Every year, thousands of animals across the St. Louis region receive the second chance they deserve thanks to the Humane Society of Missouri (HSMO). Behind the scenes, one group of passionate young advocates is adding new energy to that mission: the Young Friends Association of HSMO.
The Young Friends Association, open to supporters ages 21–40, connects members through shared action for animals. For $50 per year, members can take part in volunteer opportunities, hands-on experiences, and social events such as happy hours and pub crawls—all supporting HSMO’s lifesaving work. Running the beer tent at Bark in the Park or rolling up their sleeves during emergency rescues, Young Friends bring both enthusiasm and tangible support to the table.
“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.”
Barktoberfest: The Event of the Season
One of HSMO’s standout events, Barktoberfest takes place each fall at Urban Chestnut in Midtown. Part fundraiser, part costume party, the event invites pet lovers and their four-legged companions to dress up, sip craft beer, and celebrate while raising funds for HSMO.
Attendees can enjoy everything from coordinated owner-and-pet outfits to elaborate group costumes. The event features raffles, four costume contests with prizes, music, photo opportunities, and areas to mingle, making it a full afternoon of fun for both pets and their owners.
Tickets, for just $25, include admission, a drink token, and access to raffles featuring a St. Louis-sports themed basket, a “Taste of STL” basket, a wellness package, pet portraits, and other prizes donated by local businesses. Food trucks and local vendors are often on-site, adding to the festive atmosphere.
“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.”
A Direct Impact on Animals in Need
The funds raised through Barktoberfest and other Young Friends initiatives help fuel HSMO’s critical programs, including the Animal Cruelty Task Force, the only one of its kind in Missouri. These programs tackle a wide range of urgent animal welfare issues, from rescuing animals out of hoarding situations and puppy mills to providing emergency relief after natural disasters. In July alone, HSMO rescued more than 200 animals from a single hoarding case, highlighting the scale and urgency of its work.
Young Friends don’t just fundraise; they also get hands-on with shelter operations. This past April, following a large rescue in Cedar County, Young Friends stepped up to handle an overwhelming amount of laundry, everything from bedding to towels. They loaded washers and dryers, folded mountains of laundry, and tackled a task that can feel never-ending after a major intake. “Their hard work and positive energy made a huge difference, and we are so grateful for their support,” says Keller.
Other members dedicate time to helping animals find homes. Once a month, on Adopt Don’t Shop Saturdays, a Young Friend spends one-on-one time with a dog in need. They learn about the dog’s personality, from quirks to favorite activities, and help showcase the pup in a featured video shared on HSMO’s social media. These videos give animals a better chance of finding loving homes, and Young Friends play a direct, meaningful role in that process.
By showing up consistently and enthusiastically, Young Friends extend HSMO’s reach, allowing staff to respond quickly and effectively to both everyday needs and unexpected emergencies. Their involvement directly supports the mission to give animals a second chance and ensures that HSMO can continue saving lives across the St. Louis region.
Building the Next Generation of Advocates
With a history stretching back 155 years, HSMO knows that its future depends on cultivating the next generation of adopters, donors, and advocates. The Young Friends Association is that bridge, making it easy for people to get involved without writing a large check or adopting multiple pets.
For members, it’s about more than just giving back; it’s about joining a passionate community that shares a love for animals and a commitment to making St. Louis a better place for them.
As Keller puts it, “This is a low-stress, meaningful way to help us give animals in need the second chance they deserve.”
This post was created by SLM Partner Studio on behalf of the Humane Society of Missouri. Learn more about the Young Friends and grab tickets for Barktoberfest at hsmo.org.
