OKC Council Approves $42M Animal Shelter to Enhance Care and Services

The Oklahoma City Council has approved final plans for a new, modern animal shelter as part of the MAPS 4 initiative. The new 69,602-square-foot facility will replace the current OKC Animal Welfare shelter, offering expanded services and a significantly larger capacity to care for animals.

MAPS 4 has allocated $42 million for the new shelter, which will be located on the north edge of the current property on SE 29th Street, between E Grand Boulevard and S Bryant Avenue. The new facility will improve intake, adoption, and care services, benefiting both animals and the community.

“Our goal is to create a space that prioritizes animal care, community access and staff functionality,” said Jon Gary, Animal Welfare Division Superintendent. “This facility will improve our ability to shelter and care for animals in our community and ultimately help more animals find their forever homes.”

The new shelter is designed to improve the flow of operations, safety, and hygiene. It will feature four separate entrances for adoption, intake, training, and clinic services. The layout will also include nearly 550 dog kennels and more than 300 cat condos. Separate cat and dog kennel wings will reduce stress by providing quieter spaces, and kennels will be positioned to limit visual contact between animals. Each kennel will have a window for natural light, and durable, low-maintenance materials will be used throughout.

“The new shelter is designed to improve animal welfare and provide a better experience for animals, visitors and staff,” said MAPS Program Manager David Todd. “The final plans reflect a thoughtful design that not only considers the wellness and comfort of the animals but provides a welcoming experience for residents.”

Outdoor play yards, covered with artificial turf, will provide spaces for exercise and socialization. The facility will also include a training room, meeting spaces for events, and educational sessions. Administrative offices will be located on the second floor.

The shelter will be built in two phases. Phase 1 will focus on the main shelter building, while Phase 2 will add a 2,800-square-foot barn, a dedicated pasture, additional parking, and removal of the current facility after shelter operations transition to the new building.

The project was designed by HSE Architects and Connolly Architects, with construction scheduled to begin in early 2025.