Tulsa Animal Services partners with Fire Department to reunite lost pets with owners

During a recent meeting of the Tulsa Animal Welfare Commission, significant discussions highlighted the city's proactive measures to enhance pet safety and community health. With the annual surge of lost pets around July 4th due to fireworks, Tulsa Animal Services has partnered with Tulsa Fire to implement a new initiative aimed at reuniting pets with their owners more efficiently.

The initiative involves placing microchip scanners at every fire station in Tulsa. This allows residents who find lost pets to have them scanned for microchips without needing to visit a shelter. The scanner provides a chip number that can be used to contact the pet's owner through an online lookup system. This approach not only helps pets return home but also keeps them within their neighborhoods, reinforcing the idea that the best place for a pet is with its family.

In addition to pet welfare, the meeting also addressed the TFT Cares program, which focuses on connecting vulnerable populations with essential community resources. This program has shown promising results, with a study from the University of Tulsa indicating a 70% reduction in 911 usage among high utilizers after being linked to social determinants of health. TFT Cares collaborates with various local partners, including hospitals and behavioral health organizations, to provide comprehensive support to individuals in need.

The integration of these programs reflects a broader commitment by the city to enhance community well-being, ensuring both two-legged and four-legged residents receive the assistance they require. As these initiatives continue to develop, they promise to strengthen the fabric of Tulsa's community, fostering a safer and more connected environment for all.