GENERAL INFORMATION

 

Q: Is the Washington County SPCA funded by the ASPCA or Humane Society?

No, we are not. We don’t receive any funding from the ASPCA, Humane Society of the United States, or any other national organization. We are a private, non-profit 501(c)3 organization funded solely through the generosity of our donors and grants.

 

Q: Doesn't the City of Bartlesville fund the Washington County SPCA?

No. The Washington County SPCA facility has two distinct areas: our adoption facilities and our City impound facility. The City of Bartlesville has a contract with us to care for the animals brought in by animal control (which is part of the Bartlesville Police Department). Our shelter receives money from the City to house, feed, and care for these animals. While these animals are in our facility, we attempt to find their owners through phone calls, emails, and visitor assistance. Our contract with the City provides that we keep these animals for four days prior to them entering our adoption facility.

 

 Q: What is an "open access" shelter and is the Washington County SPCA one?

An open access shelter takes owner surrenders, whether they are full or not, which can result in immediate euthanasia if all kennels are full. We don’t want this to happen and have been fortunate enough to not euthanize due to space in many years. We accomplish this by working hand-in-hand with local and out-of-state rescues and transport organizations to provide more forever home opportunities for the animals in our care. We also provide shelter for strays picked up by the City of Bartlesville animal control officers, which means we have very little control over intake from City pick-ups.

 

Q: Where are you located and what are your hours of operation?

Address: 16620 State Highway 123, Bartlesville, OK

Public Hours: 1 p.m. - 6 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. Saturday. We’re closed Sunday and Monday for regular business. You may reclaim an animal on Monday between 8 a.m. and 12 noon; no other business will be conducted during those hours.

 

  

ADOPTION FEES

 

Q: How much does it cost to adopt a dog or cat?

Dogs are $80 and cats are $55. All animals leave our facility microchipped, spayed or neutered, and up-to-date on all vaccinations.

 

SPAY AND NEUTER

 

Q: Will you spay or neuter my pet at your shelter?

No. Currently, we don’t have an in-house clinic. We do we do sell spay/neuter vouchers so that you can have your animal fixed for a reduced rate a local veterinarian. The cost for vouchers are: Dogs $85; Male Cat $35; Female Cat $50

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Read more about local Spay and Neuter resources here. 

 

View Local Veterinarians

 

Q: Why should I spay/neuter my pet?

The pet overpopulation problem is real. The ASPCA estimates approximately 7.6 million companion animals enter animal shelters nationwide every year. Over 2.7 million of those animals are euthanized. Spay/neuter programs help reduce the amount of unwanted litters, thus reducing the amount of animals who could possibly end up in animal shelters.

 

• Your female pet will live a longer, healthier life.

Spaying helps prevent uterine infections and breast cancer, which is fatal in about 50 percent of dogs and 90 percent of cats. Spaying your pet before her first heat offers the best protection from these diseases.

 

•  Neutering provides major health benefits for your male.

Besides preventing unwanted litters, neutering your male companion prevents testicular cancer, if done before six months of age.

 

• Your spayed female won't go into heat.

While cycles can vary, female felines usually go into heat four to five days every three weeks during breeding season. In an effort to advertise for mates, they'll yowl and urinate more frequently – sometimes all over the house!

 

• Your male dog won't want to roam away from home.

An intact male will do just about anything to find a mate! That includes digging his way under the fence and making like Houdini to escape from the house. And once he's free to roam, he risks injury in traffic and fights with other males.

 

• Your neutered male will be much better behaved.

Neutered cats and dogs focus their attention on their human families. On the other hand, unneutered dogs and cats may mark their territory by spraying strong-smelling urine all over the house. Many aggression problems can be avoided by early neutering.

 

• Spaying or neutering will NOT make your pet fat.

Lack of exercise and overfeeding will cause your pet to pack on the extra pounds – not neutering. Your pet will remain fit and trim as long as you continue to provide exercise and monitor food intake.

 

• It is highly cost-effective.

The cost of your pet's spay/neuter surgery is a lot less than the cost of having and caring for a litter. It also beats the cost of treatment when your unneutered tom escapes and gets into fights with the neighborhood stray!

 

• Spaying and neutering your pet is good for the community.

Stray animals pose a real problem in many parts of the country. They can prey on wildlife, cause car accidents, damage the local fauna, and frighten children. Spaying and neutering packs a powerful punch in reducing the number of animals on the streets.

 

• Your pet doesn't need to have a litter for your children to learn about the miracle of birth.

Letting your pet produce offspring you have no intention of keeping is not a good lesson for your children – especially when so many unwanted animals end up in shelters. There are tons of books and videos available to teach your children about birth in a more responsible way.

 

• Spaying and neutering helps fight pet overpopulation.

Every year, millions of cats and dogs of all ages and breeds are euthanized or suffer as strays. These high numbers are the result of unplanned litters that could have been prevented by spaying or neutering.

 

 

FUNDING AND DONATIONS

 

Q: How do I make a donation to help the Washington County SPCA?

 

Online: Securely donate online 

 

In Person: 16620 State Hwy. 123 in Bartlesville

 

Mail: Please mail your donation to:

Washington County SPCA

16620 State Highway 123

Bartlesville, Oklahoma 74006

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Tax ID #73-6107239

 

Q: I'd prefer to give the gift of supplies to the Washington County SPCA. What supplies are most needed?

 

Please see our Amazon Wish List for our most up-to-date items needed.

 

• Towels and blankets (Clean, used items are welcome.)

• Paper towels

• Dawn (original without bleach)

• Hand sanitizer

• Flea/tick drop

• Kuranda beds

• Dog Food, Purina Brand (Purina One Dog, Purina One Cat/Kitten)

• Treats (Please only bring treats that do not contain food coloring and are on our approved wish list.) 

 

NOTE: All of our animals are on a strict diet (see above food we feed) and for health purposes cannot be given any other food.

 

Q: I would like to make a gift in honor of a person or pet. How do I do that?

You can mail your donation to us:

 

Washington County SPCA

Attn.: Honorary Gift

16620 State Hwy. 123

Bartlesville, OK 74006

 

Please make a note on the donation that it is a gift in honor of a pet or person. This information will be included in our newsletter unless you specify that the information remain private.

 

VOLUNTEERS

 

Q: How do I become a volunteer for the Washington County SPCA?

We'd love to have you as a volunteer! Please visit our volunteer page to learn more and complete a volunteer application.

 

Q: What kinds of things do your volunteers do?

Our volunteers help in many ways! Some volunteers help us clean kennels and socialize animals while others walk dogs, brush cats, and assist customers in finding the perfect love match. Volunteers also help us with clerical and office work, grounds maintenance, and more.

 

All volunteers are required to be 16 years of age or older. If you are between the ages of 10 and 15, you may volunteer if a parent or legal guardian also becomes a volunteer and attends with you.

 

Our volunteers help out at the shelter and offsite events. Come join the fun with us!