For the Media

“It’s Hip to Snip” throughout the Month of February

Tulsa, OK, January 30, 2013 — Ready to get those pets snipped? “It’s Hip to Snip,” Oklahoma Alliance for Animals’ (OAA) 9th annual spay/neuter campaign begins Friday, February 1st, and lasts throughout the month.

Last year’s event set a one-month record with 1,850+ animals sterilized.  For 2013, OAA hopes to reach even more low income households by offering over fifteen hundred coupons.  The $10 off coupons would allow some people to fix their pets for as little as $5, or in some cases, for FREE!  The new “FIX ME” voucher/coupon program has been very popular, giving people that extra incentive to spay and neuter.

OAA’s spay and neuter programs are conducted through parterships with Spay Oklahoma, Oklahoma Spay Network, Neuter Sooner and The Mobile Pet Vet.  “These lifesaving programs continue to make a difference in our communities, by preventing the births of countless unwanted litters and educating people about Oklahoma’s pet overpopulation crisis,” explains Jamee Suarez-Howard, OAA’s Founder and President.  “At OAA, we believe ‘It’s Hip to Snip’ all year long!”

For more information, call OAA at 918-742-3700.

Rock & Rescue set for June 9, 2012

“Paws” for a worthy cause and find a new best friend!

Tulsa, OK, May 18, 2012 — Oklahoma Alliance for Animals (OAA) and animal welfare groups from around Green Country will come together for the 5th Annual Rock & Rescue scheduled for Saturday, June 9th from 10 am to 2 pm at Riverwalk Crossing in Jenks.

“If you’re considering adding a pet to your family, now is the perfect time,” says Jamee Suarez-Howard, President and Founder of OAA. “Rock & Rescue provides the perfect venue to see all the wonderful pets rescues have to offer in one location.”

What:              5th Annual Rock & Rescue Pet Adoption Event and Pet Festival

Who:               Over a dozen area rescue groups with adoptable pets as well as local pet related businesses and non-profits

When:            Saturday, June 9, 2012, from 10 am to 2 pm

Where:            Riverwalk Crossing in Jenks

Rock & Rescue activities include:

  • Adoptable pets from over a dozen area rescue groups.  All newly adopted pets will receive a free micro chip, goody bag & ID tag from OAA.
  • $25 micro chipping and $5 ID tags from Oklahoma Alliance for Animals available to the public.
  • Animal communications sessions with Pam Case for $20.
  • Low cost heartworm and parasite screening.
  • Pet related vendors and businesses
  • Live music and children’s activities
  • Complimentary candid photos by Best Buy

Presented by Marina Animal Clinic and sponsored by Best Buy,, Kelly’s Dazzle Dog and Southern Hills Veterinary Clinic, the event brings together more than a dozen rescues with the goal of at least 50 pet adoptions. The community is encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity to meet adoptable pets from several area rescue groups in a centralized location and adopt a four-legged family member. Those not looking for a new best friend are encouraged to bring their pets to enjoy a day of fun in a pet friendly atmosphere.

In addition to area rescue groups, attendees can visit with local pet related businesses including vets, trainers, retailers, groomers and doggie day care which will be on hand to talk with pet owners about how they can be of service. Pet owners can also take advantage of $25 micro chipping from OAA as well as other services offered by area businesses. A portion of the proceeds benefits OAA and their programs to overcome pet overpopulation.

For more information, including a list of participating rescue groups and vendors, visit www.animalallianceok.org.

___________________________________________________________

Tag Day is April 7th

Make sure your pet has its ticket home!

Tulsa, Okla. — Millions of lost dogs and cats are taken to animal shelters as strays each year. The odds are against pet owners ever seeing their pet again if it is not wearing identification. Only about 15 percent of dogs and 2 percent of cats who end up in shelters without an ID tag or microchip are reunited with their owners.

In keeping with its mission to reduce the number of homeless pets, Oklahoma Alliance for Animals (OAA) sponsors Tag Day each year to encourage all pet owners to tag and microchip their companion animals. This year’s Tag Day will be on Saturday, April 7, 2012. OAA will once again be partnering with several humane organizations to provide free ID tags throughout the Tulsa area.

“Being a responsible pet owner is about more than just providing food, water and shelter,” says Jamee Suarez-Howard, Founder and President of OAA. “Pet care also includes tagging and microchipping your pet to make sure they are reunited with you if they are lost.”

