Giving Back in OKC: Animals & Wildlife - 405 Magazine

Giving Back in OKC: Animals & Wildlife

  Oklahoma City is overflowing with generous groups—too many to list them all.

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Oklahoma City is overflowing with generous groups—too many to list them all. However, we have highlighted a few local gems below, along with their greatest needs. We hope you discover a nonprofit that inspires you to do a little good this season, and, perhaps, recruit a few friends to do a little more.

Compassion for animals is intimately associated with goodness of character. – Arthur Schopenhauer

 

  • Wildcare FoundationWildCare Foundation gives people a place to bring native wildlife struggling to survive, with the goal of releasing healthy animals back into the wild. WildCare is the oldest and largest wildlife rehabilitation center in Oklahoma, and the sixth largest rehabilitation center in the U.S. Since its beginning, WildCare has admitted and provided care for more than 112,000 sick, injured, and orphaned native wild animals. During that time, the number of animals coming into the facility has grown from just a few animals a year to more than 7,600 animals annually.

Greatest need: animal care volunteers and donations of items to be used throughout its 20-acre property, such as all-terrain vehicles, cargo vans, medical supplies, incubators, commercial washers and dryers, and gravel.

 

  • Oliver and Friends Farm SanctuaryCows, pigs, sheep, goats and other farm animals call this place home. Oliver and Friends rescues, rehabilitates, and provides lifelong homes (or suitable new homes) for all animals. With more than 140 animals currently housed here, the barn is getting full. Many of the four-legged residents are disabled. Oliver and Friends is seeking more space to accommodate rehab services and for the animals to move around comfortably with their wheelchairs, prosthetic limbs, and slings. This organization advocates for the wellbeing of all animals, educates the public about the benefits of plant-based living, and works to change the way society views farm animals only as food sources.

Greatest need: funding for a second barn and supplies such as hay, blankets, towels, straw for bedding, cleaning supplies, and produce. 

 

  • Pets and PeopleThis organization gives new life and finds new homes for more than 1,300 lost pets every year. Pets and People Humane Society rescues adoptable cats and dogs from municipal animal control facilities throughout Oklahoma on the day they are to be euthanized. The organization provides a safe place for these pets until they are adopted into responsible, loving homes. In addition, all pets in its care are spayed or neutered to help end the cycle of homeless pets. Pets and People operates a thrift store in Yukon to help fund the shelter, as well as a members-only dog park for its furry friends. 

Greatest need: cleaning supplies and specific items to care for dogs and cats, outlined on the Pets and People wishlist online. Memorial donations can be made to honor a pet who has passed away. Volunteers are needed to sort donations made to the thrift store, too. 

 

  • Bella SPCA“Bella” means “beautiful.” For this organization, it also means Because Every Little Life is Amazing. The Bella Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) assists low-income, elderly, and terminally ill pet owners with the cost of veterinary care when they can’t afford it. Every year, thousands of animals are euthanized or sent home to die because the people who love them cannot financially absorb the cost. Stray and abandoned animals have even fewer options when brought into a clinic or veterinary office, with no owner to pay for their care. That’s where Bella steps up to help. In addition to assisting stray animals and pet owners, Bella has a rescue shelter for housing and works with foster families to open up their homes until permanent placements are made. 

Greatest need: foster family volunteers to help with sheltering pets, and donations to help pet owners cover costs of veterinary care.