Community rallies around OKC Animal Shelter following plea for help

Published on July 18, 2025

Just days after Oklahoma City Animal Welfare issued a plea for community support to help place 60 dogs and relieve critical overcrowding, local partners have stepped up in a big way.

Be Kind Rescue Dogs, a local nonprofit, will sponsor all canine adoptions leaving the shelter this Saturday, July 19. Their goal is to encourage adoptions while allowing new pet owners to put their savings toward supplies and training.

Paleteria El Paisano, a locally owned ice cream shop, also joined the effort, donating 100 ice pops for visitors during this weekend’s Pups and Popsicles event.

"Our community has shown that every effort, no matter how small, can make a significant impact," said Ronnie Schlabs, Oklahoma City Animal Welfare Superintendent. "We are incredibly grateful to Be Kind Rescue Dogs for sponsoring all canine adoptions this Saturday, and to Paleteria El Paisano for their generous donation of 100 ice pops for our Pups and Popsicles event. Whether you're a business, a rescue partner, or simply someone who cares, there's always a way to support pet adoptions and save lives."

Pups and Popsicles will be held Saturday, July 19, from 11 a.m. to noon on the front lawn of the Oklahoma City Animal Shelter, located at 2811 SE 29th St. Visitors will enjoy complimentary ice pops and meet adoptable dogs outside their kennels while the pups cool off with veterinarian-approved frozen treats.

Adoptions will continue from noon to 5 p.m. All dogs adopted from Oklahoma City Animal Welfare are spayed or neutered, microchipped, heartworm tested, dewormed, current on age-appropriate vaccinations and preventives, and come with an ID tag and collar. Many local veterinarians also offer a free medical visit when adopters present their adoption paperwork.

To view available pets or learn more, visit okc.gov/animal-welfare.

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Media Contact

Jazmin Yim

405-297-1061

Partner Information

Be Kind Rescue Dogs is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to rescuing dogs from the Oklahoma City Animal Welfare. For more information, email info@bekindrescuedogs.com.

Paleteria El Paisano offers a variety of traditional Mexican frozen treats in Oklahoma City. For more information, email paleteriaelpaisano23@gmail.com.