Oklahoma City Animal Welfare is facing a critical situation as it reaches maximum capacity, with over 400 dogs and 200 cats housed in the shelter. Superintendent Jon Gary emphasizes the urgency of the situation, calling on the community to assist in finding solutions.

Capacity Crisis

Jon Gary underscores the severity of the situation, stating that once the shelter reaches 400 animals, it becomes critical. Recent numbers have exceeded this threshold, with up to 450 animals in the shelter during some weeks. Gary expresses concerns over the challenges faced, including days where euthanasia rates were higher than desired.

Community Support Needed

While the Animal Welfare staff is dedicated to managing the crisis, they stress the importance of community support. Gary highlights the need for proactive measures, urging pet owners to explore alternative rehoming options rather than relying solely on the shelter.

Responsible Pet Ownership

Officials advocate for responsible pet ownership practices to mitigate the influx of animals into the shelter. They advise against bringing stray animals directly to the shelter, citing low reclaim rates for both dogs and cats. Instead, they encourage efforts to reunite lost pets with their owners through methods such as lost pet flyers and social media outreach.

Spaying and Neutering Initiatives

A key strategy to address the issue is promoting spaying and neutering of pets. Oklahoma City residents are fortunate to have access to free spaying and neutering services for their pets, with no restrictions in place. Gary emphasizes the importance of taking advantage of these services to help control the pet population.

How to Take Action

For Oklahoma City residents seeking free spaying or neutering services for their pets, they can call 405-313-1469 for assistance. Those interested in adopting or fostering a pet from OKC Animal Welfare can find a list of available pets online.

Supporting Animal Welfare

The plight of Oklahoma City Animal Welfare underscores the importance of community involvement in addressing animal overpopulation and shelter capacity challenges. By promoting responsible pet ownership practices and utilizing available resources, individuals can play a significant role in supporting animal welfare initiatives.

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