Tulsa SPCA Desperately Calls For Help As Donations Decline, Needs Increase

Staff members at the Tulsa SPCA said resources that they've normally been able to provide have gone down a lot, which they blame on the pandemic.

"We rescue abused, abandoned, and neglected animals, and give them a second chance,” Alyssa Smythe with the Tulsa SPCA said.

Smythe said every year around the fall, more folks reach out to them for pet supplies, like food and dog houses. However, with donations declining and even more folks needing supplies because of the pandemic, Smythe said it's been harder to help pet owners.

Smythe said their warehouse is normally stacked with dog houses, but that's not the case this year.

According to the Tulsa SPCA, donations at fundraising events have decreased by more than 30% compared to last year. Smythe said that's even with doing more virtual fundraising. 

"Not everyone can afford it,” Smythe said.

Smythe said donations they receive help with veterinary services, vaccinations, and minor medical needs.

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals estimates that more than 4.2 million pets in the U.S. are likely to have their needs unmet as a result of the COVID-19 crisis putting strain on their owners' finances.

To find out how you can donate, visit their website here.