OLIVETTE, Mo.–St. Louis County unveiled the new Animal Care and Control Adoption Center sign after taking back control of the Olivette animal shelter. The location was run by the APA between December 2022 and Feb. 21, 2025.

What You Need To Know

  • St. Louis County is back in charge at the animal shelter in Olivette after APA operated it from 2022 to Feb. 21, 2025

  • Despite allegations of a “secret plan” involving shelter-wide euthanasia, the transition of control came without putting animals down 

  • As the county took back over, Cunningham said multiple positions have been added that previously didn’t exist

  • The biggest change is leading with the socially conscious shelter model said Cunningham

“We have some tight budgets in St. Louis County for sure, but taking care of the animals is a priority, and that's that'll be reflected here,” said Dr. Sam Page, Saint Louis County Executive.

Despite allegations of a “secret plan” involving shelter-wide euthanasia, the transition of control came without putting animals down according to the County’s Department of Public Health Director, Kanika Cunningham.

“We're here to celebrate the great work that my team has done over the last 6 months in partnership with APA to get us to this point and now we're ready to launch and move on,” said Cunningham.

The APA assumed operations of the St. Louis County Pet Adoption center following an audit showing euthanasia numbers at the shelter were manipulated to appear artifically low. There were also concerns with the facilities condition and management.

As the county took back control, Cunningham said multiple positions have been added that previously didn’t exist. The staff was 25 of 27 positions filled at the unveiling. She said they’d accept applications for the new volunteer program until Feb. 25.

“Those who were not selected, they will go on a waitlist. So, as people cycle off, as people start and they realize it's not what they want, then we can call and get more volunteers in that experiences a possibility.," said Cunningham.

The County’s website has more information about the Pilot Volunteer Program.

“There's lots of opportunities to help take care of these animals here and help with adoptions,” said Page. “Come and volunteer with us and spread the word and we're looking for new homes for some of our pets that have made their way to the animal shelter.”

Cunningham said while they worked with the APA over the past six months, they were able to develop a different approach to the shelter than the previous administration’s time operating it.

“I think the biggest change is leading with the socially conscious shelter model. That's new for Saint Louis County and I think people, hopefully they'll get used to (the) vision and mission I set for the shelter,” said Cunningham. “I think moving forward, it kind of lays the groundwork for building trust with the community, also building trust with my staff and volunteers as well.”