Have you ever seen those terribly sad commercials on TV? You know, the ones with the heartbreaking faces of abandoned animals stuck behind shelter bars. There is that melancholy song in the background, sure to bring tears to any animal lover. When seeing those commercials, what do you do? Immediately change the channel before it’s even through? Become overwhelmed with hopeless thoughts? Wonder how one person can really make a difference in this overall problem of animal abuse, neglect and overpopulation? Even if you can’t donate monetary amounts to help shelters and rescues, there are many other ways that animal lovers can make a difference. Social networking by cross-posting lost and adoptable pets, donating old toys and beds that your pets no longer need and simply being a voice for homeless animals are just a few ways you can help without necessarily spending funds you may not have to spare.
Article courtesy of www.aspca.com
Ways to Help Animals in Your Community
Learn how to report animal cruelty. One of the best things you can do to help animals in your community is to keep a list of people, including a humane law enforcement officer, a teacher or your veterinarian, who can help you report animal cruelty. Every state is different. In some areas, the police department investigates animal cruelty; in others, that job falls to local animal control or another municipal agency.
Start a neighborhood watch program. Get to know the animals in your neighborhood and invite your friends and neighbors to do the same. Together you can keep an eye out for any suspicious behaviors—abuse and neglect of companion animals, the mistreatment of local wildlife, dogs left in hot cars, etc.
Volunteer at your local shelter or animal rescue organization. Volunteering at your local shelter is a great way to make a difference in the lives of many animals. From walking dogs and organizing fundraising events to fostering abused or frightened animals, shelters across the country are in desperate need of volunteers.
Become an animal activist. Call or write your local law enforcement officials. Let them know that animal cruelty is a crime and investigating these cases should be a priority.
Help your neighbors help their animals. Companion animals play significant roles in the lives of the people who love them—but sometimes the elderly or ill have trouble providing essential pet care. If you see a neighbor in need, offer to assist—walk his dog, help with feeding, clean litter boxes, groom animals, pick up pet food and other supplies, drive him to the veterinarian, etc.
Start a pet food bank. See if there is a pet food pantry in your area and volunteer your time to help distribute the much-needed pet food. If there isn’t, consider starting one up. Host pet food drives, similar to canned food drives, in central locations of your community such as shopping centers and schools.
Promote spaying and neutering. Millions of adoptable cats and dogs are euthanized in shelters every year. By spaying and neutering your animals, you’ll make sure you are not contributing to the problem. You can also take this a step further by developing a spay/neuter outreach program in your community. Create flyers promoting the organizations that offer discounts in your area and pass them out at central locations in your community.
Write or start a newsletter! It’s a great way to keep members, supporters, adopters and the public informed about what the shelter does and what it needs. Many shelters rely on volunteers to write articles, and some newsletters are produced entirely by volunteers. If you’re not so verbally inclined, you might prefer the designing and publishing end of it, or work on creating or updating the mailing list. Be sure to include heartwarming stories and a donation envelope!
Throw a Party! Organize an event for all your friends, and donate the proceeds to the shelter. Any kind of social event—a clam bake, a Super Bowl party, a jazz brunch or a dog walk—is a great way to make new friends and raise money. Each year, as the word gets out, more people are bound to attend, and before you know it, your group will have a major fund-raising event.
So, what are you waiting for? Here is a lengthy compilation of many of the animal shelters and rescue organizations in the Kansas City area. Volunteer or donate items to your local shelter today! We are their voice and without us, where would they be?
Below information courtesy of www.hsgkc.org
ANIMAL SHELTERS IN KANSAS CITY
Animal Haven (Now HEARTLAND SPCA)
9800 W. 67th
Merriam KS 66203
913-432-7548
http://www.heartlandspca.org
Bea-Martin Peck Animal Shelter
230 W. 19th St.
Ottawa KS 66067
785-242-2967
http://www.bmpas.org/
Cat Association of Topeka (CAT)
1718 Gage
Topeka KS
785-272-4735
http://www.topekacat.org/
Excelsior Springs
805 Lake Maurer Rd
Excelsior Springs MO 64024
816-630-0816
Friends of Parkville Animal Shelter
P.O. Box 29121
Parkville MO 64152
816-587-0918
Located at 8701 Riverfront Dr.
