Open Door Animal Sanctuary

Open Door Animal Sanctuary Open Door is the largest no-kill shelter in the Greater St. Louis area. If you are looking to adopt, we have the widest variety of dogs and cats around!
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Open Door Animal Sanctuary, founded in 1975, is the largest no-kill sanctuary in the greater St. Louis area and State of Missouri. We serve the community by taking in stray, abused, neglected and otherwise unwanted cats and dogs and placing them up for adoption. Each day we provide shelter, food, medical care and LOVE to an average of 350 animals. Every animal that comes to us has a home and a sec

ond chance at life. If you are looking to adopt a dog or cat, we have the most animals to choose from in the area! Our adoption fees ($75 for adult cats and $150 for dogs/puppies/kittens includes spay/neuter, a microchip, the first round of shots and parasite preventative. Come check out all our great dogs and cats! Due to social distancing requirements, we are showing dogs and cats for adoption by appointment only. Please call or office to make an appointment at 636-671-3653 or preferably go to www.odas.org/adopt and fill out and submit a pre-adoption questionnaire and we will contact you for an appointment. Other ways we serve the community include:
• We have a low cost Spay/Neuter program for those families that can't afford regular veterinarians - call our office at 636-671-3643 or e-mail at [email protected]
• Provide free pet food
to low income pet owners.
• Run a TNR program
(trap/neuter/release) to
reduce the feral cat population
in Jefferson County and
ultimately impact the number of cats being
put down in shelters each year.
• Participate in community
outreach programs at local
schools to teach the importance of
spay/neuter surgery and responsible pet
ownership. Open Door Animal Sanctuary (ODAS) was founded in 1975 by Mrs. Joan Costello-Oetting and Mrs. Carol (Marlin) Perkins, wife of the late Marlin Perkins, former host of Wild Kingdom and Director of the St. Louis Zoo. Had it not been for their compassion, vision and hard work, Open Door Animal Sanctuary would not exist today; and if not for Open Door, thousands of injured, abandoned and unwanted cats and dogs would have been unnecessarily euthanized.

Meet Debra Cadabra – The Queen of Her Own Castle!Debra is a 5-year-old feline with a flair for drama and a heart of gold...
04/23/2025

Meet Debra Cadabra – The Queen of Her Own Castle!

Debra is a 5-year-old feline with a flair for drama and a heart of gold (when she feels like showing it). She’s independent, a little moody, and 100% herself – but that’s what makes her so special. One minute she wants to lounge alone in her favorite cozy spot, the next she’s rubbing up against your leg like you're her favorite person in the world. Classic Debra.

She’s got a chill vibe, a mind of her own, and is looking for a home that respects her need for both solitude and affection. Basically, if you love cats with a bit of cattitude, she might just be your perfect match.

Come meet Debra at Open Door Animal Sanctuary – she’s ready to steal your heart (but only on her terms).

(This is a guest post by Haley, a university student who is doing an assignment for her social media class. Please help her and Debra Cadabra out by sharing this post with your friends!)

You know how, for some things, the store brand or the knock-off is way better than the "real" thing? Like, people are ou...
04/23/2025

You know how, for some things, the store brand or the knock-off is way better than the "real" thing? Like, people are out there paying a bazillion dollars for a Maine C**n cat because they want a cat who is giant and ultra-fluffy, with a super-cool personality. To each their own, I guess, but lemme tell you a secret:
You could have a giant, fluffy, outgoing, playful, loyal, awesome cat WITH a bonus hipster goatee for literally $75. Already neutered and everything!
Hi. I'm Musty. And I'm your Kirkland brand Maine C**n. Every bit as good as the "real thing," if not better! I'm adorable. Great with other cats. Well-behaved, with just enough of a mischievous streak to keep you laughing! My favorite toy is a straw, which I stole out of someone's drink while their back was turned.
I'm smart, social, and I love a lap. I'm awesome in every sense of the word.
Let's be honest: what you really want isn't a certificate of purebreditude. It's a best friend. And, when it comes to that, I'm the genuine article. So why not get everything you've dreamed about in a magnificent package? I'm here waiting!
My name is Musty, I'm three years old, and I'm neutered, up to date on shots, and fully vetted. I'm available for adoption through
Open Door Animal Sanctuary
House Springs, MO
(636)671-3643

