Animal shelters in Independence, Missouri

We list 5 animal shelters and rescues in and around Independence.

We list 1 animal control or animal services agency in Independence. Animal control is run by the city or county; it takes in strays, handles bite reports and animal cruelty complaints, and is usually the first place to look for a lost pet. For an emergency involving a dangerous animal, call 911.

We have not identified a rescue organization in Independence in our sources yet. Many rescues are foster-based and adopt through Petfinder or adoption events without a public address, so it is worth searching nearby towns as well.

Start on the shelter's or rescue's own website: most post their adoptable animals there and on Petfinder or Adopt-a-Pet. Visit or call to meet an animal, then fill in an adoption application. Expect to show a photo ID, and if you rent, proof that your landlord allows pets. The adoption fee usually covers spay or neuter surgery, first vaccinations and a microchip. Fees vary by organization and by animal, so ask the shelter directly.

If the animal is friendly and safe to approach, check for an ID tag and take it to any vet or shelter to scan for a microchip. Report the found animal to your local animal control or municipal shelter, since that is where owners look first, and post it on local lost-and-found pet pages. Many cities require found pets to be reported or brought to the shelter within a few days. For injured or orphaned wildlife, call a licensed wildlife rehabilitator instead of handling the animal.