Since 2007, Oklahoma City Animal Welfare and the Central Oklahoma Humane Society have partnered together with a goal of ending the needless euthanasia of healthy adoptable pets in Oklahoma City. The partnership has made great progress since 2007, when an initial live release goal of 75% was established. Together they have increased the live release rate from 25% in 2007 to 86% in 2018. The current goal is to reach a 90% live release rate in 2019. In 2018, a 90% live release rate was achieved for all categories of cats and dogs with the exception of medium to large mix breed adult dogs. Many of these dogs have minor behavior issues, are high energy, or are never taught basic manners, making them more difficult to place.

These dogs typically spend longer periods in the shelter cooped up in their kennel and as a result their behavior can change for the worse. Enrichment in the form of exercise and training is needed to keep them healthy during their stay and to make them become more adoptable. Oklahoma City Animal Welfare will utilize established behavior and enrichment programs such as Dogs Playing for Life and behavior modification to help decrease unwanted behaviors and increase the adoptability of the target population.