‘Barktoberfest’ Saturday in Altus way to meet new best friends

ALTUS — Adoptable pets from across Southwest Oklahoma will take over the Jackson County Expo Center Saturday for Barktoberfest.

This will be the biggest multi-shelter adoption event in Southwest Oklahoma, featuring adoptable dogs and cats from seven shelters and rescue groups, according to Kelly McKneel, communications manager for Best Friends Animal Society. The event is free and open to the public and will be from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Expo Center, 412 Todd Lane.

In addition to adoptable pets, the event will also have a live band, a variety of vendors, food trucks, bounce houses/child play area, as well as a raffle and silent auction, McKneel said.

According to data from Best Friends Animal Society, a leading animal welfare organization working to end the killing of cats and dogs in America’s shelters, about 78,500 cats and dogs entered Oklahoma and animal shelters in 2023, with more than 9,300 killed just because they found themselves temporarily without a home—84 percent of them were dogs.

McKneel said shelters across Oklahoma are currently at or over capacity and through Barktoberfest the community has an opportunity to help increase lifesaving in the region by making the choice to adopt a pet rather than purchase one from a store or breeder.

“Barktoberfest will not only rally community support for adoptable dogs and cats but will unite animal welfare organizations from across southwest Oklahoma to help pets find loving homes,” said Kelly Burley, senior strategist, Best Friends Animal Society “Pets belong in homes and not in shelters—adoption is one of the most immediate and impactful ways Oklahomans can making a lifesaving difference in the region.”

The adoption event will have dozens of adoptable pets available from participating shelters and rescues including Altus Animal Control, Cache Animal Control, Hobart Animal Services, Hollis Animal Shelter, Magnum Animal Shelter, Sentinel Animal Shelter, and Snyder Animal Shelter. Adoption fees vary by organization.

To learn more about the event, visit the Barktoberfest Facebook page.

Best Friends Animal Society is a leading animal welfare organization working to end the killing of dogs and cats in America’s shelters and make the country no-kill in 2025.

Founded in 1984, Best Friends is a pioneer in the no-kill movement and has helped reduce the number of animals killed in shelters from an estimated 17 million per year to 415,000 last year. Best Friends runs lifesaving programs across the country, as well as the nation’s largest no-kill animal sanctuary. For more information, visit bestfriends.org.