SPECIAL MEETING AGENDA FOR THE ANIMAL SHELTER COUNCIL COMMITTEE

Transcription

1 SPECIAL MEETING AGENDA FOR THE ANIMAL SHELTER COUNCIL COMMITTEE City Hall - Midwest City Council Conference room, second floor, 100 N. Midwest Boulevard November 06, :30 PM To make a special assistance request, call or pmenefee@midwestcityok.org no less than 24 hours prior to the start of a meeting. If special assistance is needed during a meeting, call A. CALL TO ORDER. B. DISCUSSION ITEMS. 1. Discussion and consideration of approving the minutes for the Special meetings of April 2, 2018 and June 6, 2018, as submitted. (City Clerk - S. Hancock) 2. Discussion and consideration of identifying professional architectural services for the Animal Welfare Center and to take further action if necessary. C. ADJOURNMENT.

2 Notice of this special meeting was filed with the City Clerk of Midwest City 48 hours in advance and copies of the agenda for this meeting were posted at City Hall and on the City s website, accessible to the public for at least 24 hours in advance of this meeting. MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL ANIMAL SHELTER COUNCIL COMMITTEE MEETING April 2, :00 PM This special meeting was held in the City Council conference room on the second floor of City Hall, 100 N. Midwest Boulevard, Midwest City, County of Oklahoma, State of Oklahoma. Chairman Susan Eads called the meeting to order at 6:03 PM with the following Committee Members present: Pat Byrne, Sean Reed, Jana Beller, and Dr. Troy Acree. Absent: none. City Staff present: Guy Henson, Tim Lyon, Chief Brandon Clabes, Major David Huff, and Animal Welfare Supervisor Adrian Sanders. DISCUSSION ITEMS. 1. Discussion and consideration of approving the minutes of the March 26, 2018 Special Regional Animal Shelter Council Committee meetings. Byrne made a motion to approve the minutes, as submitted, seconded by Eads. Voting aye: Eads, Byrne, Reed, Beller, and Acree. Nay: none. Absent: none. Motion carried. 2. Discussion and consideration of reviewing and/or approving the requested follow up information on the animal welfare construction plan and associated costs and to take further action if necessary. After discussion, Byrne made a motion to approve the plan and send to the Capital Projects Council Committee, seconded by Beller. Voting aye: Eads, Byrne, Reed, Beller, and Acree. Nay: none. Absent: none. Motion carried. ADJOURNMENT. There being no further discussion, the meeting adjourned at 6:50 PM. ATTEST: Guy Henson, Acting City Clerk Susan Eads, Chairman

3 Notice of this special meeting was filed with the City Clerk of Midwest City 48 hours in advance and copies of the agenda for this meeting were posted at City Hall and on the City s website, accessible to the public for at least 24 hours in advance of this meeting. MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL ANIMAL SHELTER COUNCIL COMMITTEE MEETING June 6, :00 PM This special meeting was held in the City Council conference room on the second floor of City Hall, 100 N. Midwest Boulevard, Midwest City, County of Oklahoma, State of Oklahoma. Chairman Susan Eads called the meeting to order at 6:00 PM with the following in attendance: Councilmembers Pat Byrne and Sean Reed; and Citizens: and *Dr. Troy Acree; and City Staff: Guy Henson, Tim Lyon, and Police Chief Brandon Clabes. Absent: Jana Beller. DISCUSSION ITEMS. * Dr. Acree arrived at 6:05 PM. 1. Discussion and consideration of approving the minutes of the April 4, 2018 meeting. Reed made a motion to approve the minutes, as submitted, seconded by Byrne. Voting aye: Eads, Byrne, Reed, and Acree. Nay: none. Absent: none. Motion carried. 2. Discussion and consideration of approving the location of the proposed new animal shelter. Reed made a motion to approve the proposed location, as submitted with added money for other issues discussed, seconded by Byrne. Voting aye: Eads, Byrne, Reed, and Acree. Nay: none. Absent: none. Motion carried. ADJOURNMENT. There being no further discussion, the meeting adjourned at 6:15 PM. ATTEST: Guy Henson, Acting City Clerk Susan Eads, Chairman

