Link to renderings
Oklahoma City Council approved final plans today for a new, modern animal shelter as part of MAPS 4. The new 69,602-square-foot facility will replace OKC Animal Welfare’s current facility, offering enhanced services for animals and residents while significantly expanding capacity.
MAPS 4 includes $42 million to construct a new facility for intake, adoption and care of animals by Oklahoma City Animal Welfare. The new shelter will be constructed on the north edge of the current property on SE 29th Street between E Grand Boulevard and S Bryant Avenue.
“Our goal is to create a space that prioritizes animal care, community access and staff functionality,” Animal Welfare Division Superintendent Jon Gary said. “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 layout will improve flow, safety and hygiene with four separate entrances to accommodate various functions: adoption, intake, training and clinic services. The new facility will more than double the number of dog kennels to nearly 550. The number of cat condos will also increase to more than 300. Separate cat and dog kennel wings were designed to create quieter, less stressful spaces. The kennels are positioned to prevent animals from directly facing one another, reducing stress by limiting visual contact. Each kennel will include a window to allow natural light, and durable, sanitary and low-maintenance materials will be used throughout the facility.
“The new shelter is designed to improve animal welfare and provide a better experience for animals, visitors and staff,” MAPS Program Manager David Todd said. “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.”
The final plans also include outdoor play yards covered with artificial turf designed for exercise and socialization, as well as a training room and meeting spaces for events and educational sessions. The second floor will house administrative offices.
The shelter will be constructed in two phases. Phase 1 includes the main shelter building, and 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. Construction is scheduled to begin in early 2025.
About MAPS 4
MAPS 4 is a debt-free public improvement program funded by a temporary penny sales tax that will raise a projected $1.07 billion over eight years. Oklahoma City voters approved the sales tax to fund MAPS 4 in a special election on Dec. 10, 2019, moving forward with a unique and ambitious plan to transform our community. The temporary penny sales tax funding MAPS 4 began April 1, 2020, and ends in 2028. More than 70 percent of MAPS 4 funding is dedicated to neighborhood and human needs. The rest is for quality of life and job-creating initiatives. The MAPS 4 Citizens Advisory Board and its six subcommittees will guide MAPS 4 planning and implementation, making recommendations to the City Council. The Council has final authority on MAPS 4. The MAPS Investment and Operating Trust developed a strategic investment plan to support long-term sustainable funding for MAPS 4 projects' operational expenses and maintenance. Visit okc.gov/maps4 for more.
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