http://www.petfinder.org/shelters/MO111.html
Gladstone Animal Control
4000 NE 76th Street
Gladstone MO 64118
816-436-1810
http://www.gladstone.mo.us/Services/animalcontrol.php
Heart of America Humane Society
P.O. Box 12703
Overland Park KS 66282
1-800-384-3143
http://www.heartofamericahs.org
HELP Humane Society
(primarily cats, a few dogs)
511 Main St.
Belton MO 64012
816-318-HELP
http://www.helppets.org
Helping Hands Humane Society
2625 NW Rochester Rd
Topeka, KS 66617
785-233-7325
http://www.hhhstopeka.org
Humane Society of Greater Kansas City 5445 Parallel KC KS 66104
913-596-1000
e.mail: karen@hsgkc.org
http://www.hsgkc.org
Humane Society of Miami County
P.O. Box 136
Paola KS 66071
913-294-8400
KCMO Animal Shelter
4400 Raytown Rd.
KC MO 64129
816-921-0201
http://www.petfinder.com/shelters/MO579.html
Independence Animal Shelter
875 Vista
Independence MO 64056
816-325-7211
http://www.ci.independence.mo.us/health/AnimalControl.aspx
Kansas City KS Animal Control
3301 Park Drive
KC KS 66211
913-321-1445
913-596-3000 on weekends
http://www.kckpd.org/Services/AnimalControl
Adoption info: http://www.petfinder.com/shelters/KS140.html
Lawrence Humane Society
1805 E. 19th
Lawrence KS 66044
785-843-6835
http://www.lawrencehumane.org/
Leavenworth Animal Control
1720 S. 2nd St.
Leavenworth KS 66048
913-682-0268
http://www.lvks.org/department/division.asp?fDD=10-126
Lee’s Summit Animal Control
1249 NE Tudor Road
Lee’s Summit MO 64063
816-969-7405
http://www.lees-summit.mo.us/content/Police1.cfm
Liberty Animal Control
1501 E. Old 210 Hwy
Liberty MO 64068
816-415-1877
http://mo-liberty.civicplus.com/index.asp?SID=342
North Kansas City
2020 Bedford
N. Kansas City MO 64116
816-274-6024
Olathe Animal Control
505 E. Sunvale
Olathe KS 66061
913-971-6362
http://www.olatheks.org/Police/AnimalControl
Pet Connection
5918 Broadmoor
Mission KS 66202
913-671-PETS
http://www.thepetconnection.net
Wayside Waifs
3901 E. 119th Street
(Martha Truman Rd)
KC MO 64137
816-761-8151
http://www.waysidewaifs.org/
DOG RESCUE GROUPS
Excelsior Springs Friends of Animals: www.esfoa.org
Friends of Liberty Animal Shelter: http://www.petfinder.com/shelters/folas.html or email FOLAS91@aol.com
Friends of Halfway Home: http://www.petfinder.com/shelters/MO579.html
Happy Dogs Rescue: http://happydogsrescue.com
Heart of America Humane Society: http://www.heartofamericahs.org
Military Family Rescue Information: https://www.netpets.org/militarypet/foster.php
Protective Animal Welfare Society: http://www.kcpaws.org or email kc.paws@hotmail.com
Safe Harbor Prison Dog Program: http://www.safeharborprisondogs.com/ or 913-634-5955 or 913-724-DOGS
Second Chance: (Kittens, Puppies, Cats & Small Dogs) http://www.2ndchancepets.net 913-814-7471
Service Dogs: Susan Bass 816-796-6444
Rare Breeds: Susan Bass 816-796-6444
The Animal Rescue Alliance: www.tarasdream.org
DOG RESCUE GROUPS SPECIALIZING IN SMALL BREEDS
Forever Friends Animal League: (Kittens, Puppies, Cats & Small Dogs)
http://www.foreverfriendsanimalleague.org/index.html 913-677-FFAL(3325)
L.L. Dog Rescue: www.lldogrescue.org or email lldogrescue@yahoo.com or call 816-926-0242
Midwest Animal Rescue: Sherry 816-358-6499
Second Chance: (Kittens, Puppies, Cats & Small Dogs) http://www.2ndchancepets.net 913-814-7471
Small Paws: Susan 1-785-224-7839 email: IHarleypup@aol.com
BREED-SPECIFIC DOG RESCUE GROUPS
American Eskimo: HEART BANDITS: http://www.petfinder.org/shelters/KS39.html. Laurel Johnson 913-901-8430 or email KcHeartBandits@aol.com
Airedale: Sara Franson 816-678-2126 or Terry Kratchman 913-541-1295