Although most pet owners think their pet would never run away, even the most responsible pet owners can be accidentally separated from their pets. Keeping up to date identification on your pet provides the best chance of being reunited. Collars with tags are the most effective form of pet identification because they allow anyone to immediately identify a lost cat or dog and contact the owner. Having a collar and tag can allow your pet to be reunited with you within hours or even minutes of becoming separated from you.

However, collars can come off or be inadvertently removed which is why microchips are also an important tool in reuniting pets with owners. A microchip serves as permanent identification system that will always be with a pet. Nearly all animal shelters across the country routinely scan every animal upon intake for the presence of a microchip. Most veterinary clinics also have microchip scanners. However, microchips are not readily visible which is why having a microchip coupled with a collar and tag is important.

Both tags and microchips are only effective in reuniting a lost pet with his owner when the owner’s contact information is accurate. Tags should always reflect the most current contact information and microchips must be registered immediately in the appropriate database. Always update your contact information promptly when you move or get a new phone number.

With the possibility of damaging storms and floods during spring, April is a great time to remind Green Country pet owners to ensure their pets have current identification. Since storm season can present situations which are unpredictable and present the possibility of being separated from pets, having proper identification on pets ahead of time is vital for disaster preparedness.

For more information about OAA, its programs and Tag Day, visit www.animalallianceok.org or call 918.742.3700.

Tag Day 2012 Locations:

Oklahoma Alliance for Animals
1822 – B E. 15th Street
10 am to 4 pm
Call 918-742-3700 for more information

Humane Society of Tulsa
6232 E. 60th Street
(60th & Sheridan)
12 pm to 6 pm
Call 918-495-DOGS for more information

Tulsa SPCA
Reasor’s on 41st & Yale in Tulsa
10 am to 4 pm
Call 918-625-4584 for more information

Berryhill Animal Activists
Berryhill High School
2901 S. 65th W. Avenue
10:00 am to 2:00 pm
Call 918-742-3700 for more information

Zoi’s Animal Rescue at Petsmart in Owasso
9010 N. 121st E. Avenue
Owasso. OK
11 am to 4pm

Washington County SPCA
16620 State Highway 123
Bartlesville, OK
10 am to 4 pm
Call 918-336-1577 for more information

*Limit 1 free ID tag per family. Additional tags may be purchased for $5.

_________________________________________________________________________

Oklahoma Alliance for Animals is Snippin’ to Save Lives

8th annual “It’s Hip to Snip!” spay/neuter campaign kicks off February 1st

Tulsa, Okla. — February 28th marks the eighteenth annual Spay Day, an event sponsored by the Humane Society of the United States in an effort to educate pet owners about the importance of spaying and neutering pets. Oklahoma Alliance for Animals (OAA) is once again participating in the HSUS Spay Day effort, turning Spay Day into Spay Month with their annual “It’s Hip to Snip!” campaign.

“It’s Hip to Snip!”, conducted in partnership with Spay Oklahoma, generates awareness about the important role spay/neuter plays in reducing pet overpopulation. The campaign also provides opportunities for qualified low-income households to receive spay and neuter surgeries at a reduced cost through Spay Oklahoma and rural mobile clinics. OAA is providing over $15,000 in spay/neuter surgery subsidies in an effort to ensure cost is not a barrier to low income pet owners. Last year’s campaign resulted in over 1,500 animals being sterilized in the month of February. This year’s goal is 1,650 surgeries. Tulsa citizens can get involved by making a donation to the “Chip In for Snippin’” fund at participating pet retailers and service providers around town.

“OAA is committed to reducing the number of homeless pets in Oklahoma,” said Jamee Suarez-Howard, President and Founder of OAA. “Spaying and neutering pets is the most effective method in reducing the number of unwanted pets entering animal shelters each year and in turn the number that must be destroyed simply because they don’t have homes.”

Nationally, it is estimated that approximately 7 million pets enter animal shelters each year and of those, nearly 4 million are ultimately destroyed – about one every eight seconds. Oklahoma suffers from even worse euthanasia rates due to our severe pet overpopulation problem.  At the Tulsa shelter alone, only 35% of the animals that enter the shelter are reclaimed by their owners, adopted or pulled from the shelter by area no-kill rescues.

The heart-breaking reality is most cats and dogs that die as a result of pet overpopulation could have made wonderful pets. Even more heartbreaking is the fact their births, and ultimately their deaths, were preventable through simple spay and neuter surgeries. These animals are often the offspring of family pets who had accidental litters. They are brought to municipal shelters and area rescues because pet owners are unable to care for them or find them new homes. Because space at municipal shelters is limited, so is the time available to these pets to find new homes and difficult decisions must be made by shelter staff.

