City of Tulsa Animal Welfare (TAW) has reopened after being closed following several confirmed cases of canine distemper virus.

Adoptions are by appointment only and all adoptions will resume at normal cost next week.

“We are excited to begin the new year by finding loving homes for those dogs that were housed with us throughout the outbreak,” said Kristin Barney, Best Friends Animal Society Embed Director currently stationed at TAW.

“It’s a very good feeling to start off 2022 with the reopening of our shelter and the protocols we’ve put in place to keep our pets as healthy as possible until they find new families.”

Since the November 10, 2021, TAW closure to stop the spread of distemper, the shelter implemented several safety protocols to prevent further spread, such as identifying and isolating infected animals; carefully monitoring healthy but exposed animals for future symptoms; and conducting a deep cleaning to reduce further contamination.

Sixteen various organizations in Tulsa have jumped in to assist –  including Best Friends Animal Society, the Humane Society of Tulsa, the Tulsa SPCA –  in addition to an outpouring of community support.

TAW is open seven days a week from noon to 6 p.m. Animal intake resumed January 9 and appointments are required.

Citizens can make an appointment by calling (918) 596-7387.