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1. How can I adopt a dog or cat?

Dogs and cats that have been kept at the animal shelter more than three days are eligible for adoption. Adults 18 years of age or older can adopt animals by presenting a valid driver’s license or government issued identification. There is a $65 fee for adoption that covers the cost of spaying or neutering, vaccinations and a general health examination. The City arranges for these services with a veterinary provider. Animals for adoption can be viewed at the shelter during regular staffing hours. Adoptable animals are also posted on social media.

2. Where is the animal shelter and what are its hours?

The Sand Springs Animal Welfare Facility is located at 8620 W. 21st Street (a half mile east of the intersection or Morrow Road and Adams Road on 21st Street). The facility is open to the public from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily -- including Saturdays and Sundays. Unless emergency or other circumstances occur, an officer is available during those times for citizen visits and adoptions. If no officer is at the facility during regular staffing hours, call the police department’s non-emergency number, 918-245-8777. An officer will come to the shelter as soon as one is available.

3. What are the requirements for keeping dogs or cats in the city limits?

When outdoors, dogs must be kept in a fenced and gated yard – with the fence and gate height sufficient to contain the dog. Dogs can also be kept in an open yard on a leash not to exceed eight feet to allow for exercise and play. Under no circumstance may a leash extend beyond a property line. Dogs must be kept on a leash while being walked. Although there is no leash or containment requirement for cats, owners are responsible to assure that their cats do not become a nuisance to neighbors.

4. How many dogs or cats can I have at my residence?

Residents are allowed only three dogs or cats that are more than six months old at their homes.

5. Do I need to license my dog or cat with the city?

City ordinance requires that dogs and cats be licensed. The license fee is $10 and good as long as the animal resides in the city limits. A license tag is issued that can be affixed to the animal's collar. This can assist in locating the animal should it stray or become lost. Licenses can be procured at the Customer Service window on the first floor of City Hall, 100 E. Broadway St.

6. Does the City accept 3-year rabies vaccinations?

After they reach four months of age, dogs and cats kept within the city limits will need to have a rabies immunization vaccination administered by a licensed veterinary professional. The vaccination can have an effective period of one year or three years. Pet owners must have a valid rabies vaccination certificate available should it be requested by an animal welfare officer, police officer, or other authorized employee or agent of the city.

7. What happens if my dog or cat is impounded?

Cats or dogs that are impounded at the animal welfare facility are kept a minimum of three days before they are made available for adoption. It is the goal of Animal Welfare state to return cats and dogs to their owners or to find them good homes through adoption or rescue organizations. Owners that claim their dogs or cats after an initial 24 hours of impoundment are subject to a $20 per day boarding fee.

8. Can citizens bring a stray dog or cat to the animal welfare facility?

Residents who live within Sand Springs’ city limits can bring stray dogs or cats to the animal welfare facility. A valid driver’s license or other government issued identification showing an address within the city limits must be presented when bringing an animal to the facility. Residents who live in Tulsa County or other neighboring jurisdictions should contact animal welfare agencies in those jurisdictions for such services.

9. What is a nuisance animal?

City ordinances(Title 6) prohibit dogs and cats from becoming nuisances to neighboring residents through continual barking, digging into neighbors’ yards, disturbing gardens and flower beds, or other actions that damage another’s property or disturb the peace. Nuisance animal complaints can be reported to Animal Welfare through RequestTracker or by calling (918) 246-2543. Dogs that continually bark during sleeping hours (10 p.m. to 6 a.m.) should be reported immediately to the Police Department at 918-245-8777.

10. What if an animal appears to be uncared for, abandoned or abused?

Animal neglect or abuse cases should be reported to Animal Welfare staff for investigation. At a minimum, dogs and cats need to be provided with adequate food, water, shelter in winter and shade in summer. They must be kept in sanitary conditions. Animal cruelty and abandonment cases are violation of local ordinance and can also be pursued as felonies in egregious cases.

11. Do Animal Welfare staff investigate other animal complaints?

There are city ordinances that regulate livestock, poultry and fowl that are kept or cared for in the city limits. Many areas of the city are not suitable to keeping such animals. In addition to becoming a nuisance for neighbors, most properties are too small to properly care for such animals.