About Us
Rooted in Community. Driven by Compassion.
We’re a nonprofit animal shelter based in Cape Girardeau, serving families & pets across Southeast Missouri—including
Cape Girardeau,
Jackson,
Perryville &
Cape County. Every day, we work to rescue, rehome, and support animals in need while strengthening the bond between people & pets. From adoption services to humane education and outreach, our goal is simple: to give every animal the chance at a better life—and to bring more joy into the homes of those who adopt them.
Our Mission
Southeast Missouri Pets serves our communities by nurturing the human pet bond by providing shelter care and advocacy for homeless pets and providing spay and neuter resources and education for people.
Our Vision
Southeast Missouri Pets believes that animals and people enrich each other’s lives. Our goal is to save every adoptable pet in our care and reduce the pet overpopulation through education and providing families the opportunity to better their lives through the human pet bond.
Our No-Kill Commitment
At Southeast Missouri Pets, we proudly operate as a no-kill shelter. That means we do not euthanize animals for time, space, or treatable medical conditions. Every pet in our care is given the time they need to find a loving home—even if it takes weeks, months, or longer.
Being no-kill means making space when we’re full, choosing treatment over convenience, and standing by animals with behavioral or medical needs. We work closely with foster homes, partner rescues, and community resources to give every animal their best chance.
We believe every life matters—and we live that belief every day.
Our Board of Directors
Charlotte Craig, President
Everett Cassady, Treasurer
Karen Honaas, Secretary
Glenda Quinn, Board Member
Sam Herndon, Board Member
Marsha Haskell, Board Member
Lois Long, Board Member
Brett Yount, Board Member
Raelenna Ferguson, Board Member
Roy Meredith, Board Member
Meet the executive director
Jenn Farmer
Jenn Farmer has had a love for animals for as long as she can remember, growing up in Morris, Illinois. She is the proud mom of three grown children and three bonus children, along with seven dogs and three cats who keep her busy and on her toes.
Before joining SEMO Pets full-time, Jenn worked as an Autism and Behavior Consultant for a local school, often accompanied by her therapy dog. Her passion for helping others-both people and animals-has always been at the center of her work.
Jenn began her journey with SEMO Pets as a dedicated volunteer, even taking laundry home on weekends to help the shelter stay on track. She later transitioned into working weekends and summers while still in the school system, eventually accepting a full-time role as Volunteer Coordinator. Through hard work, commitment, and a deep passion for the mission, Jenn stepped into the role of Executive Director in January 2023.
Jenn has found her true calling in animal welfare-working tirelessly to care for shelter pets and help them find their forever homes. Though her days are long and often demanding, she wouldn't have it any other way.
In her limited free time, Jenn enjoys spending time training with her dogs, relaxing during quiet evenings at home with her fur babies, and spending time with her partner, James. She puts her whole heart into everything she does, and it's evident in the impact she continues to make at SEMO Pets.
Meet the Development Director
Beth Salyer
Beth's love for animals started early, growing up on a small farm where caring for them was simply part of everyday life. That passion has stayed with her through the years, eventually leading her to Southeast Missouri Pets, where she became Development Director in December 2025. After spending much of her career in education, she now uses that same heart for people to build support, strengthen community connections, and advocate for animals in need.
In her role, Beth focuses on growing sustainable support for the shelter through fundraising, partnerships, and community engagement. She is passionate about expanding programs that increase adoptions, improve animal care, and ensure the shelter can continue serving the community for years to come.
She shares her home with two very loved (and slightly spoiled) dogs who make sure there's never a dull moment. Beth is most proud of being a mom, and these days, she also proudly holds the title of "Nanny" to her four grandchildren. They keep her busy, make life a lot more fun, and remind her what really matters.
Beth feels grateful to play a small part in helping animals find safe, loving homes while staying rooted in what matters most - family.
Meet the Foster Coordinator
Requi Salter
My name is Requi (Ree-ka) Salter. I am so excited that you are interested in fostering for SEMO Pets! I promise it’s one of the most rewarding things you can do!
I started volunteering as SEMO pets in 1990. I’ve done all the various jobs her over the years and fostering has got to be my favorite!
My husband and I have 6 kids, some of whom are grown now. Fostering was always a part of their lives and something we enjoyed as a family. We also have 4 dogs and 4ish cats, as well as 2 bearded dragons, a snake, and axolotl, and some fish…. yes, I know it sounds crazy.
I am passionate about helping homeless pets and will do all I can to help you on your foster journey.
Meet the Volunteer and Events Coordinator
Olivia Whitehead
Olivia discovered her passion for animal welfare from as a young girl growing up in a very small, rural town in Missouri. Stray animals quickly found a place in her heart.
Since starting her journey in animal rescue in 2023, she has found her purpose at Southeast Missouri Pets. For Olivia, working in animal rescue is a calling. She understands that while the animals are the focus, the volunteers are the fuel.
As Volunteer Coordinator, she is thrilled to connect compassionate community members with life-saving volunteer opportunities. Olivia specializes in volunteer onboarding, training, and matching people with the urgent and growing needs of rescue animals, ensuring every volunteer feels empowered to make a difference.
When Olivia isn't at the shelter, you can find her at home with her 7 fur-babies. But let's be real, you'll probably find her at the shelter! Olivia also spends her spare time as fostering for Southeast Missouri Pets, specializing in neonatal kittens.
Olivia's goal is to make impactful changes in the rescue world, one animal at a time.