Looking for a cat with personality? Meet Fireball!Fireball is a total sweetheart… most of the time. She LOVES attention,...
04/22/2025

Looking for a cat with personality? Meet Fireball!
Fireball is a total sweetheart… most of the time. She LOVES attention, enjoys cuddles, and will happily curl up next to you—until she decides she needs some alone time. She’s affectionate, sassy, and 100% herself.
Fireball is looking for a quiet, cat-free home where she can be the center of your world. She doesn’t want to share the spotlight, and honestly, she deserves it.
She’s currently at Open Door Animal Sanctuary, just waiting for the right person to come along and appreciate her for the loving (and occasionally moody) queen that she is.
If you’re an experienced cat lover who respects feline boundaries, come meet Fireball—you just might be her person.
Tag a friend who needs a Fireball in their life!
(This is a guest post by Haley, a university student who is doing an assignment for her social media class. Please help her and Fireball out by sharing this post with your friends!)

Meet me at the library! Humans aren't the only ones who enjoy a good story. Our dogs and cats had a visit from the Jeffe...
04/22/2025

Meet me at the library! Humans aren't the only ones who enjoy a good story. Our dogs and cats had a visit from the Jefferson County Library - Missouri literacy ambassadors!
No, we're not trying to train them to write their own bios. Whether they understand the story or not, our dogs and cats love having some visitors! Reading aloud to an animal can be a good way to allow them to enjoy your company, get used to the sound of your voice in their own time, and just be settled together. So, next time you come to visit, bring your current read and share it with your furry friends!

Lots of heroes came from humble beginnings, right? Moses was set adrift in a basket. Superman came to Earth alone from a...
04/22/2025

Lots of heroes came from humble beginnings, right? Moses was set adrift in a basket. Superman came to Earth alone from a distant planet. It's a story as old as Beowulf: a foundling, destined for greatness. A wise, kind, and strong soul whose hardships only make him more resilient.
My name is Mika. They gave it to me when they found me locked in a crate on the side of the road. It was January and I was freezing, missing a lot of my hair, and scared out of my wits. I had no idea what was happening or what was to become of me. I still don't know what happened to make someone abandon me that way. Was it something I did? Something happening in their life?
I suppose it doesn't really matter. The important thing is that I was found and now I'm looking forward to having a bright future!
Thing is, all I want is to be someone's baby. I promise to be a good boy. I love other dogs and have made lots of dog friends, so if your other dog needs a pal, I might fit the bill. I like to carry stuffed animals around in my mouth and cuddle with them. I know how to sit and am an enthusiastic high-fiver. And I've got plenty of love to give! You can tell just by looking into my eyes that I'm the sweetest of boys. And, if you come and meet me, you'll be left with zero doubt.
I'm about a year old, in the neighborhood of 50 lb, and ready to be your perfect companion! No matter what my life was like before, I know that, with you, it's going to be beautiful! My friends here in the shelter love me a lot, so one of the shelter workers has offered to cover my adoption fee out of his own pocket, so I would be a no-fee adoption after a regular application process! Let's make it happen!
My name is Mika, I'm a year old, and I'm neutered, up to date on shots, and fully vetted. I'm available for adoption through
Open Door Animal Sanctuary
House Springs, MO
(636)671-3643

Why do the stars twinkle? Why are calico cats nearly always girls? What would happen if everyone on Earth jumped at the ...
04/21/2025

