Adopt a cat right now for
only $39.95

And, this Saturday only cat and kitten adoptions are just $19.95!

Find your feline best friend at the Humane Society of Missouri center near you -- in the Westport area, St. Louis City or Chesterfield Valley.

Humane Education Vital Lessons Include Animals!

All teachers understand the importance of Character Education. All parents appreciate these vital lessons based on the seven pillars: kindness, truth, respect, trustworthiness, responsibility, and citizenship. All would agree this is good news for teachers, fellow students, parents, the community---and animals.

The Humane Society of Missouri has the perfect tool to teach the valuable lessons of character education:  animals!  The character connection has long served as the foundation of our education programs

Teachers and home-schooling instructors can tap into these vital lessons in three ways:

• By visiting the education section of the Humane Society of Missouri's website and choose from over 60 complete lesson plans---all meeting the Missouri Show-Me standards and ready to use!  These lesson plans impart important concepts of respect and responsibility, but also include disciplines of math, science, language arts and many other curriculum connections.  Additionally, you will find a year-long calendar on our site, loaded with daily ideas on how to be kind to all living creatures—even little brothers and sisters!  Our recommended reading list is a treasure chest of animal literature to help introduce your students to a world of creature compassion. 
  
  
• Bring your class to the Humane Society of Missouri for a presentation on animals, respect, responsibility, their care and the environment we share (tailored to the specific age group), a tour of the veterinary medical center and, of course, a trip to the animal shelter where students will be able to meet our current “guests” up close. To schedule a class with the Humane Society of Missouri, call 314-951-1568.  
  
  
• Arrange for your students to visit the Humane Society of Missouri’s Longmeadow Rescue Ranch in Union, MO.  Longmeadow is one of the most comprehensive horse and farm care rehabilitation centers in the United States.  At Longmeadow, abused and neglected horses, cows, pigs, goats and other farm animals are rehabilitated and placed for adoption.  On any given day, as many as 150 animals call Longmeadow their safe haven.  To make a reservation for your class to visit our ranch,  call 636-583-8759 x702.

Helping children to develop character is a goal of most school systems.  Treating animals with respect and responsibility are essential to good character.  The Humane Society of Missouri has created the perfect forum for dovetailing the two.  All living beings will benefit from this effort.

For more information about our various education programs for kids and adults, please visit our website or contact the education department at education.office@hsmo.org 
 

These items and many more can be found at our Humane Society of Missouri gift shops.
Click here for HSMO gift shop locations.  

Remember: Each time you shop, you are helping homeless animals find new, forever, loving homes!
 

Sponsor a Barn Buddy this holiday season! Our sponsorship program gives you the satisfaction of giving a unique gift, while knowing you are helping care for rescued horses and farm animals at Longmeadow Rescue Ranch. For your sponsorship we will deliver a Barn Buddy Membership to anyone on your gift list. And, not to worry...we'll do the feeding and clean-up!

Sponsor a Barn Buddy

Why does my dog chew his hind legs and feet? 
 

Flea allergies-The most common allergy dogs experience is a reaction to flea bites, called flea allergy dermatitis. Even if your dog is protected against fleas by a collar or treatment, one flea can secrete enough saliva in a bite to cause itching and discomfort. 

Food or shampoo- Dogs can also be allergic to ingredients in their food or shampoo. 

Pollen-They can even have reactions to some of the same things that cause human hay fever: pollen, dust, mold and grasses. 

Contact your veterinarian- Your veterinarian can help you determine if your dog is being bothered by one of these allergies or if there is another underlying medical issue causing this behavior. If it is a food allergy, you may be able to simply change your dog's diet. Other allergies can be treated with an antihistamine or steroid prescription. 
 

Witches and Goblins Can Scare Your Furry Friends  

Halloween is a fun and festive event for many people but remember that is not always the case when it comes to your pets. Please remember these helpful tips this ghoulish holiday. 

• Keep pets safely inside, away from trick-or-treaters and other Halloween activities to ensure they don’t become frightened or feel threatened at the sight of noisy costumed children.
  
• Cats, especially black ones, may be the target of pranksters. To ensure their safety, the Humane Society of Missouri will not adopt black cats the week before or the week following Halloween. Black cat owners are advised to keep their cats safely indoors during the Halloween season.
  
• Frequently opened doors provide a perfect opportunity for escape, which can go unnoticed during all the commotion. Consider keeping your cat in a separate room with the door closed.  For dogs, preventing access to the door can be as simple as keeping them attached to a leash, placing them in their crates or confining to another room using baby-gates. Be sure all pets wear collars with ID tags in case of accidental escape. Of course, microchipping your pet is the best way to ensure your pet’s return should he escape.
  
• Keep candy out of your pet’s reach. Candy can be harmful to pets and chocolate is toxic to cats, dogs, and ferrets.
  
• Keep pets away from decorations.  Flames in jack-o-lanterns and candles can quickly singe, burn or set fire to a pet’s fur.  Pets can become tangled in hanging decorations like streamers and can choke on some decorations if they chew on them.
  
• Resist the urge to put your furry friend in costume. Most pets dislike the confinement of costumes and masks. A printed bandana or fun collar can be just as cute and often more comfortable for your pet.
  
• Don’t bring the family dog along for trick-or-treating. Dogs may become difficult to handle during the noise and confusion of the festivities. A lost dog or a dog bite will quickly end your Halloween fun.

If you have questions about Halloween pet safety or other behavior-related issues, contact the Humane Society of Missouri Behavior Helpline at (314) 951-1540 or e-mail our behavior department, behavior.desk@hsmo.org.