Assistance programs
to keep pets home and cared for.
Spay/Neuter - Vaccinations -
Respite Care - Basic Needs
Who We Are
Keeping dogs home through support and community
The Dog Stays is dedicated to helping families keep the dogs they already love. Through proactive support and compassionate crisis response, we remove temporary barriers so dogs can remain safely at home with the people who cherish them.
Spay and neuter is at the center of our work because prevention protects dogs, supports families, and strengthens communities. It improves long term health, helps prevent unexpected litters, and reduces the growing strain on local rescues and shelters. This requirement is part of our services, and when appropriate and as funds permit, we help cover the cost to ensure it is accessible.
Our programs do not have income requirements. We believe people from all walks of life can experience moments when support makes all the difference, and we are here to help whenever we responsibly can.
Services may include vaccinations, microchipping, dog food, essential supplies, beds, mobility equipment such as wheelchairs, and short term emergency respite care during times of genuine hardship.
Our resources are thoughtfully allocated to create the greatest possible impact for the dogs and families we serve. With more than 450 dogs helped in our first year, The Dog Stays is off to a strong start. As our community of supporters and volunteers grows, so does our ability to help more families and protect the lifelong bond between people and their pets.
Vaccination Clinics:
The Dog Stays is not affiliated with this event!
Low-Cost Vaccination & Microchip Clinic: March 7 from 9 am-1 pm at the Humane Society of SWMO
Apply here if you would like The Dog Stays to pay up to $30 for vaccines at this event: https://form.jotform.com/250135522892051
This event will take place at their shelter located at 3161 W. Norton Road, Springfield, MO.
If your pet is in need of a vaccine or microchip, we encourage you to stop in. We accept walk-ins only, so no appointment is needed! You will want to get there early to get a spot!
Spots are limited to 90 people, and each individual can bring up to 3 pets with them. It's first-come, first-served.
How the clinic works:
When you arrive, line up at the front door to receive a number and one form for each pet. This number is your spot in line. We will ask for a good phone number to reach you at, and then you'll complete the form(s) in your vehicle and wait for a call when it’s your turn to come inside. Due to high demand, they will be limiting the number of walk-ins to 90 people. The clinic will run until 90 people are registered or until 1pm, whichever comes first.
You can also print out the form ahead of time here: vaccination_clinic_form__9_.docx.
For your pet's safety, dogs must be leashed and cats must be in individual cat carriers. They can only provide services to animals that are safe for our staff to handle. Dogs or cats that become too aggressive or stressed for us to handle will be declined.
Get Help or Give Help—Here’s How!
Volunteer Opportunities
Join our team at The Dog Stays and make a real difference in the lives of pets and their people! Whether you have just a couple of hours or plenty of time to give, there are so many rewarding ways to help—from fundraising and grant writing to providing short- or long-term respite care for pets. We also need dedicated volunteers for events, microchipping and vaccination clinics, food and supply deliveries, and more. We’re a positive, can-do team that works hard, has fun, and focuses on solutions. If that sounds like your kind of environment, click below to apply and start making an impact today! PS- We only need a volunteer application if you want to care for respite dogs in your home! All other volunteers can message us on The Dog Stays Facebook page, or email us at TheDogStays@yahoo.com
Respite Care For Your Pets
Temporary Care When Life Takes an Unexpected Turn
At The Dog Stays, we believe no one should have to choose between their health and their best friend. When a responsible pet owner faces a short-term hardship such as a hospital stay, medical recovery, or another emergency, we may be able to provide temporary foster care so you can focus on healing and getting back on your feet.
Our respite dogs stay in loving foster homes, never in kennels, and are cared for as part of the family. Because we place dogs directly into volunteer homes, every decision we make is guided by what is in the very best interest of the dog while also supporting the people who love them.
To ensure the safest and most successful experience for everyone involved, we are best suited for dogs who are friendly with people, able to coexist peacefully with other dogs, and comfortable around cats or small animals.
Health and Safety Requirements
In order to enter a respite home safely, dogs must be spayed or neutered and current on vaccinations before their stay.
Dogs that are not yet fully protected by vaccines may need to be temporarily separated from other pets in the home until their vaccinations are fully effective. This precaution helps protect the health and safety of every animal in our care.
If you have advance notice of an upcoming need, such as a scheduled surgery or medical procedure, we strongly encourage you to reach out as early as possible. Having time to prepare often allows us to guide you toward helpful resources and, when appropriate and as funds permit, provide financial assistance to support your dog’s required care.
While we always do our very best to help when life takes an unexpected turn, dogs who do not meet these safety standards may not have an available placement.
Designed for Short-Term Support
The Dog Stays provides short-term crisis support with the goal of reunification, because stability is essential to a dog’s emotional well-being. Most stays are brief and have both a start date and an anticipated return home date. This approach provides consistency for the dog and allows us to continue helping other families during times of crisis.
