Our HERO (Humane Empowerment Resources Outreach) Team is a distinct program in the Kansas City Metro that works to improve communities through education and outreach. With a humane, non-judgmental approach and the proper resources, our team is committed to helping improve the lives of the pets and the people who love them in our community.
We have seen virtually every situation, whether it is an outside dog living year-round without proper shelter; a pet owner who loves their pet, but cannot afford to buy pet food, or community cats who need to be spayed or neutered. Many of the animals served through this program have owners with limited financial resources – yet many have huge hearts. With a little information on how to better meet the needs of their pets, and the importance of spaying and neutering, we have been able to turn some “less than ideal” situations into success stories. Through education and advocacy our team strives to build awareness, address community concerns, and help reduce pet overpopulation.
Please contact our HERO Outreach Team at HERO@greatplainsspca.org or call (913) 742-7327 for more information, if you are concerned about a pet in the community, or if you know of a pet who needs:
- Food assistance to keep from going hungry
- Dog Walking for tethered and chained dogs*
- Shelter or straw for appropriate outdoor housing
- Relief from being chained
- Community Cat Trap Neuter Return information and support
- Advice for behavioral issues
*Multiple times a week a group of our staff and volunteers are in the community walking dogs, dogs that are otherwise tethered or chained outdoors 24/7. Contact our HERO team to learn more about our outreach dog walking program, and how you can get involved.
Bring Your Dog Inside Kits
As frigid weather descends upon the Kansas City area, our furry friends deserve the warmth and comfort of the indoors. Great Plains SPCA is proud to provide “Bring Your Dog Inside” kits to ensure outdoor dogs are protected from dangerously cold temperatures. Each kit is carefully curated to provide essential items for our canine companions. Included are a cozy crate, engaging toys, snug blankets, tasty treats, durable bowls, and a stylish collar with a leash. Designed to make the transition from the cold outdoors to the warmth of a loving home a seamless and enjoyable experience for both pets and their families.
Supplies are limited and are available on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last. Kits will be distributed to those who make a reservation on Wednesday – January 10th, Thursday – January 11th, and Friday – January 12th. Do you know of an outdoor dog at risk?
To reserve a kit, email our HERO Outreach Team at hero@greatplainsspca.org.
Want to help support our HERO Program? You can donate items through our HERO Team Amazon Wish List. Click the button to see what we need!
Click the pdf icon to download the guide
Hot Weather Pet Care Guide
What you need to know to keep your pets safe during the summer season.
Flystrike & Heartworm Safety
What you need to know to keep your pets safe during the summer season.
Chaining &Tethering Safety
What you need to know to keep your pets safe while outdoors.
Cold Weather Pet Care Guide
What you need to know to keep your pets safe during the winter season.
Community Cats
In the greater KC Metro and beyond we often see (or even care for!) community cats. Community cats, also called feral cats, are unowned cats who live outdoors. Like indoor cats, they belong to the domestic cat species (felis catus). However, community cats are generally not socialized, or friendly, to people, and are therefore unadoptable. They live full, healthy lives with their feline families, called colonies, in their outdoor homes. They are masters of their domain, finding resources such as food, water, and shelter on their own– even in extreme cold and heat. Email tnr@greatplainsspca.org for more information.