Why do the stars twinkle? Why are calico cats nearly always girls? What would happen if everyone on Earth jumped at the exact same time? How come I don't have a last name?
My first name is "Chip," by the way. Like a li'l chocolate chip cookie! I'm only ten months old and I'm full of energy and curiosity.
I'm busy-busy-busy all the time! I love attention and meeting new people. I literally vibrate with enthusiasm when I encounter a new friend! Not only do I purr, but I do this crazy "rattlesnake tail" thing when I'm happy to see someone.
Right now, I'm still adjusting to my new environment. I'm a front office cat, so there's a LOT going on around me all the time! It can be kind of intense- kids, dogs, crowds, and lots of noise. I think some of my busy-ness is nervous energy and I'll be able to relax once I get settled in (or when I get settled in my new home). Of course, I'm still a teenager, so it's totally normal for me to be a bit of a wild woman. I do well with the cats, dogs, and people in the shelter, but I did have an adoption that didn't work out, in part because I wasn't getting along with the other cat. It may be a question of proper introductions or compatible personalities, or I may just prefer to be an only cat.
I do LOVE to play. I'm an indoor-only cat, of course, which is a good thing for the birds! I like to do the cat chatter thing when I see some interesting "prey". Like, "You just watch out, local wildlife outside the window/random feathers on a string/mysterious glowing red dot. One day, I'll catch you, and then you're REALLY in for it!"
I'm really affectionate, but I'm also very busy. So I'm cool with being held, but after a couple seconds, I'm bored and want to go explore some more. Like I said, I may settle with some time, but I need someone who has the patience, the grace, and the calm spirit to keep me grounded until I do.
I have so much to learn! Why do the seasons change? How did dinosaurs become chickens? Do you think I could be yours?
My name is Chip, I'm ten months old, and I'm spayed, up to date on shots, and fully vetted. I'm available for adoption through
Open Door Animal Sanctuary
House Springs, MO
(636)671-3643

Happy National Cat Lady Day to all the proud cat people! Do you have Cat Lady aspirations and want a starter kit? Molly ...
04/19/2025

Happy National Cat Lady Day to all the proud cat people! Do you have Cat Lady aspirations and want a starter kit? Molly & Cali are dog and cat friendly, outgoing, young, and they come as a pair! Pay one adoption fee, get two cats!
Molly and Cali are waiting for their homes at Chesterfield PetSmart! You can visit them there any day. Or, come out to the shelter to see the other cats we have available!

Weekend Roundup! The sweetest and cutest boy is STILL WAITING for a home! Jett is absolutely irresistible. So charming. ...
04/19/2025

Weekend Roundup! The sweetest and cutest boy is STILL WAITING for a home! Jett is absolutely irresistible. So charming. I am physically incapable of walking by him without stopping to give him some cuddles. He's smart, he's sweet, he's well-mannered (young and energetic, but tries his best to be a good boy), he's friendly with other dogs, he's good with kids, and he's unbelievably cute. Let's find this brilliant boy the perfect home!

Everyone thinks they have the best dog in the world, right? And none of them are wrong! I hear that a lot, actually- "Jett, you really are the best dog EVER!"
I don't necessarily work in absolutes (I mean, I'm a year old- barely more than a puppy- and I know better than most that life doesn't come with that kind of guarantee!), but I will say that humans seem to really quickly get happier when they're around me. In fact, when I do my happy dance, they're sometimes so delighted that they lose the power of speech. I stand on my back legs, put my front legs up above my head, and wag my tail so hard that my hips wiggle! I'll put a video in the comments in case you want to see.
I'm a super sweet guy! I'm cuddly and excited to make new friends. I love to play with other dogs and would love to have a home with a canine playmate. I even do well with kids! I lived with two young ones in my previous home, so I know I can handle them.
I'm smart, loyal, and eager-to-please. I just want to make my human happy! I'm agreeable, I listen well, and and I know how to chill out when needed. Of course, I'm still a young guy and need regular exercise and plenty of love!
So I may not be the only "best dog ever," but, if you give me a chance, I might just be YOUR best boy!
My name is Jett, I'm a year old, and I'm neutered, up to date on shots, and fully vetted. I'm available for adoption through
Open Door Animal Sanctuary
House Springs, MO
(636)671-3643

Weekend Roundup! Zima is still waiting for the perfect single-pet home. She's had a tough go of it so far and deserves t...
04/19/2025

Weekend Roundup! Zima is still waiting for the perfect single-pet home. She's had a tough go of it so far and deserves to live life as the princess! She's affectionate, loves to play, and is ready to be someone's best girl!

