- (618) 687-2079
- 6228 Country Club Rd, Murphysboro, IL
- Mon-Fri: 8:30am-4pm | Sat: 9am–3pm | Sun: Closed
"We provide shelter and veterinary care to lost, unwanted, and abandoned animals until they can be placed in a kind and loving home where they will be cared for in a safe and humane environment for the rest of their natural lives."
St. Francis Community Animal Rescue and Education (St. Francis CARE) is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization and Southern Illinois’s first no-kill animal rescue, located in Murphysboro, Illinois.
Every animal in our care receives love, attention, and the best possible treatment from our dedicated staff and volunteers.
We provide a safe, clean, and nurturing environment where animals can heal, thrive, and prepare for their forever homes.
We are deeply rooted in Southern Illinois and rely on the support of volunteers, donors, and adopters to fulfill our mission.
We seek to improve the community by educating the public about the importance of spaying, neutering, and responsible pet ownership.
2000s
A group of animal lovers started meeting and tried to figure out how to get southern Illinois's first no-kill animal rescue started.
2006
We became St. Francis Community Animal Rescue and Education — officially establishing southern Illinois's first no-kill animal rescue.
2014
We took the big plunge and borrowed $500,000 to build our current building. Let the construction begin!
2015
Our construction was completed and we moved into our new home, where we have had the opportunity to rescue and save hundreds of cats and dogs.
2018
A major milestone — our transport bus expanded our reach to rescue animals from across the region and bring them to safety.
2019
We purchased our underwater treadmill that we use for therapy with our animals.
2020
Our construction was completed on our new nursery to take care of our little rescue animals.
2022
We finished redoing our playyards so our rescue animals can play each and every day!
2024
We were able to build a new house for our cats to live in every day!
Today
We are so grateful to have the support of our community for a mission that we began over twenty years ago. From volunteers to donors, we wouldn't be where we are, saving so many lives, without you. Thank you!
St. Francis CARE is led by a dedicated group of community members who are passionate about animal welfare and our no-kill mission.
Whether you adopt, donate, or volunteer — every act of kindness helps us give animals the life they deserve. We wouldn’t be where we are without you.
