By Fox23.com News Staff
SKIATOOK, Okla. — Six local animal shelters will come together Saturday for a Clear the Shelters adoption event with all fees waived, but officials are reminding potential adopters that pets require a lifetime commitment.
The event runs from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Skiatook Paws and Claws, located at 4605 W C Rogers Blvd in Skiatook.
Collinsville, Catoosa, Skiatook, Nowata, Hominy and Fairfax Animal Control organizations will participate in the event. Amber Smith, an animal service officer with the City of Collinsville, said local shelters are unfortunately full.
Collinsville Animal Services currently houses 18 dogs, including a mother with eight newborn puppies. Smith said some dogs have been in the shelter for more than 50 days and are starting to mentally decline without adequate human interaction.
“Just know that dogs and cats are a lifetime commitment,” Smith said. “Veterinary bills, you never know when there’s gonna be an emergency happening, and you need to be able to prepare for that.”
Smith emphasized that adopters should understand pets need time to adjust to new homes, which can take anywhere from three weeks to six months. She warned against expecting a newly adopted pet to be perfect immediately.
“You’re not just gonna pick up this dog and it’s gonna be what you would think was perfect,” Smith said. “There might be some little quirks that they have.”
While adoption fees are waived for the event, shelter officials will still review applications and check backgrounds to ensure animals go to responsible homes. They will verify that potential adopters’ current pets are up to date on rabies vaccines and are spayed or neutered.
Smith recommended adopting from a shelter rather than purchasing from a breeder, noting the value adopters receive. Normally, Collinsville’s $90 adoption fee includes spaying or neutering, vaccinations, heartworm testing and deworming. A spay procedure alone at a veterinarian can cost around $300, depending on the animal’s weight.
“Getting all of the vaccines and all of that for 90 bucks, now ultimately free, it’s an absolute steal of a deal,” Smith said. “People don’t realize what goes into puppies and adult dogs and cats for what are the important vaccinations that are going to make a difference in their life and make them happier and healthier.”
Those interested in viewing available dogs for adoption can visit Collinsville Animal Services’ adoption application page here to apply to adopt a dog. Available cats can be viewed here.
For those unable to adopt, but are interested in fostering, dog foster applications are available here and cat foster applications here.
Those unable to attend but wanting to help can sponsor an adoption fee through PayPal at PayPal.me/SPACAR, CashApp at $SPACAR, Venmo at @SPACAR, or by mailing donations to P.O. Box 1033, Skiatook, OK 74070.
For more information, contact Collinsville Animal Services at pets@cityofcollinsville.com.
