The Oklahoma City Council has taken a significant step forward in providing better care for animals and residents. Through the MAPS 4 program, final plans and specifications for a brand new and modernized animal shelter have been approved. This 69,602-square-foot facility is set to replace the outdated 47,000-square-foot shelter, offering enhanced services and expanded capacity.

Enhanced Services and Expanded Capacity

The voter-approved MAPS 4 program allocated $42 million towards the construction of this new building. It will be constructed on the north edge of the current site at 2811 SE 29, between S Bryant Avenue and E Grand Boulevard. Animal Welfare Division Superintendent Jon Gary emphasizes that the increased square footage will benefit the animals, staff, volunteers, and visitors. When the current shelter opened in 2001, it lacked adequate training space for field service officers and sufficient kennel space. This led to overcrowding and the need for euthanasia. However, with the new facility, these issues are expected to be addressed.The shelter's live-release rate has significantly improved over the years, hovering around 80% since 2017 compared to just 10% 25 years ago. But staff believe a new facility will further help with overcrowding, understaffing, and sanitation.

Improved Layout and Design

The layout of the new shelter has been carefully designed to enhance safety, flow, and hygiene. It features four separate entrances for adoption, intake, training, and clinic services. The number of dog kennels will more than double to nearly 550, and the number of cat condos will increase to over 300. Separate cat and dog kennel wings promote quieter spaces with less stress. The kennels are positioned to prevent animals from directly facing each other, reducing stress. Each kennel has a window to allow natural light, and durable, low-maintenance materials will be used throughout the facility.There are also outdoor play yards covered with artificial turf, a large training room, meeting spaces for sessions and events, and a second floor for administrative offices. This ensures that the new shelter is not only a great place for the animals but also for the people who work and visit there.

Construction Timeline and Future

Construction of the shelter, designed by HSE Architects and Connolly Architects, is set to begin in early 2025 and be completed in January 2027. The first phase will include the main shelter building and its parking. The second phase will add a 2,800-square-foot barn, a dedicated pasture, more parking, and the demolition of the current facility once shelter operations relocate.Just a few months ago, one of the upcoming facility's most prominent advocates, Louisa McCune, passed away. She was a key figure in ensuring the necessary funding for the new shelter. Additionally, the division superintendent, Jon Gary, who has worked with the city's animal welfare for 25 years, recently announced his retirement. Brock Rowe will oversee the shelter's operations until a new superintendent is appointed. Rowe is excited about the future of the Animal Welfare Division and believes the new shelter will "set a new standard for compassion and care" in Oklahoma City.

"Home for the Holidays" Program

OKC Animal Welfare is inviting residents to participate in its "Home for the Holidays" program. People 18 years and older can "flash foster" an adoptable dog from the current shelter for up to two weeks. After that, they can either return the dog or begin the adoption process. All participating dogs are microchipped, spayed or neutered, and up to date on vaccinations. This program provides temporary homes for dogs and helps them connect with potential adopters.In conclusion, the modernization of the Oklahoma City Animal Shelter is a significant step forward in providing better care for animals and residents. With its improved layout, enhanced services, and upcoming construction, the new shelter is set to transform the way animals are cared for in Oklahoma City.