4 City of Midwest City Police Department 100 N. Midwest Boulevard Midwest City, OK Office Fax To: From: Subject: Midwest City Council Animal Welfare Subcommittee Chief Brandon Clabes Discussion and consideration of identifying professional architectural services for the Animal Welfare Center and to take further action if necessary. Date: November 6th, 2018 With the recent passing of the general obligation bonds, a priority list of bond projects was submitted and approved by the Midwest City council. The animal welfare center has been designated as one of the first developments to begin. Midwest City staff has been soliciting feedback from other cities that have recently built animal welfare centers and is prepared to discuss the results of their inquiries. Public Works Director Vaughn Sullivan will be attending to discuss his past experiences in reference to the building of the Sheraton Hotel, fire stations, police lab and property room. It is at the pleasure of the Animal Welfare Subcommittee to take whatever action necessary. Staff will be present at the meeting to explain in more details the provided information. Respectfully, Chief Brandon Clabes

5 Midwest City Animal Welfare October 2018

6 DESIGN THAT PUTS PEOPLE FIRST JASON COFER AIA, LEED AP When you re passionate about your work, it s because you know the why behind it. As you go through your day, you re constantly aware of that one reason you do what you do. It s the motivation that drives you to keep looking for ways to do things better. It s how you own your story. As architects, it would be easy to assume our why is great design... the next big idea, the smarter use of space. But it goes much deeper. Great design is nothing without people to experience it, interact with it and connect with each other because of it. People are our why. And we re proud that this singular focus has been shaping our work from our very beginning 25 years ago. American architect Louis Sullivan famously decreed form follows function. We believe both must ultimately serve the needs of the people who will encounter the space. We call it people-first design. It s our promise to our clients, our community and each other. TOTAL STAFF 30 Employees PROFESSIONAL STAFF 15 Registered Architects 10 Leed Accredited Professionals 12 Architectural Interns 5 Registered Interior Designers 2 Construction Administrators

7 Your plans are well done and very well detailed. Thanks for making my job easy. - Roger Larkey City of Tulsa ANIMAL WELFARE EXPERIENCE Over the years Selser Schaefer Architects has designed a number of animal welfare facilities that look and function great. Yet each facility and each owner has different goals, priorities and budgets. Thus the design solution for each is unique. Our firm excels because of our in-depth understanding of: - NACA and Guidelines for Standards of Care in Animal Shelters - National Trends in Animal Welfare and Facility Design - Each Facility s Operations - Animal Stress and How to Minimize it - Animal Flow and Disease Transfer - Facility Safety - Maintenance and Cleaning - Adoption Procedures Selser Schaefer Architects knows how to design a facility that incorporates all of these issues into one thoughtful solution. A solution that is inviting and welcoming to the public, and cost effective. THE CITY OF BROKEN ARROW ANIMAL WELFARE FACILITY The new facility is located on an adjacent property to the City s new Police Administration and Training Facility. The police building, which utilized modular brick and standing seam metal roof, set the material palette for the proposed animal welfare facility. Instead of modular brick, we proposed utilizing Interstate Block which creates a structural wall with the color and texture of brick while, at the same time, saving money because we needed block construction in the kennels. Detailed information about this facility follows. THE CITY OF TULSA ANIMAL WELFARE FACILITY MASTER PLAN In early 2007, The Humane Society of the United States began an in-depth evaluation of Tulsa s animal welfare facility s current operations, services, and programs. The evaluation was conducted to better understand and in turn improve the services offered both now and in the future. The resulting report outlined a host of issues. In August of 2008, our firm was selected to develop a master plan to update and expand the existing facility. The master plan provides the City with a road map for development. The City and staff understand how to implement the recommendations in a systematic and organized manner. The master plan outlines the building program needs in terms of space, both now and for the future. Design parameters are established, a conceptual site plan, diagrammatic floor plans, and a cost analysis of the proposed expansion and remodel possibilities are included. Armed with the need, the priorities, and the plan, the City of Tulsa will be able to solicit funding from any number of sources. Ultimately, the Tulsa Animal Welfare Facility will provide the citizens of Tulsa proper care for the unwanted pet population, while exploring every opportunity to integrate those animals into loving homes. THE CITY OF EDMOND ANIMAL WELFARE FACILITY Edmond requested we evaluate multiple sites to determine the most suitable location for their new facility. Our team evaluated availability of utilities, adjacent operations, topography, and site development costs. The City had a list of needs that was utilized as a starting point for programming. Through interactive workshops, the team reviewed the known needs, evaluated historical census numbers including intake and adoption, and evaluated national trends. We were then able to confirm the needs, project future growth, provide layout options, PEACEFUL ANIMAL ADOPTION SHELTER Pronounced Paws, PAAS stands for Peaceful Animal Adoption Shelter. But what this no-kill shelter truly stands for is saving the lives of stray cats and dogs as it transitions them into permanent, caring homes. In keeping with this new-home focus, Selser Schaefer Architects designed a welcoming facility that fuses modern clinic functionality with the warmth of home. Detailed information about this facility follows. recommend equipment, and provide cost opinions. Detailed information about the Edmond facility follows.

