Interested in Adopting a Pet? Consider These 3 Oklahoma City Animal Shelters

Springs at May Lakes and Springs at Memorial are proud to be pet-friendly apartment communities, and many of our residents come to us with a pet already part of their family, and maybe being around these cuddly creatures has made you want to care for a dog, cat or other small animal, too. If you’re thinking about “adding to your family,” consider one of the pet shelters in our area. They’re budget-friendly and have a mission to help connect loving people with pets in need!

The Central OK Humane Society has an on site adoption center as well as outreach events around the city. If you want to adopt, an adoption specialist will talk with you about what you're looking for, who lives in your home, what experience you have with pets, allergies, and other factors that affect what type of pet might suit you best. After narrowing down the options, you can search for a compatible pet and then pay adoption fees and fill out paperwork. Fees run between $75 and $200, depending on the species and age of the pet, and include spaying or neutering, microchipping, vaccinations, and a flea treatment. Adoptions are available every day except Monday.

Also known as the animal welfare home, the city's animal shelter is where you go to find lost pets and drop off strays you've found; you can also adopt pets that have not been claimed by other owners. Adoption is available daily from noon to 5:45 p.m., except for the third Wednesday of each month, which start at 2 p.m. Fees for dogs and cats start at $60, but the shelter also adopts out horses, birds, and other animals including livestock. You may have to pay other fees depending on the type of animal, the boarding involved, and medical care needed. You can also get cheaper deals on pets that meet certain qualifications.

This no-kill shelter in Edmond requires you to call for directions, but the shelter offers daily adoptions from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. with the exception of Wednesdays, and has adoption events at PetSmart each Saturday. Free to Live allows you to return an adopted pet at any time, but will not refund any of the fees you've paid. Fees run $80, except for seniors who get $10 off.

The right pet can provide years of companionship, but remember that there’s plenty of responsibility that goes along with owning one, too. Any shelter will tell you to “do your homework” before taking a pet home to get an idea of the ongoing costs and requirements.

Have you adopted from any of these or other shelters in the area? Tell us in the comments section below!