Kansas City Animal Services is dedicated to the safety and well-being of animals and people in our community. As part of the City’s Neighborhood Services Department, we provide animal control, enforce local animal laws, and promote responsible pet ownership.

Our team responds to calls about stray or dangerous animals, investigates cruelty or neglect, and helps reunite lost pets with their families. We also work closely with local shelters and rescue groups to ensure animals in need receive care and second chances.

Whether you're looking to report an animal issue, animals at large, learn about pet licensing, Kansas City Animal Services is here to help.

KC Pet Project is dedicated to creating a compassionate and safe community for pets and people. We continue to build on our national reputation as an innovative leader in animal welfare with our progressive, lifesaving programs and support services.

Our Locations

Each year, KC Pet Project cares for more than 16,000 animals across 14 adoption locations throughout the Kansas City metro, including the City's municipal shelter in Swope Park; the KC Pet Project Adoption Center in Zona Rosa; the Petco Adoption Center in Overland Park; and Petco Cat Habitats throughout the region. KC Pet Project also collaborates with local and national animal welfare organizations to amplify our mission and expand our collective lifesaving efforts.

KC Pet Project Programs and Services

KC Pet Project's mission extends far beyond traditional sheltering. We provide:

• Pet Adoption
• Foster Care
• Volunteer Programs
• Lost Pet Support
• Found Pet Support
• Friendly Finders Program
• Stray and Lost Pet Intake and Care
• Pet Surrender Support
• Pet Retention Support
• Rehoming Support
• Keep 'Em Together, KC
• Community Cats
• Pet Microchipping
• Pet ID Tags

Keeping Families Together

At the heart of KC Pet Project's work is the belief that pets belong with their families, not in shelters. Our "Keep 'Em Together, KC" program assists pet owners facing financial hardship with resources to deter unnecessary pet surrender.

Transforming Animal Sheltering

KC Pet Project, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, was founded in 2011 by devoted animal advocates who wanted something better for Kansas City's shelter animals. In 2012, KC Pet Project took over operations of the City's shelter. Within six months, KC Pet Project reduced euthanasia rates from over 60% to under 10%, earning a "No-Kill" shelter status.

KC Pet Project achieved remarkable results despite operating in an old, converted warehouse building that lacked adequate space. In 2017, Kansas City voters approved a measure to build a new animal shelter. Following a capital campaign, the City's new shelter opened in Swope Park on Jan. 1, 2020.

KC Pet Project continues to lead the City’s shelter, the largest and only "open admission" animal shelter in the metro area that accepts animals regardless of health, age, breed, or temperament — providing shelter and care to animals that would otherwise have no safe refuge.

When is the Campus for Animal Care open?

KC Pet Project, a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, manages the City's animal shelter.
Admissions and Lost & Found: Mon-Sunday 10 am - 6 pm
Adoptions: Mon-Sunday 12 pm - 6 pm

What should I do if I think my dog has been picked up by an Animal Services Officer?

If you've lost a pet, visit the KC Campus for Animal Care (Admissions) at 7077 Elmwood Avenue during public hours. Check their website and social media Lost & Found pages for found animals brought to the shelter.

Animals with a current City license are eligible for a free ride home. Keep your pet’s license up to date. Renew or check your pet's license status at PetData.com.

Who do I call about deceased animal pickup?

Please contact 311. Deceased animal pickup is conducted by Public Works.

Why do I need a City license for my animal if I have a current rabies tag?

Dogs, cats, and ferrets in Kansas City, MO, must have a current City license. This assists in monitoring the pet population and helps in case your pet is impounded or running loose.

What should I do if I cannot keep my animal?

If you need to relinquish your pet, contact the KC Campus for Animal Care to schedule an appointment. KC Pet Project will gather information about your pet to improve rehoming chances or connect you with resources that may help keep your pet.

I have a problem with stray cats in my neighborhood. Why doesn’t the City pick them up?

