Community raises $140K to help Skiatook Paws and Claws Animal Rescue amid 'financial crisis'

Skiatook Paws and Claws Animal Rescue says it’s feeling hopeful after a flood of donations helped pull it out of what it called a “financial crisis.”

The nonprofit, based in Skiatook, announced Monday, July 21, that it would stop accepting new animals due to space limitations and nearly $50,000 in debt. Just 11 hours later, that message triggered an outpouring of support from across Green Country.

‘We were in crisis’

In a Facebook post Monday, the rescue team wrote that it was in “an absolute financial crisis” and needed at least $30,000 to stay operational.

Adoptions, they said, had slowed to historic lows. Only about 10 percent of applicants were following through at adoption events. At the same time, the shelter had run out of space to house any more animals.

Leaders warned they were at risk of being cut off by their veterinary supply company if they didn’t make a $20,000 payment by the end of the week.

A swift and overwhelming response

Within hours of the post, the rescue said donations began pouring in. By Monday night, more than $140,000 had been raised.

In a follow-up post, the organization thanked the community for its generosity and said the unexpected influx of funding would make a major difference in helping the rescue recover.

Still no space to spare

Despite the financial boost, the rescue says it’s still operating at maximum capacity. Leaders are urging the public to consider fostering or adopting to help free up space for incoming animals.

They also say they plan to make improvements to their adoption process and communication efforts, based on feedback received over the past week.

How to help

Skiatook Paws and Claws continues to ask for support in the form of foster homes, adopters, and volunteers. Updates are being posted regularly on their Facebook page.