8 BROKEN ARROW ANIMAL SHELTER BROKEN ARROW, OK BROKEN ARROW ANIMAL SHELTER When the City of Broken Arrow, wanted to increase the positive impact of its animal welfare program, it believed a new, cutting-edge facility was imperative. Selser Schaefer Architects provided a design solution that combines simple, dramatic forms with the honest use of basic materials, while drawing on our experience designing another award-winning animal welfare facility. The resulting building is a beautiful, prominent part of the community that has helped increase pet adoption. To understand the functional needs of the shelter, we spent time in the old facility, learning its day-to-day activities as well as its limitations. From the beginning, we made the people who operate the shelter vital members of our design team. We also interacted with people from the community looking for a lost or new pet and made the comfort and welfare of the animals a top priority. The shelter s modern and friendly design uses a palette of steel, masonry and glass to give the building a strong presence along the city street. The main lobby and adoption areas are defined in steel and glass, and give patrons a pleasant place to interact with the animals. A skylight floods the interior with controlled daylighting while the challenge of bringing daylighting to all the kennels was solved with playful groupings of small windows. The kennels and catteries create a clean, safe environment for the animals. Material choices control sound and promote easy maintenance. The new shelter reflects Broken Arrow s commitment to excellence in its animal welfare program. The entire design is an invitation to the public to come and experience animal welfare as it should be: a happy, interactive event. I have been involved in a multitude of construction projects and have had the opportunity to see them from start to finish. It truly is an experience. I don t know that I ve ever experienced a firm, such as yours, where the employees take such an active and knowledgeable role in a project. - Major Mark Irwin Broken Arrow Police Department

9 EDMOND ANIMAL WELFARE FACILITY EDMOND, OK Merit Award for Design Excellence, AIA Eastern Oklahoma, 2009 Merit Award for Design Excellence, AIA Oklahoma, 2006 Public Works Project of the Year, American Works Association Oklahoma Chapter, 2005 When the City of Edmond, collaborated with Selser Schaefer Architects to design a new animal welfare facility, the team envisioned a beautiful facility that would not only increase animal adoption, but also be valued as an important part of the community. Selser Schaefer Architects immersed its project team in the daily operations of the existing facility, working closely with its staff to understand their specific needs and challenges. The team also gathered insights from visitors looking for a pet. Throughout the process, the safety and comfort of the animals was always top of mind. EDMOND ANIMAL WELFARE FACILITY Though animal welfare facilities are not typically designed with the landscape in mind, Selser Schaefer Architects designed the new building to blend naturally with the cross timbers forest that surrounds it. The lobby and pet interaction spaces are defined using glass, wood planking and translucent ceilings. This maximizes natural views and daylighting while providing shading and a sense of privacy as pets interview their future owners. The kennel areas are organized to allow for safe and efficient movement of the animals. Easy-to-maintain and sound-controlling materials further create a pleasant, positive environment for helping animals find a loving home. Thirteen years later, Selser Schaefer Architects is back at the facility working on an expansion and renovation that include adoption kennels, get acquainted rooms, a surgical suite and indoor outdoor runs. State of the art in 2005, HVAC technology continues to improve. And because HVAC is critical to a healthy animal welfare facility, we plan to upgrade the current system to provide higher air quality and lower energy costs. The new addition and renovations will be complete in 2019 ready to welcome additional animals and those that love them.

10 PEACEFUL ANIMAL ADOPTION SHELTER VINITA, OK Pronounced Paws, PAAS stands for Peaceful Animal Adoption Shelter. But what this no-kill shelter truly stands for is saving the lives of stray cats and dogs as it transitions them into permanent, caring homes. In keeping with this new-home focus, Selser Schaefer Architects designed a welcoming facility for PAAS that fuses modern clinic functionality with the familiar feeling of home. Home means different things to different people, and in this clinic s small-town setting just a stroll off Vinita s Main Street, finding the right vernacular was vital. After exploring several options, we alighted on a farmhouse aesthetic that reflects the agrarian feel of the community. Its home-like familiarity not only fits Vinita, but also fosters the shelter s home placement mission, almost like the animals are halfway there. Mission-Driven Functionality The shelter has a very practical side, as well. Drawing on our experience designing award-winning animal welfare facilities, we set the stage for a modern, smooth-running clinic, built to Humane Society guidelines. Every detail supports the health and future adoption of the animals. PEACEFUL ANIMAL ADOPTION SHELTER Just off the shelter s inviting lobby area, two get acquainted adoption rooms help people and pets picture the possibilities. Natural light washes away any institutional feel from the adoption kennel areas, which include viewing windows at various heights. Kennel placement and sound-proofing materials along with well-ventilated air add to the peaceful environment. We also designed a designated animal intake area and separate kennel areas to care for sick and quarantined animals, so that the entire rhythm of the clinic activities culminates in pet adoption.

