Oklahoma City Animal Shelter celebrates 'Dogtoberfest' to promote pet adoptions

Dogs and puppies can be adopted at the shelter for $25 through the end of October. The weekend events will feature everything from dog agility demonstrations to low-cost microchip implants and Halloween-themed activities.

The shelter has brought in a variety of local groups to be part of the weekend events, which is a new addition to previous efforts to boost dog adoptions in October.

“This is a big deal for us, because we haven't done it like this before. It's really exciting for the staff and volunteers, and of course we're hoping for lots of adoptions of our shelter pets,” said Catherine English, manager of the Animal Welfare Division of the city's Development Services Department.

The goal is 900 pet adoptions by the end of the month, English said.

Planned events

Dogtoberfest festivities will take place at PetSmart at Interstate 40 and MacArthur Boulevard from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Oct. 27. The events on the other Saturdays of the month will be from noon to 5:45 p.m. at the animal shelter, SE 29 and Bryant Avenue.

An adoption special kicks off the month Saturday at PetSmart. Face painting and a demonstration from Blaze's Tribute Equine Rescue is set for Oct. 13, low-cost microchip implant access and a police K-9 unit demonstration is scheduled on Oct. 20, and a Muttster Mash and Halloween pet safety clinic is set for Oct. 27.