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Tulsa councilors seek community donations for shelter enhancements; core animal shelter project already funded
Summary
Councilors clarified that voters funded the core Tulsa Animal Services shelter and asked residents to support a separate $3.7 million fundraising campaign for supplemental features such as generators, play yards and kennel systems.
Councilors on Aug. 20 clarified funding and fundraising plans for the new Tulsa Animal Services shelter and discussed the city’s animal welfare working group.
Council members said the core shelter construction is funded by $13.8 million approved by Tulsa voters; the city is running a supplemental fundraising campaign called “Progress for Paws” with a $3.7 million goal. Councilors said the campaign had raised about $350,000 to date, roughly 10% of the target. The supplemental funds would pay for items not included in the voter-funded core project, such as a sally port, an on-site generator, upgraded kennel-care systems, additional play yards, skylights and epoxy floors.
Councilor Peppas, who presented the fundraising item, emphasized that the facility will open as a “state of the art” shelter even without the supplemental donations but that the community’s support would allow additional upgrades for animal welfare and staff safety. Councilors asked about timing and learned the facility is expected to open in mid-2026; the fundraising drive will continue on a rolling basis so donor dollars can be applied as they are raised.
Separately, Councilor Dustin Felice and other council members provided an update on the animal welfare working group. Goals listed included supporting fundraising for the new shelter, reestablishing working ties with the Animal Welfare Commission, identifying staff needs for shelter operations and exploring partnerships with Tulsa County because the city provides regional animal services. The working group said it had requested a liaison from the Animal Welfare Commission; the commission’s chair recommended Elizabeth Hall to participate in the working group.
Councilors discussed volunteer recruitment and how the new facility could encourage community volunteering once it opens. Several councilors noted the working group will coordinate with community partners, animal-welfare stakeholders and the Tulsa Community Foundation, which will host the Progress for Paws fund.
Ending: Councilors asked staff to continue outreach to potential donors, to coordinate with the Animal Welfare Commission through the newly proposed liaison, and to return with updates on fundraising progress and shelter staffing plans.
