Spurred by a local case of egregious cruelty, the Washington County Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (WCSPCA) was incorporated in 1965. An animal shelter was built and the new organization undertook projects to educate the public on companion animal issues. In 1974, the WCSPCA contracted to care for animals impounded by the City of Bartlesville. In so doing, the number of animals served increased substantially. Currently we are comprised of two operations: The City of Bartlesville Impound facility and the WCSPCA Adoption facility. The impound facility is subsidized by the City of Bartlesville. The Adoption facility and all the community service programs associated with our organization are funded solely by grants and public donations. We are neither a part of, nor supported by, any State or Federal contributions. In the summer of 2007 our shelter was almost completely submerged by floodwaters. After we were over the initial shock of the utter devastation of our facilities, the Board of Directors voted to find higher ground and build a new facility. By early summer of 2008, that perfect location was spotted. It was approximately 10 acres, fronted onto Highway 75 and located in the primary growth area of Bartlesville. Our first goal was complete: we found higher ground. Our second goal was to build an evacuation/clinic building. We accomplished that in the Summer of 2015. We then set out to equip the new building as a low-cost spay/neuter clinic serving the community. By 2016, we had accomplished that goal and are now conducting regular Spay/Neuter Clinics on our shelter animals, and have performed over 1600 to date. We still have one big hurdle to overcome, and that is Phase Three: building a new shelter. Looking to 2019-2020 to launch our capital campaign to reach that goal!

Adoption Policy

Adoption Process The Adoption Process: What to Expect Shelters and rescues tend to ask a lot of questions of prospective adopters for two main reasons: • To ensure successful, long-term adoptions • To make certain it's a good fit between human and their potential new furry companion Our shelter requires you to complete an application. In addition to basic contact information, our application will cover the following: • Your housing situation (renting vs. owning) • The number and ages of any children in your household • The number and type of pets you may already own • The name and contact information of your veterinarian • Your previous experience with pets • Your activity level, lifestyle, and expectations for a new animal Ideally, we want you to see the Washington County SPCA as a partner in your adoption, not a grand inquisitor. The questions we ask are to help pair you with a furry companion who will be with you for years to come. For example, if you are not an active person and prefer a quieter lifestyle, a young Border Collie might not be a good fit given they are highly intelligent, active dogs that prefer a "job" to keep them happy. If you are a fitness buff looking for a running companion, a Yorkie or Basset Hound wouldn't be a good fit for such an active lifestyle. We want to help you find the perfect companion to fit your lifestyle and provide an enriching life for our shelter animals. The adoption process is structured more like an open conversation than a series of yes-or-no, right-or-wrong questions. The goal is to balance the interests of two different sets of customers: the animals and the adopters. Why are you asking me so many questions? We hope you understand we don't wish our questions to be seen as intrusive. Consider why pets are surrendered in the first place. Among the top five reasons that people give up their pets, three are common to both dogs and cats: • Landlord issues • Moving • Cost of pet care For dogs, the other most common reasons include lack of time and inadequate facilities. For cats, it's allergies and having too many cats to care for. Many animals lose their homes because their owners weren't prepared to invest the necessary money and time to care for a pet. In other cases, families and pets are mismatched. Consider these all-too-common scenarios: • A high-energy dog adopted by a family who doesn't have time for extensive daily exercise (Result? A bored, frustrated, and destructive dog) • A skittish kitten chosen by rambunctious children whose parents aren't inclined to actively supervise their kids (Result? A scared kitten who scratches or bites out of fear) The questions we are are in hopes of preventing such painful situations for both the pets and people involved. How can I prepare myself to adopt a pet? You'll have a relationship with your pet for many years to come, so it's worth being patient and taking your time to carefully consider what kind of pet – big or small, energetic or relaxed, older or younger – is right for you. Before you head to the shelter, ask yourself some questions that will help you figure out exactly what kind of critter will best fit your lifestyle and personality. Once you get here, our adoption technicians will gladly answer any questions you may have and take the time necessary to find the best furry for you and your lifestyle! You are free to visit the animals in the adoption area with our adoption technicians. If you find a feline who catches your eye, we'll gladly get them out of the kennel so you may spend time with it and do a little bonding. If you meet a dog that seems like a good match, you can go for a walk in one of our outdoor dog yards. If you have a dog at home and are considering adopting another dog, we highly recommend you bring your own dog with you and we will facilitate a dog meet between the dogs. Although not a guarantee on how the dogs may do together once home, this is another helpful step you can do to make the best decision for both 2-legged and 4-legged members of the family. (We ask that you do not bring any feline members of the family in to the shelter for meets. This is counter productive and can be very stressful for your cat.) What happens once I decide to adopt? We will ask you to fill out the adoption questionnaire, pay the appropriate fees ($80 for dogs, $55 for cats; $10 city license [if applicable], and go over all the paperwork with our front office staff. Because all animals adopted from the Washington County SPCA are spayed or neutered before leaving the shelter, it may be necessary for you to wait a few days before taking your new friend home, although many of our animals are ready to go with you on the same day. The adoption of a companion animal is a commitment for life. We want to be sure the animal you choose is the best possible fit for you as we want this adoption to be perfect for everyone for a happily ever after! What does the adoption fee include? Every adoption from the WCSPCA includes: • Spay or Neuter Surgery • Current Rabies Tag • Microchip • Dewormer Treatment • Cats and kittens will have been tested for feline aids (FIV) and Feline Leukemia (FeLV) and are certified negative. • 30 Days FREE 24Pet Watch Medical Insurance (must be activated by new owner) • Dogs are tested for heartworms and current on heartworm preventative. • Dogs are vaccinated with DHPP (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvo, Parainfluenza), Bordetella, and Rabies. • Puppies have been vaccinated with DHPP-CVK (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvo, Parainfluenza, and Corona virus) and Bordetella. • Complementary wellness visit to one of our veterinary partners • Other handout materials After the adoption Once you get your new companion home, we're still here for you if you have questions or concerns. Please don't hesitate to call or email us, and we'll be help however we can. Don't forget to send us photos of you and your new furry friend!

