Any animal that is involved in biting a person must be placed in quarantine for a ten day (240 hour) observation period. Depending on the animal’s rabies vaccination status and the severity of the bite, the animal must be quarantined at one of the following locations; home, licensed veterinarian clinic, or the Animal Shelter. Only under rare circumstances will the animal be euthanized and a specimen sent to the Oklahoma State Health Department for rabies testing. Once the animal has cleared the quarantine period, the animal will be given a rabies vaccination booster and released back to the owner. The animal owner is responsible for paying any fees associated with impoundment, boarding, and vaccinations during the quarantine period.

One way to offset the cost associated with the fees assessed during the quarantine period at the OKC Animal Shelter is to take advantage of the “Spay or Pay” ordinance. The “Spay or Pay” ordinance allows a reduction in room and board charges of up to $150.00 if you allow the Animal Welfare Division to spay or neuter your animal upon reclaim, if your pet is not sterilized. There is no additional cost for the spay or neuter.