Kansas City, MO, does not have a leash law for cats, so Animal Services cannot impound healthy, free-roaming cats. They can assist with sick or injured outdoor cats. Contact the KC Pet Project Pet Support Line for help with stray or community cats. Use humane deterrents to keep outdoor cats away, as outlined in the Humane Outdoor Cat Deterrents guide from Best Friends Animal Society.

Does the City's Animal Services Division pick up stray dogs?

Kansas City's Animal Services responds to calls reporting stray dogs. Start by posting about the roaming dog on neighborhood social media pages like Facebook or Nextdoor to quickly reunite pets with their families. Kansas City Animal Services helps return lost pets home. If you find a stray, report it to Animal Services, ask around the neighborhood for the owner, and keep the animal where it was found. If you confine a stray dog, take it to be scanned for a microchip, or contact Animal Services to transport it to the KC Campus for Animal Care.

Why don’t you pick up wild animals in my yard?

The City's Animal Services Division does not have jurisdiction over wild animals in their natural habitat. For encounters with high-risk wild animals, contact Animal Services through 311 or the myKCMO app.

What can I do about the wild animal in my attic?

Animal Services Officers do not remove wild animals from locations like attics. Search for pest control services.
If a high-risk wild animal is inside your living space, try to provide an exit route. An officer will respond if necessary.

What can I do about my neighbor’s barking dog?

Steps for excessive barking:

1. Speak with the dog's owner. The owner may not be aware of the disturbance.
2. If unresolved, contact 311 or the myKCMO app. Be prepared to answer:
• Are you a neighbor within 100 yards?
• Willingness to submit a signed complaint?
3. If submitting a signed complaint, verify proximity. Receive a complaint form.
4. A notice will be sent to the dog’s owner. You'll receive a copy.
5. After 7 days, if barking continues, contact our office with documentation. Complaint will be filed as a criminal charge in Municipal Court. You must be willing to testify.

If found guilty, the owner may be fined between $75 and $500.

What can I do about my neighborhood's neglected dog?

City ordinance requires adequate care for animals. Report neglect through 311 or the myKCMO app.

Are pit bulls illegal?

No, but they must be spayed or neutered as per Chapter 14- Animals in the City's Code of Ordinances.

How many animals are allowed per household?

Each household may own up to four domestic animals (dogs, cats, Vietnamese pot-bellied pigs, or ferrets) in any combination. For more details, refer to Chapter 14- Animals in the City's Code of Ordinances.

How long will it take an Animal Services Officer to respond to my call for service?

Calls are processed in order, with priority for emergency criteria like dog bites. Updates on arrival times and delays are provided through myKCMO cases.

How do I initiate an investigation by the Animal Services Division?

Contact Animal Services through 311 or myKCMO app with:

• Your name and address
• Violation address or nearest cross street
• A detailed description of the violation and animal(s) involved

Note call activity number for reference.

How can I get my case number for a report?

311 call takers or the app will provide a case number. An officer in the field can provide a case card.

What is the difference between cruelty and neglect?

Neglect is failing to provide for basic needs; cruelty involves intentional harm.

How are cruelty and neglect charges filed?

Animal Services investigates cruelty and neglect, coordinating with the City Prosecutor’s Office to file charges if an animal is in danger. For severe cases, they partner with the State District Attorney’s Office.

What do I do if my animal is attacked by another animal?

Report attacks via 311 or the myKCMO app. An Animal Services officer will be dispatched if the threat persists. You may need to submit a signed complaint form.

What do I do if I’m bitten by an animal?

If bitten, clean the wound and report the incident. Provide:

• Biting animal's description
• Name and address of the owner
• If stray, last known location and direction

All biting animals must undergo rabies quarantine. Visit the CDC website for more on rabies.

How long will my animal be held on bite quarantine?

Animals are quarantined for 10 days from the date and time of the bite.

I received a potentially dangerous dog declaration. Who should I contact with questions?

Contact Animal Services as listed on the declaration or call 311. Email at ASD@kcmo.org.

What is the Reclaim Fee Forgiveness Program?

Pet owners can reclaim their pets at no cost within the first three days at the KC Campus for Animal Care. All lost and found pets are held for five days.