There are many benefits to having pets spayed and neutered. It not only prevents unwanted litters and reduces pet overpopulation, it also improves a pet’s health and behavior. Deadly diseases related to the reproductive organs such as testicular cancer, breast cancer and pyometra can be prevented. Pets that have been altered are less likely to roam looking for mates. Neutered males are less aggressive toward other male animals and are less likely to mark.

Another good reason to have your pet spayed or neutered is that it is required by ordinance in the City of Tulsa and many other communities in Oklahoma.

For more information about reduced cost surgeries and qualification criteria in the Tulsa area, contact Spay Oklahoma at 918-728-3144 (North Tulsa Clinic), 918-970-4222 (Bixby Clinic) or visit www.spayok.org.

For more information about the “It’s Hip to Snip!” campaign or rural clinics, visit www.animalallianceok.org or call 918.742.3700.

______________________________________________________________

“Paws” to Give a Little Comfort and Joy to Homeless Pets this Holiday Season

OAA conducting supply drive to benefit Tulsa city shelter

Tulsa, Okla. – December 14, 2011 – Most Tulsa pets will enjoy the company of human companions and the luxury of a warm bed this holiday season. However, the animals at Tulsa Animal Welfare (TAW) aren’t so lucky.

TAW has approximately 250 animals in their care on any given day. With budget shortfalls for the city, there isn’t enough funding for “extras” like treats and toys which are essential in socializing pets for adoption. And, while the holidays are usually a time for togetherness for the rest of us, there are generally fewer people at the shelter to interact with the animals. Cold weather also means less time outside for the dogs. Without donated enrichment items like chews and scratching posts, animals have little to keep themselves entertained. Oklahoma Alliance for Animals (OAA) is asking the public to open their hearts this holiday season by making in kind donations to spread some cheer to homeless animals.

“The animals at TAW are there through no fault of their own. The least we can do as a compassionate community is provide them a little comfort and joy during the holidays,” said Jamee Saurez-Howard, President and Founder of OAA. “Of course, the ultimate gift would be to give these animals forever, loving homes so please consider adopting one of these wonderful pets, as well.”

Items needed include:

  • Gift cards for places like Petsmart, Southern Agriculture, Petco or Target so volunteers can purchase supplies as needed throughout the year.
  • Small or medium washable dog beds.
  • Large wire crates
  • Rawhide chew strips or chips
  • Unopened quality, healthy dog and cat treats
  • Disposable cardboard cat scratchers (visit www.stretchnscratch.com)
  • Inexpensive new or gently used soft dog toys as comfort for sick puppies.
  • New plastic cat toys and fur mice

Items can be taken directly to City of Tulsa Animal Welfare at 3031 N. Eerie Avenue during regular public visiting hours which are Tuesday thru Friday, noon – 6 pm and Saturday, noon – 4 pm. Additionally, cash donations can be sent to OAA marked “TAW Holiday Supply Drive” and OAA will use these funds to purchase the most needed items at bulk discounts.

OAA is a non-profit organization dedicated to reducing pet homelessness and promoting the humane treatment of animals. OAA has had a long-standing partnership with TAW, providing both volunteer and financial support to increase adoptions at the shelter. For more information, visit www.animalallianceok.org or call 918-742-3700. For more information about Tulsa Animal Welfare, visit www.tulsaanimalwelfare.org.

___________________________________________________________________________________________________

“Carnevale di Animali” Promises to Delight Local Animal Lovers

Guests can help save lives while merry making at this year’s Fur Ball Gala 

Tulsa Okla. – September 23, 2011 – Mark your calendars for November 5, 2011, at 6 o’clock in the evening and join Oklahoma Alliance for Animals (OAA) for an evening of merry making at their 7th annual Fur Ball Gala, “Carnevale di Animali.” This year’s event takes place at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in downtown Tulsa. Event Chairmen are Jamee Suarez-Howard, Robin Suarez and Dana Gilpin. This year’s Honorary Chairman is Charles Faudree and Masters of Ceremony are Jay Cronley and Connie Cronley.

OAA’s merry gondoliers will guide guests to St. Barks Basilica where pet lovers can mingle, sip fine wine and partake in sumptuous cuisine. While enjoying strolling musicians, jugglers and masked revelers, guests will have the opportunity to shop the Barket Place full of unique silent auction items and masks made by local celebrities. The live auction will tempt guests with vacation packages, original art and other fine wares. OAA will honor outstanding members of the animal community. OAA’s largest fundraiser, all proceeds from Fur Ball support programs to end Oklahoma’s pet overpopulation problem, promote responsible pet ownership and ensure the humane treatment of animals.

