Animal Shelter in Columbia MO🐾

Whether you're looking to adopt, volunteer, donate, or simply learn more, here you'll find a trusted list of animal shelters in Columbia that open their doors—and their hearts—to animals every day.

The Central Missouri Humane Society (CMHS Pets) is a nonprofit, open-door animal shelter serving Boone County and surrounding communities since 1943. CMHS is committed to rescuing, caring for, and rehoming companion animals of all ages, breeds, and health conditions.

Columbia (Missouri) Animal Control / Public Health & Human Services

Columbia Animal Control, operated by the City of Columbia’s Public Health & Human Services department, is responsible for enforcing local animal ordinances and promoting animal welfare in Columbia, Missouri. Their services include:

• Enforcing city animal control laws and investigating animal complaints and cruelty cases.
• Providing public education on rabies, animal welfare, and responsible pet ownership.
• Facilitating low-cost or free spay/neuter programs to reduce pet overpopulation.
• Picking up sick, injured, or stray animals, and handling reports of animal cruelty.
• Licensing cats and dogs older than three months, and ensuring rabies vaccination compliance.

While Columbia Animal Control does not describe itself as a traditional adoption shelter, its work supports the broader goal of rehoming and caring for animals. Pet adopters in Columbia may contact the city’s animal services for guidance or referrals to local rescues or shelters.

The shelters and rescue groups in Columbia are working every day to care for animals in need—and they can't do it alone. Every small action makes a big difference in the lives of animals. Thank you for being part of their journey to a better life.