats.
Animals Best Friends Independence
Run solely by volunteers, ABF offers adoption services for dogs and cats. Learn more about volunteer opportunities here.
Independence Animal Services 21001 E 78 Highway, Independence
Dogs, cats, and other small animals are up for adoption from Independence Animal Services. Learn more about volunteer opportunities here.
Shep’s Place Senior Dog Sanctuary 17012 E Truman Rd., Independence
This rescue gives senior dogs a permanent, loving home whether it be through adoption or care at the sanctuary. Learn more about volunteer opportunities here.
Lee’s Summit Animal Control 1991 SE Hamblen Rd., Lee’s Summit
With a 98% adoption rate, Lee’s Summit Animal Control offers adoption services for dogs, cats, and small animals. Learn more about volunteer opportunities here.
Liberty Animal Shelter 2801 Riverview Rd., Liberty
Operated by the Liberty Animal Control, adoption services include dogs, cats, and other small animals. Learn how to support the shelter here.
Sugar Kittens Cafe & Cattery 603 Rte 291, Liberty
Grab a treat and spend time with adoptable cats.
North Kansas City Animal Control 2020 Bedford, North KC
This small animal shelter finds homes for dogs and cats in North KC. Learn more about adopting here.
Friends of Parkville Animal Shelter 1356 MO-9, Parkville
Volunteers and donors run the show at FOPAS. Adoption services include dogs and cats. Learn more about volunteer opportunities here.
Midwest Animal ResQ (MARC) 10312 E 63rd St., Raytown
MARC provides safe housing for animals in need of special medical or behavioral care prior to going to forever homes. Adoption services include dogs and cats. Learn more about supporting MARC here.
The Animal Rescue Alliance Raytown
This all-volunteer group is dedicated to helping homeless animals across the metro. Adoption services include dogs and cats. Learn more about volunteer opportunities here.
Johnson and Wyandotte County, Kansas Rescues
The Humane Society of Greater Kansas City 5445 Parallel Pkwy., KCK
In 1994, HSGKC was the KC area’s first no-kill animal shelter. Adoption services include dogs and cats. Learn more about volunteer opportunities here.
Kitty City Kansas 12800 Santa Fe Trail Dr., Lenexa
Kitty City takes in last-resort cats and kittens from shelters that practice euthanasia. Adopt a cat or learn about volunteer opportunities here.
The Pet Connection 9010 Rosehill Rd., Lenexa
One of the first rescues to offer training and behavior classes, The Pet Connection focuses on dog and cat adoptions. Learn more about volunteer opportunities here.
Great Plains SPCA 5424 Antoch Dr., Merriam
This no-kill shelter supports approximately 4,000 animals each year. Adoption services include dogs, cats, and small animals. Learn more about volunteer opportunities here.
Unleashed Pet Rescue 5918 Broadmoor, Mission
Since 2011, Unleashed Pet Rescue has worked with kill shelters to bring “unwanted” pets to safety. Adoption services include dogs and cats. Learn more about volunteer opportunities here.
Kansas City Sheltie Rescue 6801 W 75th St., Overland Park
It’s all about Sheltie dogs at this rescue. Adoptions take place every second and fourth Saturday of the month. Learn more about how to help here.
Purrfect Pets Cat Adoptions 11721 W 95th St., Overland Park
Purrfect Pets is a no-kill shelter that rescues hundreds of cats from kill shelters. Their new adoption center is in Oak Park Mall. Learn more about volunteer opportunities here.
DivaPets Rescue 15200 Shawnee Mission Pkwy., Shawnee
DivaPets rescues and adopts out cats and kittens from at-risk situations including high-kill shelters, abandonment, feral colonies, hoarding situations, and surrender. Learn more about volunteer opportunities here.
FURever Ranch 20720 W 47th St., Shawnee
This rescue specializes in caring for and adopting out senior dogs in a couch-filled open space. Learn more about volunteer opportunities here.
Melissa’s Second Chances 11015 W 75th St., Shawnee
In partnership with pet daycare Melissa’s Menagerie, Melissa’s Second Chances offers adoption services for dogs, cats, and other small animals. Learn more about volunteer opportunities here.
Cat Pawjamas Rescue Society Olathe
Cat Pawjamas is dedicated to rescuing and rehoming cats at risk for euthanasia, facing placement into the shelter system, or imminent homelessness. Learn more about how to help here.
Olathe Animal Shelter 505 E Sunvale, Olathe
Unclaimed animals found by the Olathe Animal Control Unit are available for adoption.