Humane Society of Missouri (Maryland Heights)

Since 1870, the Humane Society of Missouri (HSMO) has been dedicated to the welfare and well-being of animals. HSMO is home to the Animal Cruelty Task Force, which responds to calls from throughout the State of Missouri of suspected animal abuse and neglect, often working with local law enforcement to remove animals from danger and prosecute abusers. HSMO offers state-of-the-art veterinary services at its Animal Medical Centers of Mid-America, the largest veterinary practice in Missouri, with services including wellness packages for puppies and kittens through adulthood, innovative surgical services, and an Integrated Pain Management Center for physical therapy and weight loss support. HSMO is the largest animal shelter in Missouri, placing between seven and nine thousand pets in forever homes each year

The Humane Society of Missouri was founded on January 3, 1870, just four years after Henry Bergh's first ASPCA was founded in New York City, by admirers of Henry Bergh's philosophies; sketchy records indicate that George Patridge was the first president, and business was conducted from a small, one-room office in downtown St. Louis at 1618 Carr Street. In 1911 the first horse ambulance was placed in service. In 1928 John Lichter donated $30,000 for a new building at 1210 Macklind Avenue in memory of his wife Irene. In 1932 Eric Hansen became the first General Manager, and the society handled nearly 33,000 animals while conducting free clinics. In 1940 Arnold M. Amundsen became Director; in 1942 the Mary C.J. Todd Memorial Hospital and Clinic was built; in 1945 Fritz K. Grolock became Director; in 1948 a crematory for animals went into operation. In 1955 Dr. Suzanne Saueressig, the first female veterinarian in the state of Missouri, joined as a staff clinician and began a 50+-year career, later promoted to Chief of Staff. In 1965 the society began spaying all female dogs and cats adopted through the shelter; in 1988 it opened its Large-Animal Rehabilitation Center (now Longmeadow Rescue Ranch) in Union, Missouri; in 1994 microchipping became mandatory for each adopted animal; in 1998 the new headquarters on Macklind Avenue opened; in 2000 Kathryn Wright Warnick returned as President and Executive Director; and in 2001 Operation SNIP (Spay/Neuter Initiative Program) launched

Mission — Since 1870, the Humane Society of Missouri has been dedicated to giving animals in need the second chance they deserve. We provide a safe and caring haven to all animals in need that have been abused, neglected or abandoned. Our mission includes ending the cycle of abuse and pet overpopulation through our rescue and investigation efforts, spay/neuter programs, and educational classes. We are committed to creating lasting relationships between people and animals through adoption. We further support that bond by making world-class veterinary care available