At its Oct. 13 meeting, the Bridal Welfare Commission heard an update from Sherry Carrier, director of Tulsa Animal Services, on progress at the department’s new animal services facility, changes to staffing and recent community outreach efforts.

Carrier said construction is advancing and Timberlake Construction provided a three-week look-ahead that includes finishing storm drainage, continuing interior walls and starting joist and decking. "We had our beam raising ... it's gonna go pretty quick from here," Carrier said. She said the project is "target[ing]" a July completion window next year but cautioned that weather could delay the schedule.

The updates matter because the new facility and staffing affect the department’s capacity for sheltering, field response and community programs. Carrier told commissioners the department has recently filled several positions and now has seven animal control officers (with a lead structure that would make the total staffing eight when leads are included). That increase, she said, has eased previous gaps in kennel and clinic coverage.

Commissioners and staff also discussed efforts to have animal control officers (ACOs) formally recognized by the state as first responders. Carrier said a working group is evaluating options and that recognizing ACOs could provide "more benefits" and public recognition for officers who are already responding to scenes such as deaths or situations requiring animal retrieval. "They're actually going on calls now. I mean, they are first responders on the scene," Carrier said, describing types of calls ACOs currently handle. She said discussions include whether to pursue CLEET certification for investigative staff and to learn from other jurisdictions where similar recognition has been considered. Commissioners signaled willingness to write letters of support if appropriate.

The commission heard several operational updates on shelter improvements and community outreach. Carrier thanked partner groups and volunteers for funding and installing clear kennel barriers intended to let potential adopters view dogs while resisting the kennel chemicals used for cleaning. She said the barriers were chosen to avoid opaque coverings that had reduced visibility of animals for adopters.

Carrier reported recent outreach results, including a free microchip event held with the Humane Society of Tulsa at Reid Park. "We actually microchipped 83 because we had a couple malfunctions with 2 of them," she said, noting the event drew residents and ran out of available microchips. Carrier said the department has also placed chip readers with the fire department and is tracking whether microchipping reduces returns of found animals.

She described ongoing partnerships with local organizations — including the SPCA, Humane Society of Tulsa and the Oklahoma Alliance for Animals — and plans for upcoming events: Pumpkin Town on Oct. 18–19 and an adoption event at the Mercury Lounge on Nov. 8. Carrier also outlined volunteer and foster training initiatives, including no-cost handling and safety training led by a registered veterinary technician who previously worked for the department.

On staffing and professional development, Carrier said the department is offering "fear free" online training and is pursuing additional in-person trainings at no cost when available. She said the goal is to reduce returns of adopted animals through improved adoption counseling and better matching of pets to households.

Procedural actions on the commission’s agenda were brief. A motion to approve the minutes for the prior meeting passed on a roll call vote. The meeting adjourned by motion at the end of the session.

The department will return with construction and staffing updates as the shelter project continues and as the working group pursues options related to ACO recognition and investigative certification.