Tulsa Animal Services reports steady progress on new shelter construction

The Tulsa Animal Welfare Commission heard an update on the city’s new Animal Services facility at its Nov. 30 meeting, with operations staff reporting steady progress on site work and building framing.

Colton Jones, the shelter operations manager, said crews have installed drainage piping and begun new sewer lines along 36th Street and Pawnee, poured the sally port slab and are advancing exterior metal framing and roof decking. “If you have a chance in the next few weeks, you might want to drop by there and see the progress because it’s going up pretty quick,” Jones said.

The update included sequencing for the next weeks: continued sewer work, installation of camera and light poles, and preparation for concrete pours and interior walls. Staff said weather has been cooperative and that they expect roofing and interior work to follow in short order.

The commission did not take formal action on the construction report; members thanked staff and encouraged public outreach when the shelter prepares for moving and inventory transfer. The commission’s meeting record shows the body intends to receive a fuller moving plan from staff as the project approaches occupancy.

The next procedural step for the facility will be routine project reporting to the commission and any needed budget or operational briefings to ensure a coordinated move once construction nears completion.