National Animal Shelter Appreciation Week
National Animal Shelter Appreciation Week, observed annually during the first full week of November, is a time to recognize the vital role that animal shelters play in our communities. This week-long celebration was established by the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) in 1996 to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of animal welfare professionals and volunteers caring for millions of homeless animals each year. Today, in honor of National Animal Shelter Appreciation Week, I’m highlighting St. Louis’ top-rated animal shelters!
History of National Animal Shelter Appreciation Week
The origins of this appreciation week stem from the HSUS’s desire to raise awareness about the challenges faced by animal shelters and to encourage public support. Animal shelters often operate with limited resources while managing the constant influx of animals in need. This week serves as a reminder of the importance of adopting from shelters, volunteering time, and donating resources to support these crucial organizations.
St. Louis Pet Rescue Giving Program
At 4-Legged Kids, Inc., each service we provide allows us to donate a meal to a local non-profit. We started this effort in 2018 and donated over 24,000 meals in 2023 to local animal rescue groups. Because we feel that providing for homeless pets and those who care for them is our social responsibility, we take great joy in connecting our important work to the St. Louis rescue community. We believe in giving back to the community. In fact, our Mission is one of the biggest things that attracts new members to our team.
Second Chance Ranch is located at a renovated farmhouse in Valley Park. They have committed to helping senior dogs who are homeless, ill, or even in hospice care, live out their lives to the fullest. Theirs is a mission we too are passionate about. One that is powerful and incredibly important.
This all-volunteer group provides all the love that some of these seniors never received from their own families. The stories run from dogs that had owners that couldn’t or wouldn’t provide the care they needed to dogs that were given up for one craptastic reason or another. They have two floors of a farmhouse renovated as a HOME for these sweet seniors to live out the rest of the time they have in comfort. They have someone with them 100% of the time. A volunteer even sleeps there…one on each floor so if someone is sick or needs to potty at night they won’t suffer. They give ALL the feels here. They rely 100% on donations to continue their amazing work. We are delighted to support their amazing efforts!
Tenth Life is a pretty incredible group of cat fanatics. Their goal is to create the most amazing shelter and adoption center the Midwest has ever seen. They have a wonderful community resource center and adoption lounge on Cherokee Street in St. Louis. And, they “believe that every cat, regardless of emotional or physical limitations, deserves the chance at a fulfilling and happy life.”
I love dogs, but cats are my heart. With 4 rescue cats of my own, all cat-specific rescues make me purr. Tenth Life Cat Rescue is an outstanding group with a strong mission; we are proud to support their exceptional cause. They provide veterinary care, foster homes, and adoptive placement to stray cats and kittens, prioritizing those with special needs. They work to end unnecessary euthanasia and cat homelessness through educational outreach, community programs, and collaborative partnerships like ours.
Supporting St. Louis Pet Rescue
These shelters and others in the St. Louis area exemplify the spirit of National Animal Shelter Appreciation Week. Through their tireless efforts to improve the lives of animals in the St. Louis area, they not only provide shelter and care for homeless pets but also work to address the root causes of animal homelessness through education and community outreach.
During this week of appreciation, I urge you to consider supporting these or other local animal shelters by adopting a pet, volunteering your time, or making a donation. Every contribution, no matter how small, helps these organizations continue their vital work in animal welfare. At 4-Legged Kids, Inc., we recognize that the compassion and dedication shown by animal shelter staff and volunteers extend far beyond this single week of recognition. Their work is a year-round commitment to improving the lives of animals and strengthening the human-animal bond in our communities.
At 4-Legged Kids, Inc., our award-winning dog walking and pet sitting services are tailored to meet your and your pets’ needs. Call 636-405-0400 or email ask@4leggedkids.com to register. Existing clients, please request services here.
We look forward to welcoming your pets into the 4-Legged Kids Inc. family and, together, supporting St. Louis pet rescue!
Janie founded 4-Legged Kids, Inc in St. Louis, Missouri, in 1997 and provides education through her PetBizHIVE podcast and her PetBizMBA membership and courses. She is a Certified Professional Animal Care Operator, Fear Free certified and a Certified Professional Pet Sitter. Learn more about the Founder, Janie Budnick.
