KC Pet Project

Our Mission

KC Pet Project is dedicated to building a more compassionate and safe community for pets and people. Every year, we open our doors to over 16,000 animals in need, offering them a second chance at life and love.

Our Story

Founded in 2011 by devoted animal advocates, we took over operations of the City’s shelter in 2012. Within just six months, we reduced euthanasia rates from over 60% to under 10%, achieving No-Kill status and continuing that commitment to this day.

How We Help

As the largest open-admission animal shelter in the Kansas City metro, we accept animals regardless of their health, age, breed, or temperament. We provide comprehensive care, including veterinary services, foster opportunities, and pet-retention programs like Keep ‘Em Together, KC, which helps families stay united during times of financial hardship.

The Adopter Connection

We believe that pets belong with their families, and our goal is to find the perfect match for yours. We have no blanket rules; instead, our team works with you to provide the resources and guidance necessary for a successful transition, ensuring your new companion thrives in their new home.

Find Your New Best Friend

You don't need an appointment to find your new family member, so come visit us at any of our three locations or our various partner adoption centers across the metro area. Whether you are ready to adopt, foster, or learn more, your support helps us continue our lifesaving mission. Visit our website to browse our currently available pets or to learn more about our upcoming events and volunteer opportunities.

Trust Assessment
GoldRated Sep 14, 2026
NonprofitVerifiedMunicipal PartnerOperating 10+ years
Finances
Online Review Highlights
  • Dedicated staff and volunteers
  • Comprehensive health and vaccination protocols
  • Operational friction due to long wait times
Vetted byPETCO LOVEPetSmart Charities
How we assess
Coverage We Reviewed
https://www.kctv5.com

10/9 - KC Mega Match Pet Adoption Event

KC Pet Project's Abigail Anderson joins Shane and Kerrigan to introduce us to Daisy Duck, an adorable pup looking for a fur-ever home.

KMBC

10/7 - 130 dogs adopted, 152 dogs taken in: KC Pet Project faces renewed overcrowding concerns

KC Pet Project says dog intake is rising again after 130 adoptions last weekend. Six Kansas City-area shelters are now offering $25 adoptions.

KMBC

10/1 - KC Pet Project says it has just two open kennels left. shelter is critically full

KC Pet Project is asking for help again as it looks to make space for more dogs in need.

https://www.kctv5.com
Improves Trust

7/9 - Purina, KC Pet Project adoption partnership nears 600 pets placed

As of Thursday, July 9, 587 adoptions had been completed.

LinkedIn
Improves Trust

6/13 - #watch #fifaworldcup #watch | moneycontrol.com

#WATCH | Hundreds of puppies are taking centre stage at the FIFA Fan Festival in Kansas City as part of a local charity initiative aiming to find homes for up to 400 dogs during the 2026 World Cup. Among them are four German Shepherd-Labrador cross puppies rescued when they were just two days old. Organised by the KC Pet Project, the adoption campaign is using the global spotlight of the tournament to connect rescue animals with prospective families and raise awareness about pet adoption. 🐶⚽🏆 #FIFAWorldCup #WATCH

FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports
Improves Trust

6/12 - KC Pet Project facing capacity crisis after taking in more than 300 pets in one week

KC Pet Project is facing a critical capacity crisis after taking in more than 300 animals in just one week.

Recent Videos

10/7 - Our Y2Katurday event last Saturday was a huge success! We raised over $8,000 for the thousands of cats and kittens that come to KC Pet Project each year! Thank you for making this such a fun event and we can’t wait to do it again next year! 💗🐱 If you missed out, make sure you don’t next year! 😉 You can still donate to help the animals in our care by clicking the link in our bio! ✨ #cats #kansascity #eventrecap #sheltercats #adopt

