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CARE STL is designated a Best Friends no-kill, open-admission shelter committed to saving and caring for the unwanted, abused, neglected, and homeless companion animals of the City of St. Louis.
OUR MISSION
CARE STL leads compassionate, fear-free care and lifesaving while reuniting pets with the people who love them.
OUR VISION
CARE STL envisions a world where all animals are nurtured in body, mind, and heart.
OUR CORE VALUES
At CARE STL, our core values guide how we show up — especially when the work is hard, emotional, or urgent. They are not optional ideals; they are daily expectations for how we care for animals, work with people, and make decisions.
1. We Lead with Compassion and Optimism
We speak respectfully, handle animals gently, and slow down when compassion is needed most.
2. We Advocate with Fairness and Open-Mindedness
We explain decisions clearly, document accurately, and seek solutions that protect both animals and people.
3. We Are Fun, Creative Problem Solvers
We think critically, share ideas, support one another, and find appropriate ways to keep the work human, hopeful, and even fun — because creativity and joy help us solve problems better and care longer.
4. We Are Passionate and Love BIG
We support teammates, acknowledge effort, and remember why this work matters.
OUR STORY
The Evolution of CARE STL: From Gasconade Dog Pound to Compassionate Leadership
In January 2012, the Department of Agriculture compelled the City of St. Louis to comply with the Canine Cruelty Prevention Act. As a result, the City Gasconade Dog Pound, previously a facility with inadequate conditions that contributed to the spread of disease and harmed the animals, was closed to the public. It had been used as a holding facility and euthanasia center for animal-aggressive dogs and those that had bitten people. The closure was a pivotal moment, highlighting the need for reform in the city’s animal care system.
Weng Horak, the visionary Founder and CEO of the Center for Animal Rescue and Enrichment of St. Louis (CARE STL), recognized the opportunity to create a more compassionate and community-centered approach to animal welfare. A BIPOC-led organization, CARE STL was founded in 2018 by Weng, an Asian-American immigrant who arrived in St. Louis in 2009. Weng's deep commitment to both people and animals, as well as her desire to transform the landscape of animal rescue, led to the creation of CARE STL, which today operates the City of St. Louis Animal Care and Control facility with an impressive live release rate of 98%.
Under Weng’s leadership, CARE STL has become a beacon of hope for the city’s animals. Weng is a passionate advocate for implementing the City of St. Louis's animal regulation ordinances, including spay and neuter laws, pet rabies registration, and microchipping services for St. Louis residents. She works closely with the City of St. Louis Department of Health to ensure the enforcement of these laws and to uphold the city’s commitment to animal care and control.
A forward-thinking, results-driven leader, Weng holds a Master of Business Administration from the Philippine School of Business Administration and certifications as a Certified Public Accountant and an ISO Certified Internal Auditor. With over 28 years of progressive experience in finance, accounting, HR, and operations, Weng brings a unique blend of expertise to her leadership role.
Weng’s innovative leadership has earned her national recognition. In 2020, her work with the City of St. Louis Animal Care shelter was celebrated through various media outlets, including People Magazine, USA Today, Access Hollywood, NBC, and KSDK's Making a Difference segment on Channel 5 News. These accolades were a testament to the impact of her compassionate leadership. She was also invited to speak at the Best Friends National Conference, where she shared her expertise on transforming municipal shelters into no-kill facilities.
The transition of the City of St. Louis Animal Care and Control facility to CARE STL was formalized in October 2018 when the City Department of Health accepted Weng's proposal to manage the city shelter. Weng Horak, who had been deeply involved in the animal welfare community for years, submitted a proposal that would reshape the city's approach to animal care. Under her stewardship, the shelter was officially rebranded and restructured, marking the birth of CARE STL as we know it today. This transition from the City Gasconade Dog Pound to CARE STL was a defining moment in the city’s commitment to compassionate animal care.
Lifesaving Intake
We accept the homeless, abused, neglected, injured, and surrendered animals of the City of St. Louis into our care so they will be safe and loved until they can be adopted into loving homes.
