Adopt a Pet From One of These 3 Tulsa Shelters

A distinct benefit of living in at Springs at Woodlands South is the pet-friendly environment. Springs Apartments allows many types of pets (with some restrictions on certain dog breeds); we even provide fenced, leash-free areas where you can exercise your pet. Many of our residents came to us “sans pet,” but, after seeing other residents enjoying theirs, decide to add a dog, cat or other small animal to their families. Sound familiar? If you, too, want the warmth and companionship of a pet, check out these reputable shelters in the Tulsa area.

The ARF is protective about its pets and gives out its address to those who take the time to contact them, rather than putting the location on their website. They also restrict adoptions to people living in Tulsa County if the prospective pet adopter has never been a pet parent, and only allow you to adopt once you’ve visited with the animal in person.

All of this may sound strict, but it helps the ARF place pets with people who are truly compatible. The ARF wants people and pets to be matched up appropriately, so both benefit from the adoption. Fees range from $75 for most cats and all dogs more than 7-years old to $150 for dogs less than 7-years old. The fees cover everything from vaccinations to microchipping.

If you're definitely a cat person, Street Cats Tulsa is the place to contact. Specializing in rescued cats, SCT also supports a spay and neuter program for stray cats around the city of Tulsa. The adoption fees you pay go to help the organization, which is run by volunteers, as well as covering microchipping and previous testing for conditions like feline leukemia. You can adopt cats Tuesday through Saturday from 10:30 a.m. until 5 p.m.

Tulsa's own Humane Society also adopts out cats and dogs that were lost and never claimed, or that were surrendered by people who could not care for the pets properly. Thorough testing for feline AIDS and leukemia, and heartworms in dogs, along with an ID tag, are included in your adoption fee.

Like other Humane Societies, the Tulsa branch wants you to speak with a pet adoption counselor first to ensure that you and the Society are on the same page regarding the type of pet that would suit you best. You'll then have to fill out an application and wait for approval. One of the great things about the Humane Society is that, if you already have a pet, you can set up an appointment to bring it in and meet your prospective second pet. This will help you determine if the two will get along in your apartment home.

Pets add so much joy to a family, but don’t forget about the responsibilities, in terms of both time and ongoing costs (like vet visits, food, medicine and vaccinations). Only when you have a good grasp of what it takes to parent a pet properly can you make the right decision about adoption.

Do you have any tips for new pet owners about adopting in Tulsa? What was your experience adopting and caring for your pet? Let us know in the comments!