11 JASON COFER AIA, LEED AP BD+C Project Manager Jason is licensed architect with 16 years of experience and a sense of humor that will have you in stitches. He is an excellent problem solver and extremely thorough with his work. In collaboration with you and Brian Thomas, Jason will create a project of the highest quality. EDUCATION Oklahoma State University Bachelor of Science in Architectural Studies, 2002 REGISTRATIONS Registered Architect: Oklahoma Accreditation: LEED AP BD+C Certificate: National Council of Architectural Registration Boards SELECTED PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE City of Edmond Edmond, Oklahoma Animal Welfare Facility Expansion and Renovation Broken Arrow Public Schools Broken Arrow, Oklahoma Freshman Academy Renovation Addition CAST High School - San Antonio, Texas Addition Renovation Treehouse - Plano, Texas Home Improvement Retail Store North Park Science and Community Life Building Chicago, Illinois LEED Gold Certified - Labs, Classrooms, Lecture Halls* Kennedy King College Troy, Minnesota Nursing School* Natural Science Classroom and Lab* Applied Sciences* Center for Life Long Education* Child Development Center* Career Center* University of New Mexico - Albuquerque, New Mexico Cancer Treatment and Research Center* Walsh College Expansion Troy, Minnesota Student Services* * Completed while with another firm.

12 BRIAN THOMAS AIA, LEED AP Animal Welfare Architect REGISTRATIONS HANK SPIEKER AIA Partner REGISTRATIONS Brian is a licensed architect with 25 years of experience in programming, planning, design and documentation of animal welfare facilities, education, medical and retail projects. Registered Architect: Oklahoma Registered Interior Designer: Oklahoma Accreditation: LEED AP Certificate: National Council of Architectural Registration Boards Hank is a is an award-winning architect with 20+ years of experience in the analysis, design and documentation of a wide variety of project types. Registered Architect: Oklahoma Registered Interior Designer: Oklahoma Certificate: National Council of Architectural Registration Boards Because of his experience with animal welfare facilities and knowledge of NACA and Guidelines for Standards of Care in Animal Shelters, Brian knows what questions to ask, and why. And although it sounds obvious, he will really listen to your responses. SELECTED PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE City of Edmond Edmond, Oklahoma Animal Welfare Facility Expansion and Renovation EDUCATION Oklahoma State University Bachelor of Science in Architectural Studies, 1997 SELECTED PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE City of Edmond Edmond, Oklahoma Expansion and Renovation City of Broken Arrow Broken Arrow, Oklahoma Broken Arrow Animal Shelter EDUCATION Oklahoma State University, Bachelor of Architecture Professional Degree, 1992 City of Broken Arrow Broken Arrow, Oklahoma Animal Welfare Facility City of Tulsa Tulsa, Oklahoma Animal Welfare Master Plan Animal Welfare Facility Improvements* Tulsa SPCA Tulsa, Oklahoma Cattery Remodel Facility Master Plan City of Sapulpa Sapulpa Oklahoma Animal Welfare Facility Concept City of Miami Miami, Oklahoma Animal Welfare Facility Feasibility Study * Peaceful Animal Adoption Shelter Vinita, Oklahoma Tulsa Zoo Tulsa, Oklahoma North American Living Museum Exhibit Remodel OSU Center for Health Sciences Tulsa, Oklahoma Physicians Office Building Analysis Cardiology Office Remodel Tulsa City-County Health Department Tulsa, Oklahoma North Regional Health & Wellness Center Oklahoma Medical Eye Group Jenks, Oklahoma Optometry Clinic Morton Comprehensive Health Center - Tulsa, Oklahoma Pontotoc Animal Welfare Society Ada, Oklahoma Cherokee Nation - Tahlequah, Oklahoma Shelter Master Plan and Concept* W.W. Hastings East Hospital Washington County SPCA Bartlesville, Oklahoma Shelter Master Plan and Concept* Broken Arrow Public Schools Broken Arrow, Oklahoma Freshman Academy Addition and Renovation South Intermediate High School Fine Arts Addition Pontotoc Animal Welfare Society Ada, Oklahoma Old Central Middle School Office Renovation Shelter Master Plan and Concept* * Indicates project completed while with another firm

