Inside Jefferson County Animal Control: New Hours, Adoptions, and a Mission to Find Homes
A tour of the county’s Animal Resource Center (ARC) reveals a modern facility, dedicated staff, and new opportunities for residents to connect animals with permanent homes.
By The Jefferson Review Staff
For many Jefferson County residents, Animal Control is something they only think about when a pet is lost or when they see an adoptable animal shared on social media. But a recent visit to Jefferson County Animal Control, located at 4848 State Route 30 House Springs, MO 63051, reveals a facility designed around something much larger: giving animals a safe place to land while staff work to connect them with the right homes.
During the visit, Animal Control Manager Andrea Jamirson, Assistant Animal Control Manager Liz Allgeyer-Huber, Rescue Coordinator Angelique “Angel” Tindall, and Director of County Services Mitch Bair walked through the facility and discussed both the day-to-day care of animals and the larger mission behind the Animal Resource Center's work.
The county run Animal Resource Center houses dogs, cats, and occasionally a wide range of other animals that come into the care of animal control. The facility includes dedicated play areas, walking trails, cat spaces, and meeting rooms where potential adopters can spend time with animals before making the decision to bring them home.
Animal Resource Center staff say one of their biggest goals is simply helping more residents understand that the shelter is open to the public and that anyone interested in adoption is welcome to visit.
“We have a beautiful facility. Just come check us out. You never know what you might find or what you might be able to contribute to help us.”
— Andrea Jamirson, Animal Control Manager
A Facility Designed for Connection
One of the most noticeable features of the Animal Resource Center is the outdoor play area where dogs can run, socialize, and meet potential adopters in a relaxed environment.
Rather than meeting animals only through kennel doors, visitors can spend time with dogs in the yard to get a better sense of personality and compatibility.
Jamirson said staff are especially proud of the outdoor play yard, which gives both animals and visitors a better way to connect.
“We’re pretty proud of this. This is a great area for the dogs to get exercise and play, socialize, and it’s also a great place for potential adopters to come visit the dogs.”
— Andrea Jamirson, Animal Control Manager
Dogs at the shelter receive regular exercise and enrichment designed to keep them mentally and physically healthy while they wait for a home.
Each dog typically receives two daily walks along with dedicated playtime, something staff say makes a noticeable difference in how animals interact with visitors.
Enrichment Toys
That focus helps potential adopters see an animal’s personality more clearly and often leads to better matches.
Cat Spaces Designed for Comfort
The Animal Resource Center also includes dedicated areas for cats, including spaces where cats can stretch, play, and interact with people outside of their kennels.
Staff explained that the cat enclosures are designed to reduce stress while still allowing for easy cleaning and care.
“These kennels are absolutely amazing,” Allgeyer-Huber said. “It enables us to do stress-free handling while cleaning.”
Providing a calm environment is important for cats, which often rely heavily on familiar smells and surroundings to feel secure.
By keeping blankets, toys, and other familiar items with them, staff aim to create a more stable environment while cats wait for adoption.
What the Animal Resource Center Can Care For
At its current staffing levels, the shelter typically maintains capacity for about 25 dogs and roughly 40 cats at any given time.
Torbie # 822007 |
Flukie #824248 |
Staff emphasize that these numbers are tied directly to the amount of care each animal receives, not simply the physical number of kennels in the building. They have 4 full-time and 3 part time employees that provide 24/7 care to all of the animals in the Center. Per state regualtions, this means that they can only house 66 animals at a time. This means that the Animal Resource Center is consistently at capacity, and the need for more help is immediate.
“We are at capacity almost all the time. You'll see we have a lot of vacant kennels, but we have a staffing ratio per the state that we have to meet. That's why staffing and volunteers are so important”
— Mitch Bair, Director of County Services
That care includes daily cleaning, feeding, exercise, enrichment, and health monitoring for every animal.
Because animals require attention every day of the year, staffing and volunteer support are essential to keeping the Animal Resource Center operating smoothly.
New Hours Expand Public Access
One of the most immediate changes residents will notice is expanded public access.
“We’re open ten to four Monday through Friday,” Jamirson said.
Starting Saturday March 21, there will be limited Saturday hours to make visits easier for residents who work during the week. They will be open from 10 AM - 2PM on Saturday, March 21. Those hours are tentative so please check with the official Facebookpage for Jefferson County Animal Control before you go.
For many residents who commute or work traditional weekday schedules, those expanded hours could make it easier to visit the Animal Resource Center for the first time.
How the Adoption Process Works
For those considering adoption, the process is designed to help both people and animals find the right fit.
Visitors can walk through the kennel areas, meet animals that catch their attention, and spend time with them in a play area before making a decision.
If a visitor already has pets at home, the shelter encourages them to return with their animals to make sure everyone gets along.
“People normally come back with their pets to make sure that the new animal they’re getting is a good match,” Allgeyer-Huber said.
Adoptions also include important medical care for the animal.
Animals adopted from the Animal Resource Center receive vaccinations, a rabies shot, a microchip, and are scheduled for spay or neuter procedures if they have not already been completed.
Female Puppy #829844
“You go home with a fully vetted animal for the year,” Jamirson said.
A Place Worth Visiting
While many residents may only see Animal Resource Center animals through social media posts, staff say visiting in person can often change perspectives.
Meeting animals face-to-face allows people to see their personalities, interact with them directly, and sometimes find a companion they did not expect.
And for those who are not ready to adopt, simply stopping by can still make a difference.
The shelter welcomes volunteers, donations, and community involvement from anyone interested in helping animals in Jefferson County.
As Jefferson County continues to grow, the shelter remains an important part of the community’s effort to care for animals in need and help them find permanent homes.
Come see it for yourself.
Jefferson Review Shelter Spotlight
Jefferson County Animal Control
Address:
4848 State Route 30
House Springs, MO 63051
Visit the Animal Control Website
Follow the Shelter on Facebook
Current Donation Needs
The shelter welcomes community donations that help care for animals while they wait for adoption.
- Blankets
- Towels
- Dog and cat toys
- Treats
- Greenies Pill Pockets
Greenies Pill Pockets help staff give medication safely and easily to animals in their care.
Interested in helping?
Donations, adopters, and community support all make a difference for animals waiting for homes.
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