About Us
Rescue One is a state-licensed, 501(c)(3), foster-based rescue located in Springfield, MO. All of the animals in our care live in foster homes until a forever home can be found. We rescue without regard to breed, age, or ease of placement. Our mission is not only to rescue animals in need, but to also educate the public on responsible pet ownership and help provide low cost spay/neuter for those in need of assistance.
Since forming in 2013, Rescue One has helped saved thousands of animals. Dogs find their way to us for many reasons: some are owner surrenders, some are strays, some dogs are found abandoned, left to fend for themselves in vacant homes, open fields, or on the side of the road, and many are pulled from area kill shelters. Besides giving love and socialization to the animals, all will receive necessary medical care, required vaccinations, and be spayed or neutered prior to adoption.
Our goal is to place animals in responsible, committed homes, and considerable care will be taken to find good matches for both the animals and the adopters.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are you located?
We are a foster-based rescue, meaning we do not have a kennel facility to house our dogs. We have foster homes all over Southwest Missouri. After rescue, the dogs are off to a foster home where they are made comfortable and can receive the best care possible until they find their forever homes.
How can I see your pets?
If you are interested in a specific pet, please fill out an online application. Once processed, the foster parent will set up a meet and greet with you and their foster dog. If you are just browsing, please see our Current Adoptables, or visit us at one of our Adoption Events.
What is the adoption process?
- Fill out an adoption application.
- We will contact your vet for a reference check, verifying all present pets are up to date.
- A meet and greet of the dog(s) of interest will be arranged.
- A home visit will be done in order to match the right dog to the right home.
- If all goes well, a 7 day trial can begin or adoption can be made final.
I need to return a pet that I adopted from Rescue One. What is the process to return?
We will take our pets back. However, you may be placed on the return list until a spot comes open.
How can I help?
We are always in need of assistance, and there are many ways you can help!
Donations: We are a nonprofit organization and can always use monetary donations. Please see our Donate page for various methods. You could also help by buying something off our our Amazon Wishlist!
Fostering: We can only save lives if we have foster homes! Please consider opening your home and heart to a dog in need! Rescue One covers all costs, including supplies, vetting, and food. You just need to give them space, love and time. Click for Foster Information | Click for Foster Application
Volunteering: If you can’t foster but want to help, we can certainly use your help! Just some of the needs we have are:
• Adoption Event Volunteers
• Home visit volunteers
• Fundraiser Committee
• Transporters
• Photography
These helpful roles can be done when you have the time and you can commit to only those that fit your schedule. A 4 hour minimum commitment is required per month. Please consider taking some time out to help! Click for Volunteer Application
What do I do if I find a stray?
Don’t assume that just because you found the animal wandering the streets that it is a stray. As any of us who own dogs can attest, it’s very easy for the most beloved pets to go astray. Any veterinary office can scan the animal for a microchip. If it does have a chip, they can help you obtain the owners contact information. If the pet does not have a microchip, please contact or take to your local animal control. If you do not have animal services in your area or wish to find the owners on your own, please try the following:
1.) Post on Leigh’s Lost and Found or other lost and found Facebook groups and Craigslist. Ask that the owner verify the gender, color of collar or other distinguishing characteristics.
2.) Hang flyers in the area of which you found the animal with your contact information.
3.) Get on the waiting list for your local Humane Society or with an area rescue.
Most shelters and rescues are always full and may not be able to take the animal immediately. Thank you for going the extra mile for an animal in need of your assistance!
Do you help pet owners with veterinary expenses?
Unfortunately we do not have the funding to help with emergency expenses for owned pets. Please try contacting The Killuminati Foundation. With our partnership with AnimalKind Low Cost Spay Neuter Assistance, we are able to provide spay and neuter assistance for those who cannot otherwise afford the procedure. For more information, click here.
Do you euthanize?
Very rarely. We rescue animals in situations where their life is at immediate risk. However, sometimes their health is very declined that quality of life is not good, or in a few incidences, after working with a couple of our trainers and our best seasoned fosters, we have to make the hard choice to euthanize to protect the community and their pets if a dogs aggression cannot be overcome. However, our euthanasia rate for medical and aggression combined is less than 1% of the over 3000 animals who have come into our care.