Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Mission of the Humane Society of Southwest Missouri?
The Mission of the Humane Society of Southwest Missouri shall be to aid in the alleviation of distress and suffering of animals; to participate in educational programs and disseminate information to promote animal welfare and to operate a shelter for animals in need of care and place such animals in suitable homes when possible.

The Southwest Missouri Humane Society will never turn away an animal brought in by an individual for a lack of a donation, nor ever release an animal for any type of experimentation.


How does the Humane Society of Southwest Missouri receive its animals?
We receive our animals from people giving up their pets for a variety of reasons including changes in family situations and moving. Some of our animals have been strays rescued from the streets by a kind citizen. But all of our animals are looking for permanent homes.


What is the difference between Springfield Animal Control and the Humane Society of Southwest Missouri?
We are two very different organizations. Springfield Animal Control is funded by tax dollars and overseen by the Department of Health. They are charged with enforcement of animal control laws and the laws protecting animals from abuse or neglect. Animal Control responds to citizens' complaints about animals and impounds stray animals (hence the name "pound"). Springfield Animal Control does not offer animals for adoption.

The Humane Society of Southwest Missouri does not receive any tax dollars and is overseen by a volunteer Board of Directors. We do not have the power to enforce ordinances but do assist citizens with animal abuse or neglect complaints when possible. Our goal is to find homes for all adoptable animals brought to our facility.


Does it cost money to bring an animal to the Humane Society?
We do ask for a donation of $20 for an adult animal and $30 for a litter under 3 months old. This helps us with the costs of the vaccinations, evaluation, and initial care that every animal recieves. However, we do not turn any animal way because someone can not give us a donation at that time.


What is included in the adoption price?
The adoption price includes initial procedures such as deworming and vaccinations as well as spaying or neutering the animal.


Why do I have to have my animal spayed or neutered?
We believe that spaying and neutering animals is the only way to fight the battle against pet overpopulation. The State of Missouri also requires any animal adopted from a pound or shelter to be spayed or neutered.


Are you a no-kill shelter?
No, we are not a no-kill shelter. We are a humane society and an open admission shelter. We judge each animal individually and do the humane thing - which sometimes means euthanasia.


Do you recieve money from taxes?
No, we do not receive any money from taxes or from other humane societies.


How do you get the money to run the shelter?
Money to run our shelter comes from donations from individuals and companies along with service fees such as the adoption and drop-off fees.


How long do you keep animals before euthanizing them?
We do not set a time limit on any animal. We evaluate the health and temperament of each animal ever day. An animal will stay as long as they remain adoptable and in good health.


Do you transfer animals to other shelters?
Yes, we do transfer animals to other shelters when appropriate.


Do you investigate animal abuse or neglect?
Yes, we work closely with the Humane Society of Missouri on any investigations of animal abuse or neglect.


Shouldn't every female pet have at least one litter before being spayed?
No. Your pet will be healthier if she never sexually matures. Spaying helps protect pets from Pyometra and breast cancer.


Are there any health benefits from neutering male animals?
Yes. If neutered before six months of age, a male dog or cat is less likely to develop testicular cancer.


If I find homes for my pet's litters than I won't contribute to the pet overpopulation problem, right?
Wrong. Only a certain number of people want pets. So every home you find for your pet's offspring takes away a home from a loving animal already at a shelter.


Can't I allow my dog to breed if it is purebred?
Mixed breed or purebred - there just aren't enough homes. Animal shelters receive purebred animals everyday.