Our Story
S.A.V.E. started in 2015 when a small group of shelter volunteers decided that heartworm-positive dogs deserved a chance at life. Today, we’re a community of thousands working to improve conditions for animals in St. Louis County.
What Your Support Makes Possible
Everything on this list happened because people like you showed up. Here’s what we’ve accomplished together:
- Provided lifesaving heartworm treatment for more than 200 dogs
- Helped adopters facing unexpected medical expenses keep their pets
- Helped stray animals get back to their owners with medical care, food, and other support
- Funded training so adopted pets could stay in their homes
- Sponsored spay/neuter events for owned pets in St. Louis County
- Sponsored at-risk animals, contributing thousands of dollars toward their care
- Donated over 100 beds, plus treats and toys, to shelter pets
- Posted daily for lost pets entering the shelter to help reunite them with their families
- Prepared reunion packets for ACO trucks and community members
None of this happens without our community. Thank you.
Our Mission & Objectives
Everything we do is guided by four core objectives.
1. Animal Welfare First
Ensure that the welfare of the animals and the community is always the FIRST priority in all decisions made regarding the St. Louis County Animal Shelter.
2. Advocate for Animals
Speak up for animals in the St. Louis County Animal Shelter who can't speak for themselves.
3. Increase Awareness
Raise awareness among St. Louis County residents about shelter issues and get them involved.
4. Educate Policy Makers
Educate policy makers about shelter issues and push for meaningful change.
Our Journey
From a small group of advocates to a community of thousands.
S.A.V.E. Founded
At the time, heartworm-positive dogs had no way out of the shelter unless a rescue stepped in. A small group of volunteers decided to change that. They raised money, partnered with a vet, and began funding treatment themselves — opening the door to adoption for dogs who otherwise had no hope.
S.A.V.E. Founded
At the time, heartworm-positive dogs had no way out of the shelter unless a rescue stepped in. A small group of volunteers decided to change that. They raised money, partnered with a vet, and began funding treatment themselves — opening the door to adoption for dogs who otherwise had no hope.
Heartworm Treatment Program
Our heartworm treatment program grew rapidly. We partnered with local veterinarians and began treating more dogs than ever, giving them a real shot at finding homes.
Heartworm Treatment Program
Our heartworm treatment program grew rapidly. We partnered with local veterinarians and began treating more dogs than ever, giving them a real shot at finding homes.
Expanding Our Impact
We expanded beyond heartworm treatment — helping adopters with unexpected vet bills, funding training to keep adopted pets in their homes, and sponsoring spay/neuter events across St. Louis County.
Expanding Our Impact
We expanded beyond heartworm treatment — helping adopters with unexpected vet bills, funding training to keep adopted pets in their homes, and sponsoring spay/neuter events across St. Louis County.
Adapting & Growing
We expanded online, connecting more people with adoptable animals. We started posting daily for lost pets entering the shelter and preparing reunion packets for Animal Control trucks so pets had the best chance to get home.
Adapting & Growing
We expanded online, connecting more people with adoptable animals. We started posting daily for lost pets entering the shelter and preparing reunion packets for Animal Control trucks so pets had the best chance to get home.
10K+ Supporters Strong
Our community crossed 10,000 supporters on social media. With that reach, we could advocate for urgent animals faster and get more eyes on pets searching for homes.
10K+ Supporters Strong
Our community crossed 10,000 supporters on social media. With that reach, we could advocate for urgent animals faster and get more eyes on pets searching for homes.
200+ Dogs Treated & Counting
Over 200 dogs have received lifesaving heartworm treatment through S.A.V.E. We've donated 100+ beds, sponsored at-risk animals, and helped families keep their pets. Every share, every donation, every foster makes a real difference.
200+ Dogs Treated & Counting
Over 200 dogs have received lifesaving heartworm treatment through S.A.V.E. We've donated 100+ beds, sponsored at-risk animals, and helped families keep their pets. Every share, every donation, every foster makes a real difference.
100% Volunteer Run
Every person at S.A.V.E. is a volunteer. We have no paid staff, so every dollar donated goes directly to helping shelter animals. We do this because we believe every shelter animal deserves a chance.
Your Donation Saves Lives
We have no paid staff, so every dollar goes directly to the animals — heartworm treatment, emergency vet care, beds, and supplies.
Tax-deductible · EIN: 30-0930252
Provides food for a shelter animal for a week
Covers a basic veterinary check-up
Helps with emergency medical treatment
Sponsors an animal’s full shelter stay