The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) has established a large-capacity emergency animal shelter for pets affected by the May 22 tornado. The facility is located adjacent to the Joplin Humane Society, 140 Emperor Lane, at North Main Street and will open daily 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. for at least 14 days.

Teams from the City of Joplin Animal Control, the Joplin Humane Society/Animal Adoption and Resource Center, the Humane Society of Missouri, the ASPCA and other animal welfare groups are performing search and rescue operations for lost and injured pets in Joplin. Any pets found will be housed and cared for at the emergency animal shelter. Animal Control's normal seven-day holding limit will not be enforced at the emergency animal shelter.

Residents who have found unidentified pets are asked to contact Joplin Animal Control at (417) 623-6122 during normal business hours, or (417) 623-3131 (police dispatch) from 5-8 p.m. Animal Control will pick up these pets and take them to the shelter during regular business hours and only respond after hours for injured or aggressive animal pick-up.

Pet owners searching for lost pets should visit the emergency animal shelter personally or contact the Joplin Humane Society/Animal Adoption and Resource Center at (417) 623-3642.

Joplin residents who are not able to care for their pets due to tornado damage, displacement or injury are also welcome to shelter their pets at the emergency animal shelter, at no charge. Drop off pets during business hours. Medical treatment is available for pets injured in the tornado at the emergency animal shelter.

Go Back