Oklahoma City Animal Welfare is making life better for our community’s pets, finding forever homes for more pets and ensuring fewer strays need shelter.
Seven out of every 10 animals that entered the OKC Animal Shelter were reunited with their owners, adopted directly into a forever home or transferred to an animal advocacy group for other adoption programs. That’s the Shelter’s best live release rate in memory.
“Our community has worked hard make a difference in the lives of Oklahoma City pets and people. We still have a lot of work to do, but we are on the right path for success,” Animal Welfare Superintendent Julie Bank said. Bank presented 2015’s year-end statistics Tuesday during an Oklahoma City Council meeting.
The live release rate has steadily climbed in recent years from about 25 percent near the turn of the millennium.
Around 26,000 animals entered the Animal Shelter in 2015, continuing a significant decline from nearly 30,000 animals five years ago. Some of the factors contributing to the decline include Animal Shelter programs promoting spaying or neutering pets, identification microchips, humane community cat care and responsible pet ownership education.
Other improvements at the Animal Shelter last year included a 35 percent decline in disease infections, 99 percent increase in online donations, new kennels and the Kids for OKC Animals volunteer program.
For more information about adopting a pet, volunteering or donating to the OKC Animal Shelter, visit Animal Welfare or call (405) 297-3100.
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• Watch City Channel 20 on Cox Cable or live anywhere on YouTube.
Media Contact: Julie Bank
297-3088
julie.bank@okc.gov
