Wayside Waifs is proud to manage Kansas City’s largest pet adoption program. Wayside has the largest selection of dogs, cats, puppies, kittens, and small mammals in the community.

Each animal is spayed/neutered before going to their new home, a key component in preventing unwanted litters and pet overpopulation. Our Waifs are also microchipped, current on age appropriate vaccinations, and have received a thorough medical and behavior evaluation.

Volunteer foster families are some of our unsung heroes. They provide in-home care for these animals for an average of 2-4 weeks. Wayside provides all medical care, medicine, food, toys, and supplies needed to care for the animal.

Contact us today if you and your family are interested in fostering a Waif!

Wayside Waifs is extremely proud of the high level of veterinary care we are able to provide the shelter animals. Our surgery suite features four surgerical stations that allow our veterinary staff to perform spay/neuter surgeries as well as life-saving surgeries. Dental exams, cleanings, and x-rays are also given if needed.

In more serious cases, animals can recover in our private, long-term treatment rooms away from the general population. The clinic also features a specialized Parvo treatment room with its own entrance/exit, washer/dryer, and exam room.

Veterinary care is alos provided to owned pets and community cats. Trap-neuter-return services are provided to community cats. Affordable, basic wellness clinics and spay/neuter events are also provided throughout the year to assist struggling pet parents meet the needs of their pets. 

The Canine Behavior Center (CBC) was built exclusively to meet the needs of shy, fearful, high-energy/low-impuse control shelter dogs at Wayside Waifs. A the time of opening in 2021, it was the second of its kind in the country. Serving approximately 110 homeless dogs annually, each dog has a custom behavior modification plan that is adjusted to meet the changing behavior needs of the dog. The building was designed to remove stimulus and create a safe, quiet, and controlled environment where dogs learn to trust again and master skills they need to transition into their adoptive home. Learn more about the CBC here.

At Wayside Waifs, behavior modification is a crucial part of our complete circle of care. Our goal is to bring out the best in every animal so they can be successful with their new families.

The behavior modification team works with animals on issues such as food aggression, lack of socialization, resource guarding, and separation anxiety. Our dedicated team consistently provides positive, one-on-one training with each animal, along with telephone and online support for pet owners seeking behavior advice and assistance.

A Canine Behavior Center provides specialized, custom behavior modification training for shelter dogs that are shy, fearful, high-energy/high arousal.

To support dog parents, help pets from being surrendered to the shelter, and to strengthen the human-pet bond, public dog training classes are offered throughout the year. 

Wayside Waifs has been helping families for generations with compassionate aftercare for cherished family pets. Your friends at Wayside truly understand the pain of such a loss. We are here to support you during this time of sorrow and help make final arrangements for your pet’s passing. Services include humane euthanasia in a living-room setting by appointment, cremation, and burial in our Pet Memorial Park. Call 816-986-4406 to discuss your pet memorial needs with our compassionate staff. 

Wayside Waifs’ Humane Education Program delivers a wide variety of quality programs to more than 16,000 students each year. Our educators and their companion animals present curriculum lessons in the greater KC area schools to teach children the responsibilities of caring for a pet, how to safely greet a dog, and even how to prepare family pets for a disaster.

Volunteers credit their work at Wayside Waifs as one of their most rewarding experiences.

The success of our volunteer program is measured not only by hours, but also by contributions of the heart. Each year, more than 1,600 active volunteers support our mission by socializing animals, working at our events, representing us in the community, and more. We strive to create a positive, rewarding environment for our volunteers who directly impact the quality of life for thousands of homeless pets.

Fur Ball Annual Gala is Wayside Waifs’ largest annual fundraiser. Raising gifts that directly support our comprehensive programs and services, this is the most popular, fun social event in KC. Learn more about the Fur Ball Gala here.

Strutt With Your Mutt is KC’s largest pet friendly 3K walk and 5K run. This gives people the chance to mingle with hundreds of pet lovers while saving lives! You can particiate as an individual or form a team. It’s fun for the whole family with activities for adults, kids and dogs! Learn more about Strutt With Your Mutt here.