Preparing pets and people for the bond of their lives

Wayside Waifs is a no kill animal shelter, located in south Kansas City, Missouri, on 50 beautiful acres. Helping animals since 1944, and only through the generosity of donors, Wayside Waifs is able to serve more than 30,000 pets and people annually through pet adoptions, youth education and canine training programs, and community programming, like the pet food pantry.

Rescue

Wayside Waifs’ FEMA certified Animal Rescue and Response Team rescues animals in our community, in rural areas, or wherever disaster strikes. We also partner with national welfare organizations to help animals in dire situations and deplorable conditions.

Admissions

This is the start of every animal’s journey at Wayside. Animals come to Wayside through our Animal Transfer Program, our Stray Services contracts, and through Owner Surrenders. Every animal receives an initial medical assessment, vaccinations, behavior evaluation, and is photographed.

Vet Clinic

The 11,000 square foot clinic includes exam tables, dentistry equipment, digital x-ray machine, a surgery suite, and more. This, combined with a caring staff of two veterinarians along with veterinarian assistants, ensures that every animal receives top-notch medical care during their stay.

Foster Care

Foster families provide in-home care to animals that are too young, too sick, or just need time out of the shelter to feel good again. While in foster care, Wayside supplies all medical care, medicine, food, toys, and other items for the foster family. Once the animals are the medically or behaviorally healthy, and at the proper age/weight, they return to Wayside and become available for adoption.

Adoptions

Each year, thousands of abandoned and neglected animals come to Wayside Waifs looking for a second chance. As part of our no kill mission and commitment to preparing pets and people for the bond of their lives, Wayside strives to place as many animals as possible in responsible, loving homes. Wayside has a 97% live release rate. Only animals with extreme medical conditions or extreme behavior issues are humanely euthanized.

Behavior Evaluation & Training

We know that for an animal to be at their best, both medical and mental needs must be met. Dogs and cats are evaluated. Based on these evaluations, individual behavior, training and enrichment programs are created and implemented to support each shelter animal’s journey. Many of the shelter animals leave Wayside knowing commands like sit, stay, come, touch, down, and loose-leash walking. To learn more about our Canine Behavior Center click here.

Public Dog Training Classes

To help keep pets in their home, Wayside offers a wide range of affordable, public dog training classes. These positive reinforcement classes are taught throughout the year by certified trainers. Private training consultations are also available by appointment. To learn more about public and private dog training click here.

Humane Education

Wayside’s Humane Education department delivers programs to more than 16,000 students in Kansas City, proactively working to prevent animal abuse and neglect. Our nationally recognized anti-violence program, No More Bullying!, teaches children compassion, respect, and responsibility through positive interaction with animals in the classroom.

Pet Memorial Services

Wayside Waifs has been helping families for generations with compassionate aftercare for cherished family pets. Your friends at Wayside Waifs truly understand the pain of losing a family pet. We are here to support you during this time of sorrow and help make final arrangements for your pet.

Community Outreach

Wayside provides a variety of community services to support pet owners that need assistance and community cats. Services include trap-neuter-return services for community cats, affordable basic wellness clinics and spay/neuter events, food and supply distribution through our pet food pantry, and advocacy. Community Outreach efforts and events are publicized on Wayside’s social media and digital communications.

Volunteers, Staff & Donors

Wayside’s Complete Circle of Care would not be possible without the generous, dedicated, and compassionate support of volunteers, staff, and donors. Since 1944, Wayside has been able to service pets and people in need and will continue to do so because of our amazing volunteers, staff, and donors.