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10/2 - Y2Katurday is for the kitties!! 🐱💿🫶 KC Pet Project takes in around 8,000 cats and kittens every year, and every ticket to Caturday helps us care for them. Including cuties just like these who are currently waiting for homes! 💕 Come party like it’s 2000-something and help us raise some money for the cats. 🎧✨ Tickets at the link in our bio! #Y2Katurday #ShelterCats #AdoptKC #KansasCity #Cats

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10/2 - BRB, we’re currently buying our tickets to Caturday!! 💿💻🐱 Here’s your official Y2K preview of KATZ: World Tour ✨ We are taking over the Crossroads with kitten snuggles, iconic drinks, light-up cat ears and an adventurous scavenger hunt all to support the cats and kittens at KC Pet Project.🐱 Caturday is tomorrow, October 3rd from 12–4 PM and trust us, you’re gonna want to be there!! Grab your tickets, pick your Y2K fit from deep in the closet and get ready to party for the cats. 🪩🐾 Tickets at the link in our bio! <3 Locations include @borderbrewco @casualanimalbrewing @beckettskcmo @arrowdartclub @cosmoburger_kc @itapxroads @king.g.kc @liftedspiritskc @citybarrel #Caturday #Adopt #ShelterCats #KansasCity #kcevents

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10/1 - ONLY TWO OPEN KENNELS at KC Pet Project. ❤️‍🩹 We are all out of space at our shelter for large dogs at they won’t stop coming in. Thanks to @hillspet all dogs weighing 40 pounds or more are free to adopt this weekend! Stop by and meet your new best friend. We have so many very nice large dogs waiting to meet you! #kansascity #animalshelter #adopt #shelterdogs #dogs

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9/26 - Want to meet Cat Mom AND Cat Dad AND support a great cause?! 🐱💿💗 @kcpetproject We’re hitting the Crossroads for KCPP’s annual Caturday bar crawl — KATZ: World Tour! 🎉🐾 KC Pet Project Get ready for a Y2K-inspired afternoon of kitten snuggles, photo ops, light-up cat ears, and a scavenger hunt mystery through the Crossroads Arts District! 🔎✨ And THIS year, we’re joining the hottest fictional pop group of 2002! 🎤🐱 Trixie Treat, Miss Mischief, JT Paws & Scratch have lost some very important belongings… and YOU get to follow the clues from stop to stop to figure out who’s behind it all! 🕵️‍♀️✨ 📅 Saturday, October 3 ⏰ 12–4 p.m. 📍 Crossroads Arts District 🍻 Check-in at City Barrel Brewery 🔞 21+ 🎟️ $30 right now! Price increases September 18! And the best part? You’re supporting KC Pet Project and the amazing work they do for animals in our community! 🐾❤️ So grab your butterfly clips, tiny sunglasses, and your favorite cat-loving crew! 😎💿🐱 🎟️ GET YOUR TICKETS NOW — link in our bio or visit kcpetproject.org! #KATZWorldTour #Caturday #KCPetProject #KansasCity #KCEvents CatLovers CatMom CatDad Y2K CrossroadsKC SupportAnimalRescue CatEvent WonkyTribe

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9/23 - Asia’s favorite summer snack comes straight from the hose. 💧😜 This sweet girl is 7 years old, and has previously lived with other dogs and kids! In fact, she has proven she loves all people. 🥰 Asia knows basic commands and is very excited to show them off for her new family! If you are interested in meeting this fun lady, stop by the KC Pet Project - Main Campus. ♥️ #adopt #shelterdog #shelterpets #dogs #sillydog

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9/16 - One week after risking her life to protect her family, Lucy got to run back into their arms. ❤️‍🩹🐾 Lucy came to KC Pet Project after being injured protecting her owners. After a week of care in our clinic, this girl was back on her feet and VERY ready to go home. 🥹 We reunite pets with the people who love them every single day, but some reunions hit a little differently. 🫶 #animalshelter #rescuedog #rescue #reunion #dogsofinstagram

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Visit Us At

7077 Elmwood Ave, Kansas City, MO 64132

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