Central Missouri Humane Society

As the oldest local animal welfare organization, we have been serving companion animals in need and providing refuge for over 80 years. The Columbia Humane Society was formed in 1943 to provide shelter and care for Columbia’s abandoned animals. The organization has since grown into a vibrant community resource, the Central Missouri Humane Society, which cares for thousands of animals annually and provides a multitude of services to local citizens. For more than 80 years, CMHS has been Boone County’s only open-door shelter that accepts and cares for any homeless pet. We treat all animals as individuals and do not turn them away based on health, age, breed, or temperament. 

The CRASH (Critical Recovery and Specialized Healing) Fund: This fund provides urgent medical care to both shelter animals and community pets in crisis, ensuring that no animal suffers because of financial constraints. 

Veterinary Services and TNR: Our CMHS clinic supports low-income pet owners by providing affordable veterinary services such as vaccinations, microchipping, and spay or neuter surgery. Each year, our veterinary team spays/neuters thousands of owned animals in the community. We also operate a trap-neuter-release (TNR) program to help control the community cat population in Boone County and the surrounding areas.

Humane Education: CMHS teaches Humane Education in Columbia schools through our Be Kind Program. This program was designed to benefit the community by teaching students about caring for companion animals through an in-person learning experience with our canine ambassador, Precious.

Pet Food Bank: It all starts with prevention. Pet owners shouldn’t have to choose between feeding themselves or their pets. Our Community Pet Food Bank served hundreds of households this year. Thanks to generous donations, we distributed over 15,000 pounds of pet food to families in need. 

Pawsitive Support Program: CMHS is dedicated to both the physical and emotional health of our pets. This program is supported through positive, science-based, force-free training and behavior change methods. Our behavior team begins working with animals upon intake and creates a comprehensive behavior plan to address issues such as anxiety and fear aggression. 

Animal Control Partnership: CMHS stands as a refuge for animals brought in through our partnership with local Animal Control. Whether they’re lost, stray, or in need of a safe place, each animal receives care, attention, and a comfortable space. Animals unclaimed by owners find a fresh start through our adoption program, and the community gains peace of mind knowing that our shelter is a safe harbor for pets in need.

Shelter Medicine Program: CMHS is grateful to partner with the University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine and their Shelter Medicine Program. Each year, hundreds of shelter animals are spayed and neutered and receive comprehensive health examinations through this innovative partnership. Veterinary students are provided with the opportunity to learn about the most current medical practices and gain valuable experience that will allow them to better serve animals as veterinary professionals. In addition to surgeries and examinations, students also provide shelter animals with vaccinations, microchips and preventatives.