13 Jason Cofer AIA, LEED AP 2002 East 6th Street Tulsa, Oklahoma selserschaefer.com

14 Needs Assessment Study for New Animal Welfare Shelter 7221 NE 36 th Street Midwest City, OK November 5, W. Randol Mill Rd. Suite 300, Arlington, TX Phone (817) America.com Shelter Planners of America, Copyright Page 1 of 44

15 Table of Contents 1. Purpose and scope of Study 3 2. Evaluation of existing facility 4 3. People and Animal Levels Building Space Program Site Considerations Recommended Features Staffing Operating Cost Estimated Construction Cost Operation 36 Shelter Planners of America, Copyright Page 2 of 44

16 1. PURPOSE AND SCOPE OF STUDY The purpose of this Needs Assessment Study (Study) is for Shelter Planners of America (SPA) to provide information to the Midwest City, OK (Midwest) that will guide them in regard to their future facilities needs. The Study was authorized by Adrian Sanders, Supervisor of the Midwest City Police Department, Animal Welfare Division, on July 18, 2014 in accordance SPA proposal dated June 16, Information in this Study was developed from information provided by Midwest and observed during our on-site visit on September 22, The Study provides an evaluation of the existing facility, looks at people and animal levels, provides a proposed Building Space Program, provides site considerations, recommends features, discusses staffing, operating cost, estimated construction cost for a new animal shelter and operational matters. It should be understood this Study is the first step in planning a new shelter. The second step will be to engage SPA to develop the Conceptual Site Plan and Building Floor Plan based on the approved Building Program contained in this Study. The third and final step will be to engage a local architect in concert with SPA to development of the working drawings and specifications for constructing your project. There is a strong feeling among the general public and people who support humanely run shelters that new animal shelters need to be designed to address irresponsible animal ownership problems and irresponsible pet breeding. It is felt these problems should be countered with remedial programs of spay and neuter requirements, pet owner and public education, developing progressive ordinances and well promoted adoption programs. This approach is preferable to simply allowing the destruction of animals as a response to the problem of pet over population and irresponsible pet owners. Shelter Planners of America, Copyright Page 3 of 44

17 2. EVALUATION OF EXISTING FACILITIES General Midwest is responsible for the operation of the existing shelter located at 7221 NE 36 th Street, Midwest City, OK. The existing shelter was established in 1986, which is when the existing building was constructed. The existing shelter contains approximately 4,830 square feet in the main building. There is a separate, two-vehicle garage building of approximately 600 SF. There is a crematory building that is covered and enclosed on three sides, and a covered parking space for a mobile Adoption Trailer. Front view of existing shelter Existing Garage Building is currently used for storage Covered Parking for Adoption Trailer Crematory Enclosure Shelter Planners of America, Copyright Page 4 of 44

18 Generally, the existing building does not meet today s standards for the design of animal shelters. The dog kennels were not designed for ease of cleaning and maintaining the animals in a healthy state. The staff has done the best job possible of maintaining the building under the conditions. They are to be commended for keeping the building clean and presentable to the public. The building lacks good circulation and flow patterns for the staff and public. The building was originally designed with separate entrances for public visitors and animal receiving but one has been closed off to gain more space, but this creates additional work for staff and confusion for the public. The kennels were built with low quality finishes based on current best practices. The basic shelter design and structure are very dated. Although an effort was made to construct a good shelter, poor design and wear have taken a toll on the present structure. Layout of Existing Building Shelter Planners of America, Copyright Page 5 of 44

19 Public Areas The shelter s public reception is fair in appearance and condition. There is no vestibule and the front door just opens into this space, allowing cold weather to blow right in every time the door is opened. The existing public reception area The facility lacks adequate office space Existing public reception Shelter Planners of America, Copyright Page 6 of 44

