The Oklahoma Humane Society (OK Humane) exists to enrich the communities it serves by promoting the well-being of animals with a primary focus to eliminate the needless euthanasia of healthy, adoptable animals in Oklahoma. Oklahoma continues to be a high-kill state for animals, but progress is measurable and high-functioning programs are mitigating the crisis. Even with this success, rural areas continue to struggle and are not receiving supportive resources and veterinary care. Imagine a top tier multi-dimensional animal facility in Poteau, Oklahoma. OK Humane is employing an innovative strategy that will aim to significantly mitigate the pet overpopulation crisis in Poteau, Oklahoma and surrounding areas. By leveraging the capacity for care that currently exists within the community, and creating a self-sustaining framework including veterinary care, adoptions, transport and humane education, OK Humane Poteau Campus will provide animal care for Poteau and the surrounding areas in perpetuity.

OK Humane will work to increase the care of companion animals, increase area shelter effectiveness, decrease pet overpopulation, add low-cost spay & neuter and wellness twice weekly, transport animals out of state and reduce shelter intake in the target areas. Partnering with the OK Humane Vinita campus for transport, the goal is to create safe and healthy communities that allow for improved quality of life for rural companion animals. The animal welfare movement has reached a turning point in most areas of the United States. Oklahoma is reaching a crossroads, and trends are indicating that transport will cease being a needed activity in Oklahoma and cease being an income stream in the coming years. Building for the future and creating a sustainable network of facilities is key for the long term.

The Arnall Community Funds are administered through Oklahoma City Community Foundation (OCCF) and provide grants to nonprofit organizations throughout the state of Oklahoma that are working to improve outcomes for individuals, children and families involved with animal welfare and in the child welfare and criminal justice systems. The OCCF staff will manage the grant administration process and all grantmaking decisions will be made by OCCF Trustees. Learn more about the process.