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
Marsha Haskell, Board Member
Lois Long, Board Member
Brett Yount, Board Member
Raelenna Ferguson, Board Member
Roy Meredith, Board Member
Mark Grindstaff, Board Member
Meet the Chief Executive Officer
Jenn Farmer
Jenn Farmer has loved 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 many cats who keep life interesting.
Before joining SEMO Pets, Jenn worked as an Autism and Behavior Consultant, often accompanied by her therapy dog. She began her journey with SEMO Pets as a volunteer, eventually becoming Volunteer Coordinator, then Executive Director in January 2023, and now proudly serves as CEO.
Jenn is passionate about animal welfare, supporting her team, and building strong community partnerships. She is also a proud member of Zonta and believes in making a difference for both people and animals.
Outside of work, Jenn enjoys training with her dogs, quiet evenings at home with her fur babies, and spending time with her partner, James. While the days can be long and challenging, she truly believes that yes, it's worth it.
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 Chief Operating Officer
Requi Salter
Requi (pronounced Ree-ka) has been part of the SEMO Pets family since 1990, when she first began volunteering. Over the years, she has taken on just about every role at the shelter, gaining valuable experience and a deep understanding of animal welfare. Through it all, fostering has remained one of her greatest passions.
As Chief Operating Officer, Requi brings years of experience, dedication, and a genuine love for animals to her leadership role. She is passionate about supporting the team, helping homeless pets, and making sure SEMO Pets continues to grow and make a difference in the community.
Requi and her husband have six children, and fostering has always been a family affair. Their home is also shared with four dogs, four-ish cats, two bearded dragons, a snake, an axolotl, and some fish! Life is never boring in the Salter household, but Requi wouldn't have it any other way.
Whether she's leading the team or helping a foster family welcome a new pet, Requi puts her heart into giving animals the second chances they deserve.
Meet the Volunteer & Events Coordinator
Jeena Joy
Jeena is our Volunteer & Events Coordinator at Southeast Missouri Pets. She has a huge heart for animals and people and loves bringing the two together. From working with our amazing volunteers to helping plan events, Jeena is always willing to jump in and help wherever she is needed.
Outside of SEMO Pets, Jeena is a busy mom to her two boys, MJ and Ryker. And because two kids apparently aren’t enough to keep her busy, she also has quite the crew at home, Chewy the Golden Retriever, new pup Yogi, Marsha the rabbit, and a few cats who I'm sure run the house.
Jeena truly cares about SEMO Pets and the people and animals who are part of it. She brings a lot of heart, fun, and compassion to our team, and we’re lucky to have her.