Animal Welfare News

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View all City of OKC Animal Welfare news below. You can find older links by using the Archived News link.

Overcrowding prompts reduced adoption fees at Oklahoma City Animal Shelter

Post Date:06/12/2025 8:39 AM

Oklahoma City Animal Welfare is encouraging community support this week to help relieve overcrowding at the Shelter. A recent influx of dogs has pushed the facility beyond its ideal capacity, and the Shelter is seeking the public’s help to find positive outcomes for animals in its care.

To support this effort, adoption fees for dogs 6 months and older will be waived through Saturday, June 14. Puppies 5 months and younger will have a reduced adoption fee of $30. All adopted dogs are spayed or neutered, microchipped, heartworm tested, vaccinated, dewormed, and sent home with a collar and ID tag.

“Oklahoma City Animal Welfare has been operating at or above capacity for several years,” said OKC Animal Shelter Superintendent Ronnie Schlabs. “To ensure the health and well-being of the animals in our care and to maintain a sustainable shelter environment, we are asking the community to help us place as many dogs as possible this week. Currently, we have 175 dogs ready to find their forever homes.”

In addition to adoption, there are other ways to get involved. Rescue groups and transfer partners are encouraged to consider placement opportunities. Members of the public may also sign up to foster at okc.gov/animalwelfare, promote adoptable pets online, or share shelter resources and information to raise awareness.

To help ensure safe reunifications and protect public health, anyone who finds a stray animal is encouraged to contact Animal Welfare dispatch at (405) 297-2255 rather than attempting to handle the animal directly. Trained officers are prepared to respond safely and efficiently.

Oklahoma City Animal Welfare is located at 2811 SE 29th St. The facility is open Tuesday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with adoptions beginning at noon.

For more information about available pets, fostering, or how to help, visit okc.gov/animalwelfare.

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Media Contact:

Jazmin Yim

Jazmin.yim@okc.gov

405-297-1061

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