'Heartbreaking:' Metro Shelters See Increase In Pet Abandonments, Drop Offs

Animal Welfare Centers across the metro are dealing with a concerning increase in pet drop-offs and abandonment, adding to the pressure those shelters already feel.

News 9's Cameron Joiner stopped by a local adoption center trying to help ease some of the burden.

The Oklahoma Humane Society emphasizes the importance of fosters, knowing when you're ready to adopt an animal, and knowing your options if it comes to rehoming your pet.

 “I would say it’s quite a responsibility. It’s not something to take lighthearted,” Brianna Messer, a local pet owner, said.

Messer and her husband are one of many who choose to adopt from OK Humane.

“We, I guess two years ago, adopted our first cat and we were looking for him a companion,” Messer said.

Saturday, they adopted a new kitten, Max.

While they know the responsibility it takes to own a pet, many might not.

This leads to situations like what Mustang Animal Welfare Center encountered last week.

The shelter posted on Facebook about a cage of puppies dumped at a dog park.

“I mean, it’s pretty sad. I feel like our cats are kind of our children, so I don’t know how some people do that,” Messer said.

The post urges folks to consider the commitment of owning a pet, adding the increase in pet abandonments quote "...boils down to the responsibility (or lack thereof) of the pet owner..."

Roshelle Anderson with OK Humane says the booming pet population coupled with difficult financial times makes the issue worse across the city.

“We do see a lot of puppies and kittens dropped off in boxes or things like that,” Anderson said. “If they have to choose between vet bills and feeding their kids type situation you know it’s heartbreaking."

But not only is abandoning a pet against the law, Anderson says it should never be an option.

“It can wear on you, but you know in the end all we can ask for is more foster homes. If you are able to foster, that helps us out a lot,” Anderson said.

OK Humane also asks folks who find abandoned pets or need to surrender a pet to consider rehoming the animals before calling animal welfare services because those shelters are likely already at capacity.