OKC Animal Welfare urgently seeks homes for hundreds of dogs
OKLAHOMA CITY – Facing a dire overcrowding challenge, the Oklahoma City Animal Shelter is housing over 400 dogs, including vulnerable puppies, in immediate need of homes. The Oklahoma City Animal Shelter is experiencing an overcrowding challenge, housing over 400 dogs, including vulnerable puppies, in immediate need of homes. The Shelter is currently at 139% capacity for dogs, with older dogs and small puppies particularly vulnerable to respiratory illnesses. In response to the overcapacity, the Shelter is waiving all dog adoption fees until the population drops to a manageable level. The fee-waived adoptions include dogs of all sizes and essential services such as spaying or neutering, microchipping and vaccinations. There are currently over 250 dogs available for adoption at the Shelter, plus another 250 dogs in foster homes. Those unable to adopt permanently, residents are encouraged to participate in the Shelter's foster program.
Published : 4 weeks ago by City News OKC Senior Reporter, Darla Shelden in
OKLAHOMA CITY – Facing a dire overcrowding challenge, the Oklahoma City Animal Shelter is housing over 400 dogs, including vulnerable puppies, in immediate need of homes.
In response to the overcapacity, the Shelter is waiving all dog adoption fees until the population drops to a manageable level.
According to the press release, the Shelter is at 139% capacity for dogs. In such conditions, older dogs and small puppies are particularly susceptible to respiratory illnesses, heightening the urgency to find foster or forever homes for these animals.
"Our kennels simply cannot sustain the current capacity of dogs," OKC Animal Welfare Superintendent Jon Gary said. "We are asking for our community's help to save precious lives."
Dogs of all sizes are included in the fee-waived adoptions.
On March 27, Shelter staff posted on Facebook, “Yesterday, we celebrated 17 adoptions, each one a triumph of love and compassion. However, as our hearts overflowed with joy, 27 more precious dogs arrived at our shelter, leaving us at full capacity once again. We urgently need your support, dear community. Can you lend a helping hand?”
There are more than 250 dogs available for adoption at the Shelter, plus another 250 dogs in foster homes. Each adoption from the Shelter or a foster family includes essential services such as spaying or neutering, microchipping and vaccinations.
Residents who are unable to adopt permanently are encouraged to participate in the Shelter’s foster program. Registered fosters can view dogs on the Shelter's website and pick up a temporary friend. Becoming a foster parent, typically completed within 48 hours, allows for the swift placement of dogs.
“By working together as a community, we can ensure every dog in need finds a safe and loving home, sparing them from unnecessary suffering and ensuring their well-being,” Gary said.
The Shelter, located at 2811 SE 29th St., welcomes visitors for adoptions and fostering from noon to 5 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday. To view the complete list of available dogs or to register as a foster, visit okc.com/animalwelfare