“Fur Ball is not only an enjoyable evening for pet lovers but also an opportunity for us to celebrate the accomplishments of those who work tirelessly for homeless, abused and neglected pets,” said Jamee Suarez-Howard, President and Founder of OAA. “We can accomplish so much more when we work together and Fur Ball guests are treated to the sense of community our animal welfare partners demonstrate.”

Oklahoma Alliance for Animals develops partnerships among animal rescue organizations, municipal animal shelters, veterinarians, public officials, law enforcement and the community to achieve its mission.  OAA also provides its partner organizations with the essential resources needed to achieve their goals. OAA continues to work toward a day when no dog or cat of reasonable health or temperament is euthanized merely because it is homeless.

This year’s honorary chairperson is Charles Faudree, Tulsa’s own internationally acclaimed interior designer, who is an animal lover and supporter of OAA’s mission. “I’m thrilled to be part of this year’s Fur Ball to help OAA continue its mission of creating change for animals through community collaboration,” said Faudree. “I encourage the community to join us for a fabulous evening and to support OAA as they work toward positive change for pets in our community.”

OAA’s goal is to raise $100,000 during this event. Individual tickets for the Fur Ball are $100 and a variety of patron package options are also available. For more information about Fur Ball 2010 and OAA, visit www.animalallianceok.org or call 918-742-3700.

 

_____________________________________________________________________

Tulsa Animal Welfare and Oklahoma Alliance for Animals Join Animal Groups Around the Globe for Global Pet Adoptathon

Life-saving adoption event begins Saturday, April 30th

Tulsa Animal Welfare (TAW) and Oklahoma Alliance for Animals (OAA) will participate in North Shore Animal League America’s International Pet Adoptathon® this May. Thousands of shelters in dozens of countries are participating in this year’s Pet Adoptathon® 2011, to find as many homes as possible for animals in their care during the month of May. TAW and OAA have set a goal of 50 adoptions for Saturday, April 30th, and a month long goal of 200 adoptions. This would double the number of adoptions ever done on a single day and increase adoptions for the month of May by over 40%.

To kick off the month long event, TAW and OAA will host “Adopt a Little Okie” on Saturday, April 30th at Tulsa Animal Welfare which is located at 3031 N. Eerie Ave. To encourage those who are considering adding a companion animal to their lives to visit Tulsa’s shelter, TAW will be open extended hours on Saturday, April 30th from 10 am to 6 pm. In addition, TAW will offer promotional adoption fees of $50 for dogs and $20 for cats. Families can also adopt a second dog for just $25. All pets adopted this weekend will receive a free micro chip and ID tag courtesy of OAA. Anyone adopting an animal on April 30th will also receive a goody bag full of valuable coupons and information such as free training sessions, food samples and information to help new pet owners get off to a good start with their new family member. Additionally, adopters will receive a referral coupon which they can pass along to a friend or family member, extending the reduced adoption fee and complimentary micro chip for the coupon bearer to another day during the month of May.

In addition to the dozens of puppies, kittens, dogs and cats available for adoption, the event will also feature several activities for pet lovers in the community. OAA will provide $25 micro chipping to the general public, as well as $5 ID tags. The event will also offer information on the benefits of adopting shelter pets, behavioral education and community resources for area pet owners. Special guest Radar the Weather Dog from News on 6 will be making a special appearance from 2:30 pm to 6:00 pm with his trainer Susanne Shelton to demonstrate clicker training. Radar was adopted from TAW and is a great example of the wonderful animals available at the shelter, as well as their potential for being lovable, well-mannered, highly trainable pets. TAW will also provide tours of the newly completed shelter veterinary clinic.

“We hope that the adoption incentives, extended hours and event festivities will encourage the public to come see  what wonderful animals are available at our shelter,” said Jean Letcher, Manager of Tulsa Animal Welfare. “With the public’s help, we can set a new record for lives saved not only during the month of May, but throughout the year.”

For more information about TAW visit www.tulsaanimalwelfare.org and to see pets available for adoption visit www.petharbor.com. For more information about OAA and its programs, visit www.animalalllianceok.org or call 918.742.3700.

About Pet Adoptathon®Pet Adoptathon® Month is an initiative developed by North Shore Animal League America that brings together the international pet shelter and rescue communities in order to raise awareness to the plight of homeless pets worldwide and to find them loving and permanent homes. In 2010 Pet Adoptathon® included 2,285 participating animal shelter and rescue groups in 48 states and 19 countries, and resulted in 22,850 shelter pets being placed in permanent homes.