Animal Welfare
Animal Welfare is a division of the Stillwater Police Department and is a matter of public safety.
We provide an immediate response to emergencies concerning animals within city limits to attempt apprehension (in a safe, humane manner) of any dog, cat or other domestic animal or fowl that becomes a nuisance or is a threat or danger to any resident in Stillwater.
The Karen Kay Mullendore Municipal Animal Complex houses both the Stillwater Animal Welfare and the Humane Society of Stillwater (which is a private organization).
One of the department’s primary responsibilities is operating an animal shelter that cares for strays and pets that have been surrendered. The shelter serves residents living within the Stillwater city limits.
Animal Welfare Officers pick up animals running at large and attempt to find their owners or, if they remain unclaimed, to find adoptive homes for them. Our officers, along with the Stillwater Police Department, also enforce city code related to animals and investigate reports of cruelty and neglect.
We accept dogs, cats, ferrets, domestic mice and rats, guinea pigs, and some reptiles. We also take in stray chickens and have picked up the occasional goat. Most farm animals are re-homed outside the city limits. We encourage anyone to reach out to us if they have a question about re-homing a pet so we can share all of the resources we have.
Get Involved
Find out how you can get involved and help Stillwater Animal Welfare
- Can I adopt a pet from Animal Welfare?
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Yes! Animal Welfare has many wonderful pets available for adoption, most of which are or will be spayed or neutered and have most of their vaccinations. Animal Welfare occasionally has small pets such as ferrets, rabbits or guinea pigs.
Stillwater uses an online service called Petfinders to help organize adoptions.
- Can I have livestock within city limits?
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According to city ordinance, livestock are prohibited in certain areas.
- It is unlawful for any person to allow or permit any fowl, including, but not limited to chicken, turkeys, pigeons, ducks and geese, or any domestic livestock, including, but not limited to, horses, mules, donkeys, cows, sheep and goats, within 150 feet of any dwelling, house trailer, mobile home, manufactured home, hotel, motel, grocery store, supermarket or food service establishment, except in a duly established Agricultural District wherein such distance limitation shall be 50 feet.
- Backyard chickens are allowed per city Ordinance Number 3367.
- Do Animal Welfare officers receive any training?
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Stillwater Animal Welfare officers attend a two-week-long animal control academy and attend continuing education through the National Animal Control Association (NACA), the Oklahoma Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners and other related agencies.
Academy training includes many subjects such as criminal investigations (cruelty, dogfighting), report writing, animal handling and care and disease control in shelters. Officers are also state certified animal euthanasia technicians.
The training we go through is online, not in person. We attend the National Animal Control Association and each officer is awarded a certificate as a NACA Animal Control Officer. Our officers are also certified animal euthanasia technicians.
- Do I have to get a dog license?
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No. Stillwater does not have a licensing program, but we do require that your dog or cat be current on its rabies vaccination, which must be done by a licensed veterinarian and wear the tag from the veterinarian.
- Do I have to get a professional animal permit?
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If you own a commercial kennel, grooming parlor, pet shop or shelter, you will need to apply for or renew your business’s annual permit with the City Clerk’s Office by Feb. 1 of each year. The City’s code of ordinances defines a kennel as “any lot or premises on which four or more dogs more than six months of age are kept.” The fee for the professional animal permit is $50. Fill out the Request to Obtain Grooming, Pet Shop and Kennel Permit form.