Southeast Missouri Pets 50th Anniversary
Southeast Missouri Pets Announces their 50th Anniversary: Honoring Our Past – Building Our Future, as 2026 marks 50 Years of Service to the Community
Southeast Missouri Pets (Semo Pets) is proud to announce its 50th Anniversary, marking five decades of compassion, care, and commitment to pets and the people who love them. To honor this milestone, Semo Pets will celebrate all year long through community events, a commemorative membership package, and a 50th Anniversary celebration.
Founded in 1976, Southeast Missouri Pets has grown from a small, volunteer-led organization serving Cape Girardeau into a regional, no-kill animal welfare organization serving communities across Southeast Missouri and portions of Southern Illinois. Over the past 50 years, Semo Pets has remained dedicated to nurturing the human–animal bond by providing shelter, medical care, advocacy, and education.
In 2025, Semo Pets welcomed 2612 animals: providing shelter, food, medical treatment, rehabilitation, and behavioral support. Every adopted animal is spayed or neutered, microchipped, and fully vaccinated before joining their new family. With in-house veterinary care, mobile surgical capabilities, and a dedicated behavior team, Semo Pets works to ensure every animal has the best possible chance at a healthy, successful adoption.
In celebration of their 50th year, they plan to highlight the organization’s impact while looking ahead to the future of animal welfare in the region. Planned initiatives throughout the year include:
• A 50th Anniversary Membership Package inviting supporters to sustain lifesaving care
• Special events and community engagement opportunities celebrating 50 years of service
• A 50th Anniversary Celebration bringing together supporters, adopters, volunteers, and partners
“As we celebrate 50 years, we are reflecting on how far we’ve come and focusing on how we can continue to grow, improve, and serve,” said Jenn Farmer, Executive Director of Southeast Missouri Pets. “This anniversary is not just about our history; it’s about the animals and families we will serve for the next 50 years.”
Semo Pets is a grass roots, community-funded organization. Nearly 70% of its operations are supported through private donations, memberships, and fundraising events. This milestone year provides an opportunity for the community to become part of the next chapter by supporting lifesaving programs, medical care, behavioral training, and facility needs.
More details regarding membership opportunities, and anniversary events will be released throughout the year.