Akita: Deanna O’Brian (St. Louis) 733-792-1309 or email 6jdob@msn.com
Akita: Lisa McCluskey (Central/Southern Illinois) 217-344-9115 or email mccluskey@moongazer.com
Australian Shepherd: Pamela Leach 913-722-6699
Basenji: Vicky Jacobs 785-379-5430; Eva Allen 816-444-9321; Yvonne Sims 660-352-6202
Basset Hound: MID AMERICA BASSET HOUND RESCUE:web site http://www.mabr.org, main number 913-707-5698; Kim Dunn 913-557-5224
Basset Hound: WESTERN MISSOURI BASSET RESCUE: web site http://www.wmbri.org, Chris Bly 816-353-5643 or email chris@wmbri.org; Margaret Baldomino 816-853-1634 or 816-461-0313 or email margaret@wmbri.org
Basset Hound: Liz Vahl Kamp 1-800-892-2722 or 314-863-1467
Basset Hound BASSET & BEAGLE RESCUE OF THE HEARTLAND: web site http://www.bassetandbeagle.org, email bbrh@bassetandbeagle.org or call 1-800-332-9416
Beauceron: Susan Bass 816-796-6444
Beagle: Rhonda Cella Lippert 913-621-3474 or email menbeagle@aol.com
Beagle BASSET & BEAGLE RESCUE OF THE HEARTLAND: web site http://www.bassetandbeagle.org, email bbrh@bassetandbeagle.org or call 1-800-332-9416
Bearded Collie: Barb Clauson 785-842-6884
Bernese Mountain Dog: HEARTLAND BERNESE MOUNTAIN DOG RESCUE http://www.HBMDC.org. Julie Hesssenflow 913-385-0400 or email jhessenflow@sbcglobal.net
Belgian Malinois: Barb Clauson 785-842-6884
Belgian Sheepdog: Barb Clauson 785-842-6884
Bloodhound: Doris Coleman 816-356-9868
Borzoi: (Irish Wolfhound) Dawn Kelley 913-677-3296
Borzoi: Randa Glen 816-322-2244
Border Collie Jennifer Fitzwater 816-305-6756
Boston Terrier MIDAMERICA BOSTON TERRIER RESCUE (MABTR): www.adoptaboston.com Jennifer Misfeldt 402-510-1346 (Omaha NE but work in the KC area, too).
Boston Terrier: Anne Alscott 913-764-4748
Boston Terrier: Stacey Nagals 816-920-3436
Boston Terrier: Anita Crowell 816-891-6367
Bouvier: Andrea Jackson 913-341-0351
Boxer MOKAN BOXER RESCUE: http://www.midwestboxerrescues.com or 785-979-2679
Brittany: Cindy Williams 816-858-0195
Brittany AMERICAN BRITTANY RESCUE: http://www.americanbrittanyrescue.org/ or Jennifer Schoonover 816-790-3611 or 816-734-2347
Bulldog (French/English) Bev Larrick 913-583-3624
Bulldog (French/English) Sandi Farr-Spears: email MamaDawg@embarqmail.com
Bulldog (French) Annie Alscott 913-764-4748
Bulldog (French) Charlotte Kreely 508-588-7968
Bull Mastiff: Sandi Farr-Spears, MASTIFF HOPE: hot line 816-352-9384, web site http://www.MastiffHope.org or email MastiffHope@embarqmail.com
Bull Mastiff: Izetta Wright 913-533-2413
Bull Mastiff: Kelli Johnson: email BMFRescue@aol.com
Bull Mastiff Locker Wheat 573-635-0088
Bull Mastiff: Renee Aldrich 913-592-2203
Bull Terrier: Claudia Sharp 636-332-6341 or Rob Reiber at 913-856-4144 or email Ron@hogdon.com
Bull Terrier: John & Lynn Byrd 660-222-63341 or 660-222-3474
Chihuahua: Vicky Rogers 816-753-7873
Chihuahua LL DOG RESCUE: web site www.lldogrescue.org or email lldogrescue@yahoo.com or call 816-926-0242
Chinese Crested: Sharon Robinson 573-634-2767
Clumber Spaniel: Judy Rickey 913-724-1054
Clumber Spaniel: Sue Carr (New Jersey) 908-580-1055 or 1-800-589-9566 or email dobsonml@aol.com
Chow Chow: Debbie Willis 816-765-8387
Cocker Spaniel: Jane & Al Beck 816-228-4567
Cocker Spaniel: Halle (with HEART OF AMERICA HUMANE SOCIETY) 913-722-0636
Cocker Spaniel: Anita 816-763-7275 or http://www.petfinder.org/shelters/ok25.html
Collie KANSAS COLLIE RESCUE (KSCR) Sarah Millsap 816-588-0713 or Janie Clymer 785-366-0250
Collie: Pat Rawitch 913-681-0406
Corgi: Claudia Mitchell 913-764-7117
Corgi: Sara Keith 816-833-2757
Dachshund LL DOG RESCUE: web site www.lldogrescue.org or email lldogrescue@yahoo.com or call 816-926-0242
