Business Details
37 Years
experience
Your Trusted No-Kill Pet Adoption Partner in KC
Wayside Waifs is Kansas City's largest and most comprehensive no-kill pet adoption campus, dedicated to preparing pets and people for lifelong bonds. Since 1989, we have served nearly 40,000 pets and people annually through pet adoptions, youth education, canine training programs, and community outreach. Our no-kill philosophy ensures adoptable animals receive care without time limits, with euthanasia reserved only for animals suffering from severe medical issues or posing a danger. We provide comprehensive veterinary care, including spay/neuter surgeries, dental treatments, and specialized Parvo care, while operating a Canine Behavior Center to address behavioral challenges in shelter dogs. Our partnerships with over 70 animal welfare organizations and law enforcement agencies enable us to rescue animals from hoarding situations, puppy mills, and natural disasters.Through our Foster Care Program, volunteer families provide temporary care for animals needing extra support, with all medical supplies and training covered by our team. Our Humane Education Program reaches thousands of students annually, teaching responsible pet care and promoting empathy through curriculum lessons and community outreach. We maintain a retail store, Whiskers & Wags, where purchases directly fund our rescue efforts, and offer low-cost vaccination clinics to support struggling pet owners. Our Pet Memorial Services provide compassionate aftercare for cherished pets, including cremation and burial options. With over 1,600 active volunteers, we create a positive impact on the quality of life for homeless pets while fostering community engagement through events like the Fur Ball Gala and Strutt With Your Mutt 3K/5K.
Services
Pet Adoptions
Animal Rescue
Foster Care Program
Veterinary Services
Behavior Training
Humane Education
Pet Memorial Services
Low-Cost Clinics
Retail Store
Community Outreach
Details
- Year established: 1989
Highlights and features
- We maintain a strict no-kill policy for adoptable animals
- Our Canine Behavior Center addresses specialized training needs
- We partner with 70+ animal welfare organizations for rescue operations
- Our Humane Education Program reaches thousands of local students annually
- We provide comprehensive veterinary care including Parvo treatment
What people say
Lifesaving work
Compassionate staff
Excellent training
Clean facilities
Dedicated volunteers
Services
Pet Adoptions
Wayside Waifs manages Kansas City's largest pet adoption program, offering dogs, cats, puppies, kittens, and small mammals. Each adoption includes spay/neuter surgery, microchipping, vaccinations, and behavior evaluations. Our comprehensive approach ensures animals receive medical care and socialization before placement. Adopters receive training resources and support to facilitate successful transitions to new homes.
Animal Rescue
Our FEMA-certified Animal Rescue Team partners with 70+ organizations to save animals from hoarding cases, puppy mills, and natural disasters. We specialize in complex operations including dogfighting ring seizures and provide medical care for rescued animals. The program collaborates with law enforcement agencies to address animal welfare emergencies across multiple states.
Foster Care Program
This program provides temporary housing for animals needing special care, including neonatal kittens, medical recovery cases, and behavior modification. Foster families receive complete support including medical care, supplies, and training plans. The program averages 2-4 week placements, with volunteers playing critical roles in preparing animals for adoption through personalized care environments.
Veterinary Services
Our full-service veterinary clinic offers spay/neuter surgeries, dental care, and specialized treatments including Parvo isolation. We provide low-cost wellness clinics for community pets and operate a Trap-Neuter-Return program for feral cats. The facility includes four surgical stations and dedicated treatment rooms for long-term care cases requiring separation from general populations.
Youth Education
The Humane Education Program delivers curriculum-based lessons to thousands of students annually, teaching responsible pet care and promoting empathy development. Certified educators use live animal demonstrations to teach safety protocols, disaster preparedness, and proper animal handling techniques. Programs align with psychological research showing early animal interaction improves social development and community responsibility.
People
Brett Currie
Canine Public Training Manager
Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA) leading dog training classes and behavior modification programs at Wayside Waifs. Specializes in addressing behavioral challenges through positive reinforcement techniques while mentoring volunteers and supporting adopters with post-adoption training needs.
Questions
What makes Wayside Waifs a no-kill shelter?
We maintain a strict no-kill policy for adoptable animals, only euthanizing those with severe medical issues or behavioral dangers. All animals receive necessary care and socialization to prepare for adoption without time limits.
How can I adopt a pet from Wayside Waifs?
Visit our campus during adoption hours (Tuesday-Friday 11am-7pm, Saturday-Sunday 10am-5pm). The process takes 30-90 minutes and includes animal introductions, application review, and adoption counseling.
Do you offer volunteer opportunities?
Yes! Over 1,600 volunteers support our mission annually. Opportunities include animal care, event assistance, and education programs. Teens aged 16+ can volunteer independently with required training.
What community services do you provide?
We offer low-cost vaccination clinics, pet food pantry services, behavior resources, and Trap-Neuter-Return programs. Our Humane Education Program reaches thousands of students annually through school visits and curriculum lessons.
How are animals prepared for adoption?
All adoptable animals receive spay/neuter surgery, microchipping, vaccinations, and behavior evaluations. The Canine Behavior Center addresses specialized training needs while our Foster Care Program provides temporary housing for animals requiring extra care before adoption.
Can I donate to support your mission?
Yes! Donations fund medical care, behavior programs, and community outreach. You can give monthly, contribute to our wish list, or participate in fundraising events like the Fur Ball Gala.
