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Committee discusses pursuing 'pet friendly city' certification; animal welfare oversight committee likely to lead application
Summary
At the March 6 Business and Community Affairs Committee meeting, staff described the application and assessment process for a national pet‑friendly city certification. City shelter criteria were reported as already met; staff recommended the new animal welfare oversight committee coordinate the application. No vote was taken.
Committee members discussed whether Norman should seek a national "pet friendly city" certification during the March 6 meeting of the City Council Business and Community Affairs Committee. Staff member Kelly presented the assessment form, described required evidence and recommended that the city's new Animal Welfare Oversight Committee take the lead on completing the application.
Why it matters: certification is a marketing and policy tool that signals municipal commitments on shelter practices, housing supports, parks amenities and business accommodations for animals. The certification itself does not automatically unlock state or federal grant funds, staff said.
What staff presented Kelly reviewed the assessment, which evaluates 12 key traits spanning shelter performance, housing supports, parks planning and business access for pets. The first three shelter-related traits require that a city partner with local shelters to end pet homelessness; that shelters be welcoming to encourage adoption; and that a community‑cat program humanely address cat overpopulation. Kelly told the committee the city shelter already meets those three items.
Kelly described the housing and support traits (availability of pet‑friendly housing options; programs to help keep pets in homes during financial hardship; and education for pet owners) and noted the city already functions as a drop-off center for Saint Francis Animal Resource Center and provides community support programs. Park‑related traits include pet‑focused amenities, pet water access and waste stations and clear signage about pet expectations; staff said some dog-park amenities exist but that citywide park compliance would require review.
On transit and workplaces, staff noted Embark (the city's transit system) permits animals when they are carried in a carrier that does not obstruct aisles, and paratransit riders can request reasonable accommodation. Kelly said the application process is self‑reporting; once submitted the certifying organization reviews it and typically replies in one to two weeks. The certification lasts five years and requires an update for recertification.
Funding and toolkit guidance Kelly said she was not able to find any direct grant or funding opportunities tied to the certification: "There is nothing that I could find that we get by completing the assessment other than the certification," she said. The certifying organization does provide toolkits (signage and promotional materials) that the city could use.
Committee feedback and next steps Council members voiced support for pursuing the designation and asked that the Animal Welfare Oversight Committee — which is forming and will begin meeting regularly — take the lead. Kelly said she can bring the assessment to that committee: "I can bring it up at the April meeting," she said. Council member Graham shared an anecdote praising the city's animal welfare officers after he found a lost dog and described staff response as effective: "They're rock stars," Graham said.
Ending No vote or formal motion was recorded. Staff recommended a collaborative, cross‑department effort (animal welfare, parks, transit and the chamber) to assemble the application materials; the committee agreed the oversight committee is an appropriate starting point and asked staff to return with any updates from that committee.
