ST. LOUIS – The Humane Society of Missouri (HSMO) hopes a special adoption event at the St. Louis Aquarium at Union Station on Saturday will address a growing need for fostering and adoptions in the St. Louis area.

HSMO is caring for 65 animals related to tornado circumstances. In some cases, tornado survivors have no longer been able to care for their pets. 

“We are really encouraging people to foster and adopt because we are bringing in animals from tornado-affected areas,” said Robyn Dexter, Humane Society of Missouri marketing manager.

She said the agency’s animal cruelty task force, made up of members who patrol the state’s 114 counties 365 days a year, shifted its focus to tornado relief immediately after the May 16 tornado.  

“They have been out every single day helping folks in the tornado-affected areas get the resources they need for their pets,” Dexter said.

She said keeping tornado survivors united with their pets has been a top priority.

“People love their pets,” Dexter said. “They want to stay with their pets so we’re always trying to help keep them together.”  

She said several puppies will be at the aquarium from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. and will be available for adoption.

“We thought we could do our part by hosting some animals and helping them find forever homes,” said Stephen Chamineak, St. Louis Aquarium at Union Station guest experience manager. 

He said HSMO stepped up in a big way by distributing thousands of pounds of pet food and providing safe shelter for pets while families rebuild.

“I think this is the perfect partnership to work together and really help the animals and our community affected by the tornadoes,” Chamineak said.