Get Help
Need help for an animal? If you're concerned about an injured, homeless, or vulnerable animal, we're here to help whenever we can. While we can't assist in every situation, we'll do our best to connect you with the resources, rescue partners, or support you need.
Request Assistance
If you're requesting help from Shelter Friends, the first step is to complete our Request for Assistance Form. We are unable to accept assistance requests by phone.
Submitting a request does not guarantee assistance. Every request is carefully reviewed based on the animal's needs, available funding, and partner resources.
To help reduce pet overpopulation, Shelter Friends requires that cats and dogs receiving assistance are spayed or neutered, or that you are willing to have them sterilized if they are not already.
What Happens Next?
Once we receive your request, we'll review the information and determine how we may be able to help.
If we're unable to provide assistance directly, we'll do our best to connect you with one or more organizations that may be able to help.
If the animal is experiencing a life-threatening emergency, please contact an emergency veterinary hospital immediately. You can also explore the resources below while your request is being reviewed.
Emergency Vet Assistance
If your pet needs immediate medical attention after regular veterinary office hours, these emergency hospitals are available 24 hours a day.
Veterinary Specialty Services - West
24-hour emergency veterinary hospital
Veterinary Specialty Services
24-hour emergency veterinary hospital
Need an emergency veterinarian outside the St. Louis area?
I Found a Stray Animal
If you found a stray or abandoned animal, start by contacting your local animal control or shelter. They can check for a microchip, help identify the animal, and guide you through the next steps. If the animal is injured or in immediate danger, contact a veterinarian or emergency veterinary hospital as soon as possible.
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Helpful steps:
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Check for a collar or ID tag.
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Contact local animal control.
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Post in local lost and found pet groups.
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Keep the animal safe, if you can do so safely.
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Reach out to Shelter Friends if you need additional guidance.
I Need Help With My Pet
We understand that caring for a pet can sometimes feel overwhelming. If you need help with food, veterinary care, spay/neuter services, or other support, there may be local and national resources available.
Shelter Friends may be able to help connect you with organizations that provide assistance.
​Common resources include:
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Low-cost veterinary care
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Temporary care resources
Community Resources
Whether you've found a stray animal, need financial assistance, or are looking for local rescue organizations, we've gathered these trusted resources to help. While Shelter Friends strives to keep this information current, services and availability may change. Please contact each organization directly for the most up-to-date information.
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For more information, select a resource listed below.
Veterinary Bill Assistance
Unexpected veterinary expenses can be overwhelming. These organizations may be able to provide financial assistance or payment options.
Financial Assistance
Animal Shelters & Rescue Organizations
Looking for a rescue organization or shelter? These local organizations may be able to help.
Local Rescue Organizations
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SNUGGLE Pet Rescue
(Orphaned, injured, sick, or special needs kittens and puppies.)
No-Kill Shelters
Need a shelter outside our area?
Find a Shelter Near You →
Animal Control
If you've found a stray animal, your local Animal Control agency is often the best place to start.
St. Charles City Animal Control
7770 Winghaven Blvd. in O'Fallon
636-949-3395
St. Charles County Pet Adoption
Need an emergency veterinarian outside the St. Louis area?
Spay & Neuter Resources
Spaying and neutering helps reduce pet overpopulation and improves animal health.
Local Programs
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Animal Medical Center of Mid-America
In Maryland Heights and St. Louis
314.951.1534 -
Carol House Quick Fix Pet Clinic
Located in St. Louis, MO
314.771.7387 -
Franklin County Humane Society
Located in Union, MO
636.583.4300 -
Open Door Animal Sanctuary
Located in House Springs, MO
636.671.3643
Trap, Spay / Neuter, and Release
Looking elsewhere in Missouri?
Missouri Spay & Neuter Programs →
Pet Food Assistance
If you're temporarily struggling to feed your pet, these organizations may be able to help.
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Bi-State Pet Food Pantry
Located in St Louis, MO
314.596.2128 -
Jefferson County Pet Food Pantry
Located in House Springs, MO
314.723.6127
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Open Door Animal Sanctuary
Located in House Springs, MO
636.671.3643 -
St. Charles County Pet Food Pantry
Located in St. Peters, MO
636.949.7387
Need assistance elsewhere?
Wildlife & Bird Resources
Found an injured bird or wild animal? These organizations specialize in wildlife rehabilitation.
Birds
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Wild Bird Sanctuary
125 Bald Eagle Ridge Road
Valley Park, MO
636.225.4390 -
Wild Bird Rehabilitation
9624 Midland Blvd. Overland, MO
314.426.6400
Wildlife
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Animal Help NowAn on-line resource that helps with wildlife emergencies and conflicts 24/7.
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Wildlife Rehabilitation Clinic
1864 Little Brennan Road High Ridge
636.677.3670 -
Wildlife Rescue Center
1128 New Ballwin Road Ballwin, MO
636.394.1880​
Farm Animal & Equine Resources
Resources for horses and farm animals.
• Missouri Equine Rescue Directory
• National Farm Animal Rescue Directory
Domestic Violence & Pets
Leaving an unsafe situation can be even more difficult when pets are involved. ​​If you are in immediate danger, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233.
Organizations that can help:
US Veterans & Pets
These organizations support veterans through the companionship and care of animals.
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Veterans With Pets
A nonprofit organization dedicated to helping veterans care for their pets' healthcare needs and providing support for their furry companions. -
Pets for Vets
Pairs veterans with skilled animal companions, providing them with unconditional love and support.
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Veteran Companion Animal Services (VCAS)
Dedicated to improving the lives of veterans and rescue animals through the human-animal bond, placing rescue animals with veterans. -
Animal Friends for Veterans
Offers personalized pet matches for veterans and provides various services to strengthen the bond between veterans and their pets.