OKC Animal Welfare is letting adopters set their own price for any eligible dog or cat as the department prepares to move into a new facility.

The "We Are Moving! Empty the Shelter" campaign, announced by the city Nov. 9, runs through Nov. 17. The goal: find homes for as many animals as possible before OKC Animal Welfare relocates to the new Louisa McCune Animal Welfare Center in mid-December.

"Relocating can be a stressful experience for animals, especially when hundreds of them have to move," Animal Welfare Superintendent Johny Sandoval said in the city's announcement. "Every animal adopted into a home before the move represents one less pet that will need to adjust to a new environment."

Sandoval added: "The best place for a shelter pet is not a new kennel. It's a loving home."

All eligible dogs and cats qualify, including those in foster homes, according to the city. Adoptable pets are spayed or neutered, microchipped and up to date on age-appropriate vaccinations.

Residents can visit the shelter Tuesday through Saturday, noon to 5 p.m. The shelter is closed Wednesday, Nov. 11, for Veterans Day The city also encouraged sharing available pet profiles on social media to connect animals with potential adopters.

New shelter, bigger space

The department is moving into the MAPS 4-funded Louisa McCune Animal Welfare Center, a 70,000-square-foot facility at 2805 South Bryant Ave. The $42 million center features separate cat and dog kennel wings, four dedicated entrances for adoption, intake, training and clinic services, and outdoor play yards.

Dog kennel space will grow from 4,428 square feet in the old building to more than 12,000 square feet, according to the city. Cat condo space nearly doubles, expanding from 1,050 to 2,060 square feet.

The center is named for the late Louisa McCune, a former director of the Kirkpatrick Foundation who helped secure MAPS 4 funding for the project. McCune died in 2024. Mayor David Holt had appointed her to the MAPS 4 Neighborhood Subcommittee.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony is scheduled for 2 p.m. on Nov. 17 at the new center. Tours will follow the ceremony. The department’s Nov. 9 announcement says relocation is planned for mid-December.

Upcoming

  • Through Nov. 17: "We Are Moving! Empty the Shelter" adoption campaign at OKC Animal Welfare, Tuesday through Saturday, noon to 5 p.m.
  • Nov. 17, 2 p.m.: Ribbon-cutting ceremony at the new Louisa McCune Animal Welfare Center, 2805 South Bryant Ave.