Effective May 1, 2023 the St. Joseph Animal Shelter will no longer take applications to adopt. Dogs and cats that are the property of the city will be adopted to the public on a first come, first serve process. Potential adopters must physically come to the shelter to meet and adopt a pet. The availability of animals cannot be guaranteed, and animals will not be placed on hold for adopters.
Animal Control officers provide protection for animals against inhumane treatment and protect the public from diseased and vicious animals through education and complaint investigation. The facility provides temporary shelter, food and medical care to lost, stray or unwanted animals until they are reunited with their owner or find a new home.
Mission: The St. Joseph Animal Shelter serves St. Joseph by providing care, comfort, and compassion to animals in need; and respected, responsible, and reliable animal control services with the community using humane and progressive practices.
Animal Shelter Statistics (PDF)
Investigations
To report an incident, please call 816-271-4877. Our Animal Control Officers respond to calls regarding stray dogs, animal bites, animal neglect or cruelty, exposure to wildlife, deceased animals. For wildlife not in your home, please contact Wildlife Conservation. Emergency calls are as follows: animal bites, dangerous/vicious animals, sick or injured stray animals and wildlife exposures.