Dachshund: Richard and Ghizia Arndt 816-523-8106
Dalmatian: June Mueller or Janice Boyanchek 314-842-8958
Dalmatian: Nancy Welsh 901-758-9073
Dalmatian: Shirley Allen 816-444-1820
Doberman: Janice Thom 816-505-2275
Elkhound: Renee Schmidt 913-856-3886
English Springer Spaniel: Kim Ludwig 816-803-8962
English Springer Spaniel: Mark Samuel 816-523-2723
English Springer Spaniel: Judy Manley 1-800-377-3824
English Springer Spaniel: Valerie Hoffman 816-254-3771
English Setter: Diane Brim 712-322-4051 or email dboshaneyisetter@cox.net
German Shepherd SERENDIPITY GERMAN SHEPHERD DOG RESCUE: web site http://www.serendipitygsd.org or call 573-418-7666
German Shepherd: Ann Mackey 816-363-0121
German Short Hair Pointer: email: gsprescue@egroups.com
Golden Retriever GOLDEN RETRIEVER FREEDOM RESCUE www.goldenretrieverfreedom.com Nicole Incorvaia 720-849-7879
Golden Retriever: Bev Weaver 913-362-3397
Golden Retriever: Phil & Pat Severson 816-741-2838
Golden Retriever: Pat Munn 816-331-8856
Great Dane: Janet Quick 816-250-2574 or 816-361-2242
Great Pyrenees: Jane Signorelli 816-361-9262
Great Pyrenees: Jo & Jill Patton 314-739-2562
Greyhound R.E.G.A.P: Bill & Cher Oliver 816-763-3333 or email coliver@kc.rr.com
Irish Setter: Mary or Pat Gocke 913-557-6936
Irish Wolfhound: Sue Stobart 816-540-4842
Irish Wolfhound: Doris Coleman 816-356-9868
Jack Russell Terrier: Kerri Dahlheim 402-963-9722
Keeshond KEESHOND LOVERS UNITE: http://www.keeshondlovers.com/ or Judy Hintzman 785-550-5429
Labrador Retriever: Shirley Allen 816-444-1820
Lhasa Apso KANSAS FUREVER SHIH TZU & MINI SCHNAUZER RESCUE web site www.petfinder.com/shelters/KS133.html Cindy Stoll 1-620-431-1387 or email Cinsto6@aol.com
Mastiff MASTIFF HOPE 816-352-9384, web site http://www.MastiffHope.org or email MastiffHope@embarqmail.com
Miniature Pinscher: Sue Mohr 1-785-748-0941
Newfoundland: Cathy Figgins 816-361-7492
Papillon: Irene Hummell 816-333-0034
Pekingese: Mary Stickney: http://www.maryshouse.us/ or 402-613-4306
Pit Bull MID-AMERICA BULLY BREED RESCUE: http://www.mabbr.org
Pit Bull MISSOURI PIT BULL RESCUE: http://www.mprgroup.net Marisol Miller
Pit Bull PIT BULL RESCUE CENTRAL: http://www.pbrc.net/ Educational and rescue info on Pit Bull type breeds
Pointer (German Short Hair) email: gsprescue@egroups.com
Pomeranian: Kristin Roberson 816-792-3192
Pomeranian :LL DOG RESCUE: 816-926-0242
Poodle (Standard) Heather Zimmerman 913-661-0329
Pug: Anne Alsott 913-764-4748
Pug: PRAIRIE PUGS RESCUE http://www.prairiepugs.com Vicki Dressler 785-256-2324
Pug: Misty Wilson Brumback 913-385-1510
Pug Jane Braman 785-843-2292
Pug: Lisa Ferrell 1-800-833-3311 or 913-685-5994
Rare Breeds: Susan Bass 816-796-6444
Rat Terriers (& mixes) Ceci at http://www.americanratterrier.com/
Rhodesian Ridgeback: Sandy Curtis 913-341-3746
Rottweiler MID AMERICA ROTTWEILER RESCUE: web site www.adoptarott.org Barb Krimminger email fla44c@aol.com or call 402-578-5308
Saint Bernard: Jennifer Spaeth 401-292-2245 or email Saints@turfmen.com
Schnauzer KANSAS FUREVER SHIH TZU & MINI SCHNAUZER RESCUE web site www.petfinder.com/shelters/KS133.html Cindy Stoll 1-620-431-1387 or email Cinsto6@aol.com
Scottie: Nancy McClure 816-322-2740
Scottie: Penny Walker 816-358-6632
Sharpei: Mary Crafton 816-741-6212 or email Weluvpaws@kc.rr.com
Sheepdog: Joan Long 913-385-0362
Sheepdog (Old English) Judy Rickey 913-724-1054
Sheltie LL DOG RESCUE: web site www.lldogrescue.org or email lldogrescue@yahoo.com or call 816-926-0242
Sheltie KANSAS CITY SHELTIE RESCUE, INC.: web site kcsheltierescue.org or email kcsheltierescue@yahoo.com or call 913-384-0366.
