Adoption saves animals’ lives, curbs overpopulation
The busy summer months are upon us at Oklahoma City Animal Welfare. Last year, more than 2,400 animals entered the shelter in the month of June alone. Managing the volume of animals the shelter sees this time of year is very challenging, and adoptions become even more important than other times of the year.
Last week, more than 160 animals were awaiting adoption at the shelter, and a 140 more animals were waiting to be vaccinated and spayed/neutered so they could be made available. The shelter will be hosting adoption events throughout the summer months in an effort to get these animals out of the shelter and in new, loving homes.
There is so much value in adopting a pet. Oklahoma City Animal Welfare’s adoption fees range from $30 to $60. This includes the vet exam, vaccinations, spay/neuter and microchip. With more than 100 animals available for adoption at any given time, there is surely something for everyone.
Adopting is a very rewarding experience, as well. There is nothing like taking that pet home for the first time and seeing the joy you bring to them by being in a home and out of the shelter. The staff at the shelter do the best they can for every animal, but the shelter is a stressful environment. So many strange people, animals and smells can be overstimulating to pets that are used to being in a home.
Shelter pets make loyal companions. When you adopt, you receive a lifetime of love and commitment. There is no better feeling than knowing you saved the life of an animal. When you adopt from the shelter, you are not only saving the life of that animal, you are saving the life of the animal that gets to take its place in that kennel.
If you are not able to find what you are looking for at Oklahoma City Animal Welfare, please consider our partner, the Central Oklahoma Humane Society.
More than 80 percent of the animals in their care came through the shelter.
We also work with more than a hundred other animal welfare groups that need people to adopt so they can continue to pull more animals from the shelter.
It takes a community to end the animal overpopulation problem in Oklahoma City, and you can do your part by choosing to adopt rather than buying from breeders.
To find out more about Oklahoma City Animal Welfare and how you can adopt, visit the shelter at 2811 SE 29 St. or go to www.okc.gov/animalwelfare.
Jonathan Gary is Oklahoma City Animal Welfare superintendent. He has worked at Oklahoma City Animal Welfare for more than 18 years, working in all areas of operation leading up to his promotion to superintendent in August 2016.