HSMO’s Best Buddy Pet Center Flooded in Historic Storms

Like many other organizations in the St. Louis area, HSMO’s Best Buddy Pet Center in Maryland Heights was affected by the historic flash flooding on the morning of July 26. At 7 a.m. that day, the Best Buddy had more than 9 inches of standing water in its lower levels, including supply storage and animal holding enclosures. Most importantly, all animals in the flooded areas were able to be moved very quickly and are all safe and accounted for. Several animals were transported from Best Buddy to our Macklind Ave. headquarters, which suffered less damage from the historic rain event.

At this time, it is unknown the extent of the damage the flooding will have on the Best Buddy facility, but we anticipate having to replace or repair hundreds of thousands of dollars’ worth of damaged equipment and supplies that are integral to our operations and the animals in our care. We are grateful to our partners at Purina who have proactively contacted us to replace food ruined by the flooding.

On July 28, the St. Louis area received an additional few inches of rain, and HSMO’s Macklind Ave. shelter took on water, too. No animals were affected, and staff and volunteers worked together to suppress the incoming water with litter-filled “sandbags” and towels. HSMO has also been in contact with other local shelters affected by these events and are offering our assistance in any manner possible.

Your donations will contribute to the repairs of Best Buddy and allow HSMO to continue making a difference in the lives of animals in St. Louis and beyond.