Homeward Bound Transport Program

The Central Oklahoma Humane Society’s immediate goal is to end the needless euthanasia of healthy, adoptable pets in Oklahoma City. One initiative helping other communities around the country meet that same goal is a long-distance transport program. As hard as it is to believe there are actually communities that have a long list of adopters waiting for puppies and dogs! In order to be eligible to transport to cities that have receiving shelters, OK Humane must have the ability to quarantine the dogs to ensure their health before transport. The life-saving solution is our new quarantine facility that will enable populations of animals to avoid cross-contamination and provide the proper disease control to facilitate healthy adoptions and long-distance transportation.

The 4,500 square-foot Steven J. Bentley Quarantine Facility has the capacity to house 100 dogs at any given time.

The Oklahoma City Animal Welfare Division (Oklahoma City Animal Shelter) admitted over 26,700 dogs and cats into the shelter in 2011. Approximately 18,500 of those animals were dogs and puppies. Of the dogs and puppies admitted, 30.5% of them were surrendered by their owners. Owner-surrender animals do not need to stay in the shelter for a stray time but frequently become exposed to life-threatening illnesses upon entering the general population at a traditional shelter. OK Humane constructed the quarantine facility right next door to the Oklahoma City Animal Shelter so the OK Humane team can directly transfer owner-surrender dogs and puppies from the shelter into the quarantine facility. All dogs will be health checked and vaccinated upon intake to protect against disease. After a two-week quarantine time groups of dogs will be transported in a specially outfitted transport vehicle to receiving shelters around the country. The quarantine facility is fully staffed to feed and care for the animals while they await the ride to their new homes.

OK Humane is anticipating being able to save 1,800 dogs per year with the Homeward Bound Program.

How do you transport the animals?

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) graciously donated a state-of-the-art transport vehicle to our program that enables us to safely and humanely transport many dogs and puppies cross-country. The van is climate-controlled and allows our precious passengers stay comfortable during their journey to new beginnings!

Can I visit the animals?

Due to the strict disease control policies, no one except trained staff members and volunteers are allowed inside the Steven J. Bentley Quarantine Facility. All volunteers are required to complete an orientation process before volunteering. Click here to start with our volunteer application!

How can I help?

• Donate an Item from the Wish List
• Share our Wish List with your friends!
• Become an OK Humane volunteer
• You can help us save even more animals by becoming a foster parent!