Frequently Asked Questions for Animal Services
Data can be found in our quarterly reports.
You can view our adoptable pet by clicking here.
Call 816-325-7207 (option 2) or email petadoptions@indepmo.org. You can request to meet a specific animal you are interested in, or if you are unsure, you can request additional information on a pet that would best complement your family. Scheduling an appointment is preferred to reduce your wait time and ensure we have staff prepared for your visit.
- Dogs over 8 months: $25 - $450
- Puppies: $200 - $450
- Cats over 8 months: $25 - $150
- Kittens: $75 - $175
- Small Animals: $25 - $75
Dogs are spayed or neutered, dewormed, tested for heartworm, microchipped, and are given flea and heartworm preventative. Dogs over 4 months of age are also given a 1-year rabies vaccination.
Cats are spayed or neutered, dewormed, tested for feline leukemia (FeLV), microchipped, and are given flea preventative. Cats over 4 months of age are also given a 1-year rabies vaccination.
For everyone's safety, all dogs must have a properly-fitted collar and leash to leave the shelter, and cats must be in a secure carrier. We have a nice selection of collars, harnesses, leashes, crates, cat carriers, toys, litter boxes, litter, food and other supplies available in our retail store. Our retail supplies are competitively priced and make it convenient to do your shopping at the time of adoption, so you are all set to take your newly adopted friend straight home to avoid stressful trips to purchase supplies immediately following adoption.
The shelter can provide dog or cat food for residents that are struggling to feed their pets. The food is meant to be supplemental and is limited to residents of Independence and unincorporated Jackson County. We ask that those in need please call to schedule a pick-up time at 816-325-7207 (option 2) to ensure staff and supplies are available when you arrive.
We are a municipally-operated shelter, serving the residents of Independence and unincorporated Jackson County. We provide sheltering services, trap-neuter-release programs, and animal control field services for the same areas.
All healthy stray animals are taken in by appointment only. Most stray animals are not homeless or abandoned; they are simply exploring their neighborhood. In fact, studies show that most stray animals are found within 1000 feet from their home and 85% of them return home on their own. The chance of an animal being returned to their owner drops to approximately 17% for animals taken to an area shelter. That means if you have taken custody of a pet, you have the greatest chance of reuniting a lost pet with their owner. We recommend posting photos and a description on social media and checking with neighbors to see if they recognize the pet. If the owner cannot be located, please call 816-325-7207 to schedule an appointment to bring the animal in. Check out our Found Pet Page for information on how you can reunite a found pet with the owner.
Our biggest need is canned cat and dog food, dog and cat toys, and pet treats. We provide warm, soft beds for all our pets and are always in need of gently used blankets and towels. Our staff works hard to provide enrichment for every shelter pet every day, so donations of peanut butter, canned tuna, hot dogs, canned chicken, cream cheese, Cheerios, and large dog biscuits are much appreciated. Additionally, we accept many other items such as Kong dog toys and other puzzle activity feeders, Dawn dish soap, paper towels, leashes, collars, pet shampoo, peroxide, alcohol, etc. Donations are accepted seven days a week, 7 am - 6 pm. They can be left near the west side doors if staff are not immediately available.
To volunteer at the shelter, please reach out to our volunteer coordinator at THampton-Lopez@indepmo.org. Please note that volunteers must be 18 years of age or older and undergo training before handling the animals. Check out our Volunteer Page to find out how you can get started.
Cases for animal abuse/neglect can be started by calling Animal Services Dispatch at 816-325-7205. Officers respond to calls Monday-Friday, 8 am - 5 pm and to emergencies after hours and on weekends/holidays.