Tulsa Animal Services outlines 2025 plan: shelter build, microchipping in the field and expanded outreach

At its Jan. 13 meeting, the Tulsa Animal Commission heard a detailed presentation from Tulsa Animal Services Manager Sherry Carrier on the department's goals for 2025, including monitoring construction of a new shelter, expanding return-to-owner work through field microchipping, strengthening diversion and foster programs, and pursuing new funding and community outreach.

The plan is meant to reduce owner surrenders and stray intakes, improve staff support and training, and make the shelter more sustainable. Carrier told commissioners the department is pursuing policy updates — including confiscation, shelter capacity and euthanasia policies — while seeking funding for spay/neuter and vaccination clinics, rental deposit assistance for tenants with pets, and targeted advertising to boost adoptions and fostering.

Carrier highlighted recent operational successes. “I think she was able to divert, like, 90 animals in 3 months, which is I mean, that's a lot,” Carrier said of the shelter’s new diversion coordinator, and the department plans to invite that coordinator to a future meeting to present more detailed findings. Commissioners were told that the data on top reasons animals are surrendered will be used to direct diversion and…