Claremore Animal Shelter is in need of families and individuals to adopt pets, as the facility is at capacity.
The facility has 20 dog kennels and 18 cat kennels, with an additional four cat kennels at Claremore Petsense. Currently, the shelter has more pets than kennels.
Jean Hurst, animal control supervisor at the Claremore Animal Shelter, said much of the problem stems from animals being abandoned.
"There's truly an animal crisis right now, not just with owner surrenders, but animals most likely being dumped," Hurst said. "We'll just find them roaming loose on the streets; there's no microchip, no identification and nobody's coming back to claim them."
Hurst said many pet owners do not spay and neuter their pets, which contributes to an overabundance of animals. While the City of Claremore requires pets to be spayed and neutered, rural Rogers County has no ordinance requiring it.
Hurst added there are not many adoptions this time of year, as many families are busy with children returning to school and activities.
"Animals are coming in, but they're not getting adopted," Hurst said.
While the shelter often partners with rescue groups, Hurst said those facilities are dealing with similiar capacity issues.
"Everybody in Oklahoma, the Midwest, it's just a crisis," Hurst said.
For owners who have difficulty caring for their pets, Claremore Animal Shelter offers support, including referring them to trainers and a food pantry whenever supplies are available.
"I've had people come in and say, 'I can't afford food, I want to surrender my animal,' and I'll give them a bag of dog food and say, 'Go home, we don't want your animal,'" Hurst said.
Each month, the shelter aims to host two adoption events — at Atwoods and Petsense. While the ultimate goal is for animals to get adopted, Hurst said the events are also a way to raise awareness of the shelter.
Adoption fees are $80 for cats, while dogs range from $90 to $120. Fees include spaying or neutering, vaccinations, and a veterinary exam. All adoptions are half price for the month of August.
