OKC Animal Welfare continues work to reunite pets with owners and manage the Shelter’s population
04/04/2025
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Oklahoma City Animal Welfare is reinforcing its commitment to reuniting lost pets with their owners by continuing to limit the Shelter’s intake for animals in urgent need.
The OKC Animal Shelter has been implementing policies for years to better manage its animal population and keep it at 100% capacity or below. The Shelter’s capacity is 297 dogs.
The Shelter has a multi-pronged approach to help solve Oklahoma City’s pet overpopulation crisis:
- Leaving lost pets in the areas where they are found.
- Limiting shelter intake.
- Educating residents on responsible pet ownership.
“To truly solve this issue, we need community-wide support for responsible pet ownership, including spaying and neutering, microchipping, and properly confining pets,” Shelter Superintendent Ronnie Schlabs said. “The shelter alone cannot resolve the growing number of strays in our city—we need a collective effort to prevent animals from becoming homeless in the first place.”
Reuniting lost pets and owners
Residents who find lost pets are encouraged to keep them in the area where they were found, as research and best practices from animal welfare organizations show this gives them the best chance of reuniting with their families.
Historically, fewer than 10% of lost pets brought to the shelter are reclaimed, with 2024 seeing the lowest rate at just 7%. Studies show lost pets are 10 times more likely to be reunited with their owners when they stay in the area where they are found rather than being taken to a shelter.
To help lost pets get home safely, Oklahoma City residents can:
- Take a clear photo and submit a found pet report at okc.gov/animalwelfare.
- Post signs in the area where the pet was found.
- Share the pet’s information on neighborhood apps and social media.
Limiting shelter intake to reduce overcrowding
Overcrowding strains the Shelter’s resources, increases illness and stress among animals, and makes it difficult for the Shelter staff to maintain a high level of care for them.
The Shelter will accept animals when it is under capacity. Before bringing an animal to the shelter, check the daily report card at okc.gov/animalwelfare.
Animal Welfare Field Officers will continue responding to reports of loose pets. The Shelter will accept injured, ill or aggressive animals, while intake for other pets will be based on available space and handled on a case-by-case basis.
Responsible pet ownership
Responsible pet ownership means providing adequate water, food, shelter and veterinary care for the animals in your family throughout their entire life. Spaying and neutering pets are crucial for both pet health and population control, offering significant benefits like preventing unwanted pregnancies, reducing the risk of certain cancers and diseases and curbing the number of homeless animals. Companionship, observing your pet's behavior and giving your pet exercise are also important to ensure a healthy and stable relationship.
Adoptions
The Shelter is open for adoptions from noon to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. All adoptable dogs are spayed/neutered, microchipped, and up to date on vaccinations and preventatives. For more information, visit okc.gov/animalwelfare.
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Media Contact: Jazmin Yim, (405) 297-1061, jazmin.yim@okc.gov
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City Hall, 200 N Walker Ave., Oklahoma City, OK 73102
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