TulsaPets Magazine January 2023

January / February 2023 • TulsaPets 39 GREAT NEEDS , GREATER IMPACT Tulsa SPCA’s Mission Is To Improve the Lives of Animals and People by Anna Holton-Dean | Photos courtesy of the Tulsa SPCA A lthough the past year brought great needs, the Tulsa SPCA saw the chal- lenge as a chance to make a greater impact. Since 1913, the Tulsa Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals has been serving the local community. Its mission is simple — to improve the lives of dogs and cats and their human compan- ions. However, achieving that mission is a multifaceted, expensive, and labor-inten- sive endeavor. “We need to be sure we’re meeting all the animals’ medical and physical needs, but also their mental, emotional, and social needs as well,” says Mindy Tiner, CEO of Tulsa SPCA. “We have struggled with hir- ing just like everyone else over the last few years. We always need monetary donations and in-kind donations (particularly Purina One dog, cat, puppy, and kitten food and treats) to help with the costs we incur. But in addition, we really need volunteers to help us provide the quality of care we feel is essential as well as to help us continue providing vital services to the community.” Although donating and volunteering are the most obvious ways to help the organi- zation — very much needed and welcomed ways — another incredibly valuable action is spreading the word about services available through the Tulsa SPCA, “so all pet parents will know they are able to access basic care no matter the size of their paychecks,” Tiner says. Intake and Adoptions The past year was a record-breaking one for animals and people in need of assis- tance, Tiner says. “This includes owned animals, strays found by Good Samaritans, animals dumped at our shelter, animals surren- dered as a result of our cruelty and neglect Volunteers benefit the Tulsa SPCA through dog socialization.