About Us

Stray Animals Matter (SAM): Saving Lives, One Cat at a Time

Stray Animals Matter (SAM) is a state-licensed, nonprofit cat rescue and Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) program founded in July 2018 by a dedicated group of animal advocates. Motivated by a growing need and a lack of resources in their communities, the founders established SAM to fill a critical gap in animal welfare—particularly for cats, which are often overlooked by local animal control services that focus solely on dogs.

SAM proudly operates as the only state-licensed, nonprofit, and TNR-certified organization in the region. Over the years, SAM has expanded its services to include not only TNR but also rescue, rehabilitation, and rehoming for cats and kittens in need.

TNR: Trap-Neuter-Return/Release

SAM’s flagship program is its TNR (Trap-Neuter-Return) initiative. This humane and effective method addresses the overpopulation of stray and feral cats. Without intervention, the population of unaltered cats can grow exponentially. For example, one female cat and her offspring can produce dozens of kittens in just over a year, leading to more suffering, disease, and homelessness.

It's estimated that over 70 million stray and feral cats live in the United States today. TNR programs like SAM’s are essential to controlling these numbers and improving the lives of community cats.

Currently, SAM operates certified TNR teams in Marionville, Mount Vernon, Monett, and Aurora, Missouri. Our short-term goal is to recruit passionate volunteers to join these teams and help us expand into surrounding areas such as Billings, Republic, and beyond. If you're interested in becoming part of the solution, we invite you to complete a volunteer application and join our mission.

Each cat spayed or neutered through SAM’s TNR program represents fewer future litters, less suffering, and a healthier community. The impact is both immediate and long-term.

Rehabilitation & Shelter Program

In addition to TNR, SAM offers a state-licensed rehabilitation program for friendly stray cats and kittens who are found during TNR operations. These cats are placed into loving foster homes, where they receive medical care, socialization, and a chance at permanent adoption.

As a foster-based shelter, space is always limited—foster families are the heart of our organization. If you have room in your home and love in your heart, consider becoming a foster caregiver by filling out a foster application.

Our ultimate goal is ambitious: a future where no stray cat is left homeless. With community support, time, and persistence, we believe this vision can become reality.

From August to October 2018, SAM provided food, medical treatment, testing, and sterilization to over 15 cats and kittens. In 2019, that number more than doubled—and by 2020, we were helping over 100 cats per year. With your continued support, that number will keep growing.

How You Can Help

Stray Animals Matter is 100% volunteer-run and receives no government funding. We rely entirely on donations from individuals, local businesses, community fundraisers, and the occasional grant.

Here are a few ways you can support SAM’s mission:

• Make a donation via our Donations page
  
  
  

• Sponsor a cat or donate supplies from our Wish List
  
  
  

• Become a volunteer or foster caregiver
  
  
  

• Adopt a cat from our Adoptable Meows page
  
  
  

• Every dollar and every action help's us continue our lifesaving work. Together, we can create a safer, kinder world for stray and feral cats.

Thank you for supporting Stray Animals Matter.
Together, we are changing lives—one paw at a time.

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