How the Young Friends Association of the Humane Society of Missouri Is Changing Lives—One Paw at a Time
Every year, thousands of animals across the St. Louis region receive the second chance they deserve thanks to the Humane Society of Missouri (HSMO). But behind those wagging tails and happy purrs is a group of young animal lovers making a real difference—the Young Friends Association of HSMO.
The Young Friends Association is open to supporters ages 21–40 who want to take action for animals while connecting with others who share the same passion. For $50 a year, members volunteer, attend events, and even help at fun gatherings like happy hours and pub crawls—all for a great cause.
“They’re a very energetic group,” says Laura Keller, HSMO’s director of marketing and communications. “They love putting on events, they’re passionate about animals, and they’re some of our best ambassadors in the community.”
One of their biggest events each fall is Barktoberfest, a fundraiser and costume party for both pets and their owners held at Urban Chestnut in Midtown. Attendees dress up, sip craft beer, and celebrate while raising money for HSMO’s lifesaving work.
The event is packed with excitement—raffles, music, photo spots, and even four different costume contests with prizes! Tickets are just $25 and include admission, a drink token, and access to fun raffles featuring prizes like pet portraits, sports-themed baskets, and wellness packages. “It’s the biggest Halloween party for you and your pet in St. Louis,” says Keller. “Even if you don’t bring your pet, it’s a fantastic way to connect with fellow animal lovers.”
But the Young Friends do much more than party—they roll up their sleeves to help animals directly. After a massive rescue in Cedar County, they took on endless loads of laundry to help clean bedding and towels for newly rescued pets. “Their hard work and positive energy made a huge difference, and we are so grateful for their support,” says Keller.
They also help animals find homes through Adopt Don’t Shop Saturdays, where volunteers spend time with adoptable dogs and make videos to share on social media. These videos give each dog a chance to shine and find their forever home.
All the funds raised by the Young Friends support HSMO’s essential programs, including the Animal Cruelty Task Force—the only one of its kind in Missouri. This team rescues animals from dangerous situations like hoarding or puppy mills and provides emergency aid after natural disasters.
With a history spanning 155 years, the Humane Society of Missouri knows its future depends on inspiring the next generation. The Young Friends are that bridge—proving that you don’t need to adopt dozens of pets or donate thousands of dollars to make a real impact.
As Keller puts it, “This is a low-stress, meaningful way to help us give animals in need the second chance they deserve.”
The Young Friends Association shows that kindness and teamwork can truly change lives. They prove that when young people come together for a cause they care about, their energy and creativity can make a big difference—not just for animals, but for the entire community.
Source:
- https://youtu.be/hsdc-Okbf8c?si=wJjSYYPPH6ACiXwK
- https://www.stlmag.com/branded-content/hsmo-barktoberfest-2025/
- https://app.pictory.ai/home
- https://chatgpt.com/
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