Sheltie: Tracy Buck 314-561-3091
Shiba Inu: Kathy Bucnholz, web site http://www.shibarescue.org or 913-322-6883 or email kathy@modelnetwork.com
Shih Tzu KANSAS FUREVER SHIH TZU & MINI SCHNAUZER RESCUE web site www.petfinder.com/shelters/KS133.html Cindy Stoll 1-620-431-1387 or email Cinsto6@aol.com
Silky Terrier: Mary Estrin 816-942-2427
Spitz: Laurel Johnson 913-345-0628
Springer Spaniel (Look under English Springer)
Weimaraner: Gail 816-781-0828
Weimaraner: Laura Roehrich 913-385-0815
Weimaraner HEARTLAND WEIMARANER: web site at http://www.heartlandweimrescue.org, Rebecca Singleton 816-781-0828
Welsh Terrier: Linda Sutton 816-764-4542
Westie (West Highland Terrier) WESTIE RESCUE OF MISSOURI: web site http://www.westierescueofmissouri.com/, Elizabeth Schanou 913-302-0514 or email easchanou@hotmail.com
Westie: LuAnn Johnson 532-4853
Westie: Linda Spitzengel 913-677-2469
Westie OKLAHOMA WESTIE RESCUE: web site http://www.okwestierescue.com, Meredith & Mike Butcher 918-369-1143 or Theresa Stewart 405-330-5889
Westie: LITTLE WHITE DOG RESCUE: http://www.littlewhitedogrescue.org or email littlewhitedogrescue@yahoo.com
Whippet: Emily Mathis 816-242-2967
Wolf Hybred WILD SPIRIT WOLF SANCTUARY (New Mexico): web site http://www.inetdesign.com/candykitchen/, or 505-775-3304 or email candykitchen@worldnet.att.net
Yorkshire Terrier (Yorkie) Dorinda Carlson 913-541-8407
Yorkshire Terrier: Martha Lewis 913-596-2162
Yorkshire Terrier: Susan Zale 913-451-9283
CAT RESCUE GROUPS
Forever Friends Animal League (Kittens, Puppies, Cats & Small Dogs)
http://www.foreverfriendsanimalleague.org/index.html 913-677-FFAL(3325)
Foxwood Animal Rescue: http://www.petfinder.org/shelters/MO234.html
Kansas City Siamese Rescue: Also rescue Persian, Himalayan, & Maine Coone Cats http://www.kcsiameserescue.org/ Brooke Wood 816-331-9700
Purrfect Pets in Metcalf Mall: http://www.petfinder.org/shelters/KS99.html 913-652-6677
Safe Harbor: http://www.petfinder.com/shelters/KS115.html
Second Chance: (Kittens, Puppies, Cats & Small Dogs) http://www.2ndchancepets.net 913-814-7471
Siamese Rescue: http://www.siameserescue.org/
How a Photo Can Make the Difference – Saving Lives Through Pet Photography » Kansas City Dog & Pet Photography – Wedding Photography – FixYourImages Photography - […] for? Grab a friend, your camera and volunteer at your local rescue or shelter and help save a life. Click here for a previous blog post with a list of local Kansas City shelters and […]