One-eyed, three-legged, deaf, and absolutely perfect! My name is Zima and, as you might guess, I've been through a lot in my 5ish years of life.
Technically, I do have two eyes, but only one works. The other is obscured by some old scarring. The deafness? I was probably born that way. My leg... well, I was found in the road, badly injured. The vet said it looked like I was likely thrown from a car. Recovery took months and months and they weren't able to save my leg.
In spite of it all, I'm a super sweet cat. I make air biscuits when I'm happy, I love having my chin scratched, and I sleep in the bed with my human. With strangers and in strange places (like this one), I'm pretty reserved and a little unsure at first. Just keep things slow and mellow when you meet me and, pretty soon, I'll be giving you a tentative purr and leaning into your hand.
Being partially blind, deaf, and three-legged doesn't mean I can't live a full life. I still love to play (although I usually do it when I think nobody's looking) and can walk and jump and know what's going on around me. The one thing I really can't do, though, is fight. I know I'm vulnerable and other animals often seem to know it, too. I'd like a home with no dogs (they scare me) and no feral children. I like other cats, but they tend to find me an easy target for bullying. So, if I had a cat friend, they would have to be very mellow, very sweet, or totally disinterested in me.
I've fought for survival for long enough and I hope that, one day, I might get to live a safe, quiet, life. Little ol' me, loved, cherished, and spoiled. Wouldn't that be something?
My name is Zima, I'm about five years old, and I'm spayed, up to date on shots, and fully vetted. I'm available for adoption through
Open Door Animal Sanctuary
House Springs, MO
(636)671-3643

Yes, we are open on Easter! Our normal hours are 10 am-4 pm, seven days a week. On Easter Sunday, we will be open to the...
04/19/2025

Yes, we are open on Easter!
Our normal hours are 10 am-4 pm, seven days a week. On Easter Sunday, we will be open to the public from 10 am to 2 pm. See you this weekend!

Hi, I’m Saucy – your future favorite feline friend!I’m a 2-year-old lady with a whole lot of personality and just the ri...
04/18/2025

Hi, I’m Saucy – your future favorite feline friend!
I’m a 2-year-old lady with a whole lot of personality and just the right amount of sass. Currently chilling at a Open Door, but let’s be real… I belong on your couch. Or your windowsill. Or anywhere with a sunbeam and good vibes.
I’m super social – I get along great with other cats, love a good play session, and will happily hang out with you (or supervise you from across the room like the queen I am). But I’m also independent, so if you’re busy or just need space, I totally get it.
Basically, I’m the full package: sweet, playful, confident, and Saucy.
So… what do you say? Come meet me and let’s see if we’re a purrfect match.
Paws and kisses,Saucy
(This is a guest post by Haley, a university student who is doing an assignment for her social media class. Please help her & Saucy out by sharing this post!)

My name is Streetcar and I'm all about first impressions. Like, when I came to the shelter, the first thing they did to ...
04/17/2025

My name is Streetcar and I'm all about first impressions.
Like, when I came to the shelter, the first thing they did to me was to reach into my carrier with a little wand thing and wave it over my back. "Just checking for a microchip," they said, as though I'm supposed to know what that means. The first thing I did was to arch my back up, purring, to rub against the chip scanner. I wanted to let them know right away that we were going to be friends.
Welp, I guess the chip thing was a bust. And if I had people (which, given how friendly I am, I probably did at some point), they didn't come looking for me. Sooooo... I seem to be in the market for a new home!
I bet I'll find one soon! I mean, I'm irresistible. I'm super-affectionate, I've done well with other cats in the shelter, and I'm only about three years old.
I'm still adjusting to shelter life, but I'm hoping to be adopted before I get TOO comfortable. Right now, you can sometimes tell I'm a little unsure of my surroundings- I'll hang out in safe cubby holes until I see a person, then will pop right out when I realize I might have the opportunity to make a new friend.
So give me the chance to make an impression on you! I have a feeling it will be the start of something beautiful.
My name is Streetcar, I'm about three years old, and I'm neutered, up to date on shots, and fully vetted. I'm available for adoption through
Open Door Animal Sanctuary
House Springs, MO
(636)671-3643

