Pet Adoption in Oklahoma

There are many places to adopt a pet in the state of Oklahoma. While the adoption fees vary from place to place, most shelters vaccinate, spray or neuter a pet before adoptions. Some places are more lenient on the adoption screening of potential owners, while other shelters have a rigorous screening that a person must pass before being allowed to adopt.

  1. Best Friends of Pets

    • Founded in 1994, Best Friends of Pets was originally known as Best Friends of the Oklahoma City Animal Welfare Division and services the metro Oklahoma City area. Each month, Best Friends of Pets works with other rescue groups to find homes for homeless animals through their outreach program held at the local PetSmart. All animals are vaccinated and spayed or neutered before adoption. The fee for adoption starts at $65 as of 2010.

    Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals

    • Located in Bartlesville, Oklahoma, the Washington County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (WCSPCA) is an open-access shelter. This means it welcomes any animal no matter their age, health or behavior. The WCSPCA neuters or spay the animals before adoptions. Potential owners must be 18 years old and must fill out an application for adoption. The potential owner will be interviewed by a representative of the WCSPCA. The adoption cost as of 2010 varies from animal to animal, ranging from $65 to $350, but includes all medical vaccinations and deworming.

    Free to Live

    • Free to Live is the largest no-kill shelter in Oklahoma that takes in stray and mistreated cats and dogs. All animals are spayed or neutered and given all necessary vaccinations. They also receive a thorough physical examination. Potential owners are screened to verify they are a good candidate for owning a pet. Persons wishing to adopt a dog must have a fenced yard or they will be declined. Free to Live requests a $60 donation as a fee for adoption. It offers a no-questions-asked return policy. If at any time the owner no longer wishes to keep the pet, he can return the pet to the shelter.

    Oklahoma City Animal Shelter

    • Animals may also be adopted through the Oklahoma City Animal Shelter. Dogs and cats can be adopted for $50 as of 2010. The shelters offers a special $25 fee for certain animals. If the animal has been up for adoption for 14 days without finding a home, the price will be lowered. Also, if a potential owner wants to adopt two or more pets, the price will be lowered to $25 each. Other reasons for the discounted price include pets that are over 4 years old and pets with medical conditions. Anyone who adopts a dog through the Oklahoma City Animal Shelter can take four free obedience classes taught by the Oklahoma Dog Obedience Training Club.

    Altus Animal Aid

    • Located in Altus, Oklahoma, Altus Animal Aid is a nonprofit animal rescue. The adoption center is a no-kill zone. A potential adopter must first fill out a pre-adoption form that asks for your name, address and why you want to adopt a pet. Two references are also requested. Altus will do a background check with the local Animal Control and your current or past veterinarian. If you pass the initial screening, then an animal may be adopted. Dogs are adopted for a $75 fee, while cats cost $55 as of 2010.