Tulsa addresses pet overpopulation crisis with spay and neuter initiatives

The Tulsa Board of Adjustment meeting on May 13, 2025, highlighted a pressing issue facing the community: pet overpopulation. Local officials discussed the significant number of stray animals in the area, with Tulsa Animal Welfare reporting the intake of over 7,000 stray animals last year alone.

The meeting emphasized the importance of spaying and neutering pets as a crucial step in addressing this problem. Officials noted that spaying and neutering not only helps control the stray population but also improves the health of pets. For instance, neutering male dogs can prevent serious health issues, while neutering male cats can reduce undesirable behaviors, such as spraying indoors.

Concerns were raised about the dangers posed by stray animals, which can form aggressive packs and spread diseases. The city has an ordinance mandating that all pets over six months old must be spayed or neutered unless a special permit is obtained. This regulation aims to mitigate the overpopulation crisis and its associated risks.

Despite efforts to promote pet adoption and transfer animals to areas with lower shelter populations, local shelters are currently operating at capacity. Officials expressed frustration over the lack of understanding among some pet owners regarding the responsibilities of pet ownership, leading to situations where animals are abandoned or surrendered.

To combat the issue, several organizations in Tulsa, including Spay Oklahoma and Tulsa SPCA, offer low-cost spaying and neutering services. Residents are encouraged to utilize these resources to help reduce the number of unwanted litters and improve the overall welfare of pets in the community. Information about these services is available on the Tulsa Animal Welfare website.