We are not able to provide open-ended or long-term foster arrangements. Situations without a reasonable reunification plan may require a different type of organization, and our Assistance Page offers trusted resources that may better support those needs.
While Your Dog Is in Our Care
During your dog’s stay, The Dog Stays provides food, supplies, and veterinary care to ensure their comfort and well-being. If you would like to remain involved in your dog’s care or assist with these needs, we welcome that partnership and will work with you whenever possible.
If your situation involves a personal safety concern or domestic crisis, we encourage you to use the dedicated link on our Assistance Page to connect with professionals specially trained to help both people and their pets navigate those circumstances safely.
While we may not always be the right organization for every circumstance, we are committed to helping you find the safest and most appropriate path forward whenever possible.
General Assistance
We offer assistance primarily in Webster and Christian Counties (MO).
Need support? Start here.
At The Dog Stays, our General Assistance Form is for everything outside of food or respite care. If you’re facing a tough situation and need help keeping your dog safe, healthy, and at home — we’re here to listen.
Use this form if you need help with spay/neuter, vaccinations, basic supplies, or have a special request that doesn’t fit into our other programs.
Every family’s needs are different — and we want to make sure no dog is left behind simply because life got hard. Tell us what’s going on, and we’ll do our best to help or connect you with someone who can.
Because sometimes, a little help is all it takes to keep dogs where they belong — with the people who love them.
Pet Food Assistance
Need help feeding your pet?
We offer supplemental and emergency pet food assistance to help families keep their pets healthy and at home. While we primarily provide dog food, we sometimes have other types available, depending on donations.
Pickup is preferred and encouraged. Delivery is extremely limited and only available if volunteers are free — it’s not guaranteed.
If your dog is not spayed or neutered, we’re happy to help — but we can only provide one-time food support unless you're actively working with us to get your dog fixed. We can assist with spay/neuter resources if needed.
We’re here to help people who are trying to do right by their pets — because a little support can go a long way in keeping families together.
Spay/Neuter
Spay/Neuter Assistance
Spaying and neutering our beloved pets is one of the most compassionate and responsible choices we can make. It protects their health, prevents suffering, and helps build a more stable future — both for our own pets and for animals across our communities.
At The Dog Stays, we proudly offer spay and neuter assistance to pet owners who are committed to giving their animals lifelong care. To be eligible, we ask that families are working toward having all pets in the household spayed or neutered, because every pet deserves the same level of love and protection.
Spaying and neutering has benefits that go far beyond preventing litters:
- It reduces the risk of certain cancers and infections
- It often leads to calmer behavior and fewer unwanted habits
- It prevents surprise costs from accidental litters
- It contributes to safer, healthier communities
- And it lightens the burden on shelters and rescues working to save lives every day
If you're ready to take this step, we're here to help make it possible — with resources, support, and respect for your journey as a pet parent.
Together, we can reduce suffering, strengthen families, and ensure more pets live the safe, happy lives they deserve.
Adoption
At The Dog Stays, our mission is to do everything we can to keep dogs with their loving families. We do not operate as a rescue
and do not take in dogs for rescue.
On occasion, when dogs need us to help beyond our mission, we offer hope and a new beginning for dogs who have been released from breeding, their offspring, and those
who have lost their beloved human families.
As a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization, we are deeply committed to lending a helping hand to these vulnerable animals. Together, we can provide a compassionate path to a forever home,
where every dog can feel cherished and valued.
Your support can make all the difference in their lives.
Monetary Donations
Your generous donation to The Dog Stays makes a world of difference in the lives of pets and their families. Every dollar helps us provide food, medical care, and temporary housing for dogs in need, ensuring they are safe, loved, and well cared for during difficult times. With your support, we can continue to offer crucial assistance to pet parents facing unexpected challenges, giving them peace of mind knowing their furry friends are in good hands. Your kindness truly changes lives—thank you for helping us keep tails wagging and hearts full.
Donations in Kind
We are currently collecting leashes, collars, harnesses, dog beds, blankets, dog boots, coats, pet clothing, dog diapers, flea/tick/heartworm medications, and other pet-related items. If you have new or gently used items, we would be deeply grateful for your donation. Please reach out to us via our contact form, and we will gladly arrange to rehome your items to individuals and families in our community who can truly benefit from them. Your generosity helps ensure that pets receive the care and comfort they deserve, and that their families have the resources they need to keep them happy and healthy. Together, we can make a difference for both pets and people in our community.
Corporate Partnerships
Is your business passionate about supporting the community and the well-being of pets? At The Dog Stays, we are actively seeking partnerships with both pet-related businesses—such as dog food suppliers, trainers, and veterinary services—and non-pet-related businesses that want to lend a hand. Whether through product donations, financial contributions, sponsorships, or hosting a donation box in your store, there are many ways to get involved and help us make a difference. By partnering with us, your business can have a meaningful impact on the lives of pets and their families, while showing your commitment to a cause that values compassion and community. If you're interested in learning more about how you can support our mission, we’d love to hear from you!