The Animal Shelter of Texas County (TASTC) was established in 2006, but our facility was not built until 6/08.  Since then, we have adopted hundreds of dogs and cats each year.  These were animals who had been left to fend for themselves in all types of weather conditions, were abused, or their owners simply could not keep them any longer. 

It is very disturbing to think of what would have happened to these unwanted animals.  Instead, our volunteers found them permanent homes.  We are a no-kill animal shelter, so our facility is a safe haven for these animals until we can find them owners who will give them the love and attention they deserve.

We not only adopt to residents of Texas County; we have transported dogs and cats all over the United States.  Our animals are featured with pictures on our website, www.tastc.com and also through www.petfinder.com.  Many Americans have found their family pet in Texas County, Missouri.

On 5/2/11, TASTC was featured in People magazine for our role in finding the perfect home for an adorable miniature dachshund who had been born deaf.  We placed him in our Healing Paws Program, which is done through our partnership with the Missouri Department of Corrections.  Twelve of our shelter dogs are fostered at the state prison in Licking, Missouri, where a few select offenders assist us in rehabilitating and training the dogs in basic obedience to improve the dogs’ chance for adoption.  This deaf dachshund was trained at the prison through the use of American Sign Language and was then given a forever home at the Missouri School for the Deaf in Fulton, Missouri, where he is adored by their students.

TASTC also administers Texas County Animal Health Care Days, which offers a reduced rate to the public for spaying, neutering, and providing rabies vaccinations for their pets at county veterinary offices.  In the long run, this will help lessen the number of unwanted dogs and cats in our county and decrease our overcrowding in the shelter.  We desperately want to help as many animals as we can, but we are restricted on the number of animals who can be housed at our facility.

TASTC is a non-profit organization, 501(C) 3, and is self-sufficient.  We earn money through donations and various fundraisers.  Our hard-working volunteers are committed to improving the lives of these unwanted or mistreated animals, but we need your help.  Donations of any amount are greatly appreciated. 

Just as importantly, we also need more volunteers.  Whether you have a few hours a week or even a few hours a month of your time to spare for such a worthwhile cause, you could not only change the lives of dogs and cats in need, but could also share that amazing feeling of making a difference in your community, one animal at a time.  Happy “tails” are our most cherished rewards!

How can you help?

TASTC IS IN DESPERATE NEED OF FOSTER HOMES!!! IF YOU CAN HOUSE AND CARE FOR A CAT OR DOG FOR 2 WEEKS TO 1 MONTH PLEASE E-MAIL TEXASCOUNTYANIMALS@HOTMAIL.COM. TASTC WILL PROVIDE HEALTHCARE AND FOOD, PLEASE HELP US HELP THEM!!

Donations can be made to