If you can foster a dog over the snowy weekend, the SPCA Tulsa is asking for your help.
With dangerous levels of cold moving in and up to 12 inches of snow possible, SPCA
says placing dogs with foster families will reduce stress on its facilities.
Once returned, the group will gather information about the dog and how it did during its
weekend home visit. That information could help the pup find a permanent home.
However, this weekend, only adult dogs and smaller breed five-month-old puppies will
be placed. SPCA will provide the food, bowls, blankets, crates and other supplies.
Foster dog parents will also have a direct cell line to contact for support.
You can fill out an application online, then go to the SPCA, 2910 Mohawk Blvd. to be
matched with a dog. The shelter will be open until 5:30 p.m. Thursday and from 8 a.m.
to 4 p.m. Friday.
Melissa Allen, director of companion welfare, said people should consider this
opportunity carefully because they likely will be stuck at home. But dogs are always
available to foster.
The Tulsa Dream Center is also opening an emergency shelter to the public and pets.
New or gently used pet supplies may be dropped off at 415 W. Archer St. Some items
they need include crates, litter boxes, disposable gloves and food.
Protecting your pets
If you already have animals, Tulsa City ordinance requires an enforceable standard of
care for them. It’s good practice to bring cats and dogs inside and protect them from
exposure to the cold.
Tulsa Animal Services recommends the following:
Protect paws from ice melt and salt: If you plan to use ice melt around your
house, make sure it’s pet safe. Wipe off your dog’s foot pads when they come
back inside to keep them from ingesting salt when they lick their paws. It can be
toxic.
- Protect paws from ice melt and salt: If you plan to use ice melt around your house, make sure it’s pet safe. Wipe off your dog’s foot pads when they come back inside to keep them from ingesting salt when they lick their paws. It can be toxic.
- Keep outdoor trips short: Any trip outside should be short. Exercise is good, but lengthy walks in low temperatures may hurt you both.
- Dress shorthaired dogs for the cold: Shorthaired dogs should be dressed in protective clothing when taken outside to avoid frostbite and hypothermia.
- Shelters when temps rise: Outdoor shelters should be secure from wind and large enough for dogs to stand up, turn around and lie down. The shelter floor should be elevated from ground level. Use straw for dry bedding. Blankets are not recommended since they will get wet.
- Help stray dogs and feral/community cats: Keep outdoor cats warmer with styrofoam containers stuffed with straw. If you see stray dogs, it’s important to call Tulsa Animal Services or the Oklahoma Humane Society immediately to get the dog to a warm space. If there are stray cats in the neighborhood be sure to tap on wheel wells or under hoods before starting the car. They will look for warm spaces underneath cars to sleep.
