Your Support Saves Animals Across Missouri
For more than 150 years, the Humane Society of Missouri has been a lifeline for animals in need. As the oldest and largest animal welfare organization in the region, we care for more vulnerable animals each year than every other local animal welfare organization combined.
Our Animal Cruelty Task Force (ACT) is on call 24/7/365 and serves every county in Missouri. In 2025 we traveled 358,221 miles to conduct 9,782 responses to reports of abuse and neglect involving 18,331 animals.
At our two open-admission shelters, we strive to place 100% of adoptable animals in loving homes. Nearly 7,000 cats, dogs, critters, horses and farm animals found their forever families last year alone.
Operation SNIP, our low-cost spay/neuter program, prevents pet overpopulation before it begins. We provided 3,390 surgeries at a reduced cost to pets across St. Louis in 2025.
And at Longmeadow Rescue Ranch, one of the largest equine and farm animal rescue and rehabilitation facilities in the country, abused and neglected horses and farm animals receive the specialized care they need to heal.
Meet Curly Sue
Our ACT rescued Curly Sue and 50 other animals from heartbreaking conditions on the property of a substandard breeder. The puppies, dogs, kittens and cats were being kept in outdoor runs year-round with little protection from the elements.
Our shelter staff was shocked by the level of neglect Curly Sue had endured. Her coat was heavily matted and filthy, hiding her emaciated frame. She weighed only 25 pounds, with protruding ribs and severe muscle atrophy.
Our veterinary and grooming teams worked together to safely remove the painful mats covering her body, revealing a beautiful blue merle coat beneath the dirt and neglect. Curly Sue began a carefully monitored refeeding plan while receiving treatment for respiratory illness and routine medical care.
Over the next two months, with round-the-clock care and plenty of love, Curly Sue nearly doubled her weight and rediscovered the playful personality poodles are known for. Today, she’s thriving in a loving home with three children who adore her.
Curly Sue after rescue 
Curly Sue after recovery 
Curly Sue on adoption Day
Meet Dandy
When Dandy, an eight-year-old buckskin horse, arrived at Longmeadow Rescue Ranch, she was severely underweight and deeply fearful of human interaction. At just 582 pounds, she was dangerously malnourished and in need of intensive care.
Our veterinary and training teams began the slow process of restoring both her health and her confidence. Dandy received essential medical care including vaccinations, deworming, dental work, and specialized hoof care for structural conditions affecting her feet. As her body recovered, our trainers patiently worked with her to help her learn to trust people for the first time.
With every pound she gained, Dandy gained confidence too. By the time she was ready for adoption, she had reached a healthy weight of 855 pounds and had transformed into the sweet, inquisitive horse our team knew she could become.
Dandy dangerously malnourished 
Dandy after medical care 
Dandy enjoying the pasture
Meet Romeo
When Romeo, a one-year-old tabby, arrived at HSMO, he had been struggling on his own for far too long. His right hind leg was severely broken, with an open wound that required immediate medical attention.
Our veterinary team determined that amputation was the best chance to save his life and relieve his pain. While the surgery itself went well, Romeo’s recovery was far from easy. The surgical site developed an infection, and healing proved to be a long and difficult process. Our staff cared for him around the clock changing bandages, cleaning his wounds, and ensuring he stayed comfortable as his body fought to recover.
After six weeks of intensive care, Romeo was finally stable enough to move into a foster home, where he could rest and continue healing in a quieter environment. There, he regained his strength and began to adjust to life on three legs.
When Romeo was finally ready for adoption, it didn’t take long! His resilience and sweet personality captured someone’s heart almost immediately and he was adopted into a loving home.
Romeo after surgery 
Romeo recovering at the shelter 
Romeo in foster care