https://www.wcspca.org/dogs

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David Adams

June 25, 2024

Dog Rescues & Shelters

David Adams

About the author

David Adams is a man of many passions, but his love for dogs stands above all. He is not only a dog lover, but also the founder of an innovative platform called Sniffspot. This unique platform connects dog owners with private property owners who are willing to rent out their space for off-leash playtime. While the idea of Sniffspot was initially conceived by his wife, Rebecca, David has been the driving force behind its remarkable success, tirelessly overseeing its growth and development. David's dedication to providing safe and enjoyable spaces for dogs to play, explore, and socialize is evident in his unwavering commitment to Sniffspot. He strongly believes that dogs need ample space and opportunities to stretch their legs and have fun. As a result, he has worked tirelessly to build a network of private property owners across the country who share his vision and are willing to offer their space for the benefit of dogs and their owners. Despite his busy schedule, David always finds time to indulge in his passion for the great outdoors. He loves nothing more than exploring new hiking trails and embarking on thrilling outdoor adventures. Whenever he is not working on Sniffspot, he can often be found hiking or visiting multi-acre fenced sniffspots with his two beloved dogs, Soba and Toshii. He is an avid outdoorsman who enjoys the fresh air, breathtaking scenery, and the sense of freedom that comes with being in nature. David is based in Salem, MA.

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Sniffspot provides the best experiences and fun for you and your dog. Our dog parks are designed for the ultimate dog exercise. Our private spaces help you minimize distractions or triggers and maximize time with your dog. We provide off leash enrichment - exploration and activities you can't get anywhere else; wear your dog out for days. We make it easy to have playdates. Socialize your pup in a controlled, private spot - it's great exercise and it's fun for you and your dog.

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