Ground broken for Animal Shelter improvements

Renovation will include three additions totaling 5,850 square feet.

Ground was broken at 2 p.m. Tuesday, January 3 for the $2.03 million expansion and renovation of the Oklahoma City Animal Shelter at SE 29 & Bryant.

The renovation will include three additions to the main shelter totaling 5,850 square feet. Renovation and reallocation of existing space totals 6,761 square feet. The new barn is 2,840 square feet in size. Construction will begin January 6 and is expected to be completed approximately January, 2007.

The renovation includes the creation of large “real life” cat rooms that house cats in small colonies. This allows the cats plenty of space to play and exercise, and puts them in a more normal stress-reducing environment.

Three large puppy play rooms will be part of the renovated adoption area, allowing puppies and small dogs a chance to get out of their cages and romp, socialize and exercise.

Three get-acquainted rooms will allow quiet interactions between shelter pets and potential adopters. The small, dark metal building used to house livestock will be replaced by a modern, spacious barn that is more functional and safer for both livestock and the employees who care.