Bringing Hope to Long-Term Shelter Pets

On A Mission KC is dedicated to shining a light on the dogs at the end of the row—those long-term shelter pets who wait the longest and are often overlooked in shelters everywhere.

Since 2016, Scott Poore has been a passionate advocate for nearly-forgotten shelter dogs through Mission Driven Goods. In 2023, his vision grew with the launch of On A Mission KC, expanding the mission to create a greater impact for the pets who need it most.

At On A Mission KC, we combine bold advocacy, community connection, hands-on support, and critical emergency medical care to bring visibility and vital resources to long-term shelter dogs. We work closely with shelters of all sizes to provide life-saving medical aid and empower their teams to build sustainable support systems—helping every dog heal, be seen, loved, and adopted.

With focused dedication, we are transforming shelter care—making sure no dog is overlooked and everyone has a chance at a loving, forever home. Together, we’re changing lives one shelter pet at a time.

Discover the Remarkable Impact of Rural Animal Shelters and Their Pets

Rural animal shelters work tirelessly to save and find homes for homeless dogs and cats, often with minimal resources and limited support. The staff are everyday heroes, caring for vulnerable animals despite daunting challenges. Their dedication is nothing short of miraculous—they provide love, shelter, and compassion to those who need it most.

Overcoming the Daily Challenges of Rural Animal Shelters

While urban shelters often have access to larger networks and resources, rural shelters face unique challenges with fewer resources, lower adoption rates, and limited support networks. In rural America’s vast landscapes, this gap in resources is especially pronounced, with shelters frequently encountering:

  • Limited Resources: Many rural shelters operate on minimal budgets, covering only essentials. Basic supplies, from flea treatments to toys and bedding, are scarce, leaving shelters to work with the bare minimum.

  • Sparse Volunteer Networks: Unlike urban shelters, rural facilities often have few volunteers. Their focus is on fundamental care, with little capacity for enrichment or socialization programs that can improve animals' well-being and adoption chances.

  • Capacity Issues: Low adoption rates and overcrowding create ongoing space challenges. In some cases, these shelters face the heartbreaking necessity of euthanasia to manage space limitations.

Despite these hardships, the resilience and compassion of rural shelter staff make a profound difference in the lives of the animals they care for.

How We Shine a Light

At On A Mission KC, we believe every shelter pet deserves a loving home, and every rural animal shelter deserves the resources to make that possible. Here’s how we’re making a difference:

  • At On A Mission KC, we are dedicated to shining a spotlight on long-term shelter pets who are often overlooked. Through innovative campaigns—like eye-catching billboards, heartfelt t-shirts, and engaging postcards—we champion these forgotten dogs and work to make their stories known. By connecting them with the community and media, we open new pathways to adoption, helping the “dogs at the end of the row” finally find the loving homes they deserve.

  • On A Mission KC partners closely with rural shelters, providing essential resources and thoughtful support. From helping with medical needs to organizing donation drives and addressing shelter improvements, we assist in meaningful ways. We also work alongside shelter teams to build lasting community connections and strengthen their ability to care for pets long-term.

  • When shelter pets face health emergencies, On A Mission KC steps in quickly and compassionately. We understand that unexpected medical expenses can be overwhelming for shelters, especially those with limited budgets. Our mission is to make sure that no dog loses their home or placement in a shelter simply because necessary treatment is out of reach. By covering critical medical costs and supporting urgent care, we help these pets recover from treatable conditions, stay safe, and get a second chance at finding the loving families they deserve. Through this vital care, we not only save lives but also give hope to shelter staff and communities committed to protecting these vulnerable animals.

Through our comprehensive efforts—providing critical medical care, advocating boldly for long-term shelter pets, and supporting rural animal shelters—we strengthen the lives of countless animals and the communities that care for them. Together, we’re building a future where no shelter pet is overlooked, and every dog has the chance to find a loving home.

Join us On A Mission

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” - Margaret Mead

Your passion and support can transform lives. Become a hero for rural animal shelters and the long-term pets they serve—take action with us today and help create lasting hope and homes.