PhilomenaAm I not the prettiest girl you’ve ever seen? My coat is one of a kind! My name is Philomena and I am ready to ...
04/16/2025

Philomena
Am I not the prettiest girl you’ve ever seen? My coat is one of a kind! My name is Philomena and I am ready to find my forever home. I have been at Open Door for a while. It’s time I stretch my paws and find a new place to call mine. I am 2 years old and I love love love to play! I love to play with toys, with other cats, and with humans! I don’t particularly like to be held, but that doesn’t mean I don’t like attention and love. If you’re looking for a cat that’s a ball of fun I’m your girl! Please consider adopting me🩷
(This is a guest post by Haley, a university student who is doing an assignment for her social media class. Please help her and Philomena by sharing this post!)

04/16/2025

In honor of National Pet Day, we want to see a pic of your pet. Comment with a pic of your pet and we will donate a bag of dog food to Open Door Animal Sanctuary for every comment! We will tally the final donation on April 30. We are also donating a bag of food for every Clean & Check booked in April. Mention pet food when you book. https://buff.ly/OFCIJG1

Would you go skydiving? Go into space? Fall in love? Move abroad? There are so many wonderful adventures out there waiti...
04/16/2025

Would you go skydiving? Go into space? Fall in love? Move abroad? There are so many wonderful adventures out there waiting for me, but... oh man... that moment before you take the plunge can really be terrifying!
My name is Brutus and I'm a brave little toaster. I mean... I want to be. I'm trying to be. But my life has recently flipped completely upside-down. It's like I have to get used to living on a whole new planet. And I'm not yet sure whom I can and can't trust.
When I say "little," I mean it. I'm three years old and I know that, in my photo, I look like a Malinois mix, but... if I am, I'm a teacup Malinois. I'm only 32 lb and all spindly legs. I'm real smart. I know my name and answer to it, even when I'm scared!
I like other dogs of all sizes and can both play and chill nicely with them. In my previous home, I lived with kids of a variety of ages (including little ones) and did just fine with them. I also demonstrated what a good boy I can be. I was housebroken and could be trusted to behave myself when left home alone.
Maybe the reason I'm a little hesitant to love and trust someone new is that when I love, I go all in. In my previous home, I would sometimes cry when I was alone and could be a bit of a velcro dog. What can I say? When you're my person, you're my whole world and that's a big responsibility. I need to know you're up to it before I hand you my heart.
So, please- have patience with me. I'm brave, but I'm scared. I'm a very good boy and I want to be yours if you'll have me.
My name is Brutus, I'm three and a half years old (I'll be four in June), and I'm neutered, up to date on shots, and fully vetted. I'm available for adoption through
Open Door Animal Sanctuary
House Springs, MO
(636)671-3643

SkylarThere’s nothing I love more than my covered bed! My favorite thing to do is chill. I’m very vocal and will definit...
04/15/2025

Skylar
There’s nothing I love more than my covered bed! My favorite thing to do is chill. I’m very vocal and will definitely try to speak to you. I am a bit shy at first, but once I get to know you I’ll make sure you know that you’re my best friend. I do enjoy my alone time so I’d be great in a home with another cat who also enjoys the peace and quiet of life. Sunbathing, treats, and cuddles are some of my favorite past-times. I am a male and I am located at Open Door Animal Sanctuary if anyone is looking for a new friend. Please come say hi and consider giving me a new home :)
(This is a guest post by Haley, a university student who is doing an assignment for her social media class. Help her and Skylar out by sharing this post!)

Address

6065 Duda Road
House Springs, MO
63051

Opening Hours

Monday 10am - 4pm
Tuesday 10am - 4pm
Wednesday 10am - 4pm
Thursday 10am - 4pm
Friday 10am - 4pm
Saturday 10am - 4pm
Sunday 10am - 4pm

Telephone

+16366713643

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