Shelter seeks homes for the holidays
It’s been a recordbreaking year for Oklahoma City Animal Welfare. More than 17,500 animals have been saved so far this year, and the shelter has the highest live release rate it’s ever had at 86 percent.
The shelter is asking the community to help finish 2018 strong and place every adoptable animal into a home before the holiday. More than 150 animals are available now, with more becoming available every day.
There are several adoption specials happening at the shelter. The annual “Hounds for the Holidays” and “Feline Navidad” events began Dec. 12 and run through Sunday. During these events dogs, puppies and kittens are $30 to adopt, and adult cats are free.
The holidays are a great time to adopt a new family pet. Many people take vacation to stay at home, get extra days off at work, and children are out of school. This gives the entire family time to help get the new pet acclimated to its new home.
If you're bringing a new pet home during the holidays, you do have to be careful and watch them closely. There are typically more items around the home that can be harmful if ingested, like tree ornaments, poinsettias and certain types of food and candy. Be sure to check with your veterinarian on what types of items and foods may not be safe for your pet. If your pet does happen to ingest an item that is not made for pets, be sure to consult your veterinarian immediately.
If you are looking to add a pet to your home this holiday season, please consider one of the homeless pets at Oklahoma City Animal Welfare. You can visit the shelter’s website at www.okc.gov. The shelter is open from noon to 5:30 p.m. seven days a week. The shelter will be closed Dec. 24 and 25 and Jan. 1 for the holidays.
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.