Pets Are Overrunning Oklahoma – Even The OKC Zoo Is Helping Find Homes

Well, it's official, Oklahoma. We've got so many dogs and animals needing homes that even the zoo has decided to give a helping hand.

Don't misunderstand - you won't be able to adopt a zoo animal. However, while you're enjoying the animals you can't bring home, you'll have the opportunity to visit with dogs that you absolutely can bring back with you to your family.

The Oklahoma City Zoo has decided to partner with the Oklahoma City Animal Welfare. Starting this weekend, they'll be hosting three different adoption events on the first saturday of each month until October.

Desperate times call for creative measures.

Usually, rescues and animal shelters host adoption events at Petco or Petsmart or maybe a local business's special event. But since there are more than 400 dogs in the Oklahoma City Shelter desperately needing to find homes, they're making sure that these animals have every opportunity to meet someone who just might adopt them.

Ronnie Schlabs, Superintendent, OKC Animal Welfare is hoping that families the zoo will have the same open hearts for their pets as they do for the zoo animals.

“We’re incredibly thankful for their hospitality and heart," he said. "By opening their doors to our adoptable dogs, the Zoo is proving that whether it’s tigers or terriers, conservation and compassion go paw in paw.”

The special adoption events at the OKC Zoo will take place from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. in front of the Zoo’s Rosser Conservation Education Center, located at the east end of the Zoo’s parking lot.

The events will happen on August 2, September 6 and October 4.

According to the Zoo's press release, the adoption events are set up perfectly for families to both enjoy the zoo and take their new pet home. "Guests who want to visit the Zoo after adopting a dog may leave their new furry friend with the animal shelter team to pick up afterwards," they said.

They also mentioned that "adoption fees are being waived" for all of the dogs they will have there at the zoo. Those who want to simply adopt an animal without visiting the zoo are welcome to come without purchasing general admission and parking is free.