20 Dog Housing The shelter currently has 24 general dog runs and utilizes an indoor, back-to-back design. There are also 3 dog runs in a separate room for quarantine. The cooling, heating and ventilation system in the animal housing areas is inadequate for the animals health protection. The existing dog kennels have an appearance of an industrial warehouse. This is exactly the opposite of the welcoming, pleasant look needed to encourage the public to visit for adoptions and returns. Existing kennels have galvanized gates, which bacteria can stick to and it is difficult to clean There is no natural light, poor lighting, and inadequate HVAC system Dog kennels have exposed concrete floors, which are porous and can breed bacteria. Drain covers are missing Shelter Planners of America, Copyright Page 7 of 44

21 Cat Housing There is currently housing for approximately 36 cats. Cat house was recently changed to be all free roam There are three spaces, approximately 165SF each These adoption cages have been recently added near the front of the lobby but are outside of the cat room Shelter Planners of America, Copyright Page 8 of 44

22 This is a photo of the type of cages that were removed to create the three current free roam spaces. Shelter Planners of America, Copyright Page 9 of 44

23 Support Areas Break Room near the offices is inadequate The Animal Kitchen is well kept but the counters and cabinets are deteriorated Existing crematory was updated and can be considered for relocation to the new shelter. Shelter Planners of America, Copyright Page 10 of 44

24 Site The existing shelter is not centrally located within the service area and is not readily accessible from a freeway or major arterial street. It is located near the landfill on a road that does not have high volume of vehicular traffic. It would be desirable to relocate the shelter to a new site with good public exposure to allow more preventative programs, return of more lost animals to their owners and to help more animals to find new homes. Location of existing site Shelter Planners of America, Copyright Page 11 of 44

25 Midwest City has a population of 54,000 people & the surrounding communities served by the shelter have a combined population of 27,200 people. The proposed new location of the shelter at Joe Barnes Regional Park will be more centrally located to the Midwest City population. Shelter Planners of America, Copyright Page 12 of 44

26 Proposed Site for the new animal shelter is at Joe Barnes regional Park on East Reno Ave. Two possible locations within the Park were identified. Shelter Planners of America, Copyright Page 13 of 44

27 3. PEOPLE AND ANIMAL LEVELS The shelter serves Midwest City, OK and the nearby communities of Jones, Harrah, Chocktaw, Nicoma Park, Spencer, and Forest Park. The people population is approximately as follows: Midwest City 54,000 Jones 2,800 Harrah 5,400 Chocktaw 11,600 Nicoma Park 2,400 Spencer 4,000 Forest Park 1,000 Total Population of Area served 81,200 The number of animals received at the shelter in was approximately 2,215. This total is composed of approximately 1,300 dogs, 820 cats and 45 other miscellaneous species. Nationally, the number of animals normally generated annually is 3-4% of the human population. For Midwest s total population served of 81,200 people this would translate into potentially 2,436 3,248 animals turned into the local shelters annually. This means the number of animals received per year at Midwest is slightly below the national average. The reason may be because the current shelter serves some smaller, nearby communities that are a considerable distance to the shelter. Over the next 20 years the population in the Midwest City is not projected to increase significantly. More extensive preventative programs including low cost and subsidized spay/neuter procedures and public education (promoting responsible pet ownership) is part of the solution to reducing unwanted and stray animals. Shelter Planners of America, Copyright Page 14 of 44

28 The underlying overpopulation of pets is caused by irresponsible pet ownership and uncontrolled breeding of pets. Although animal overpopulation is beginning to come down nationwide due to remedial programs, it can be countered by increasing human population and a public not acting as responsible pet owners. Of the animals presently received at the shelter, the disposition is as follows: Adoption- approximately 1,214 or 54% are adopted directly or turned over to rescue groups for adoption. The number of adoptions is good compared to many modern shelters that have adoption rates of 40-60%. Returned to Owner - approximately 278 or 12.5% of animals are returned to their owners. The number of returns to owners is normal when compared to many modern shelters that have return to owner rates between 10-20%. Euthanized - approximately 723 animals or 32% of animals were euthanized. The euthanasia rate is good compared to many modern shelters that have rates of 20 45%. As cute as these puppies are, irresponsible pet ownership resulted in about 723 animals being euthanized last year at Midwest City. Shelter Planners of America, Copyright Page 15 of 44

29 Projected Animal Capacity We feel the Midwest City shelter should plan a facility that will handle approximately 2,500 animals per year. This need is based on the number of animals presently received and allowing for a small increase in human population to the year The following breakdown is suggested: 1,470 Dogs 980 Cats 50 Other Animals 2,500 Total Dogs Capacity The existing shelter averages a 7 day stay for the approximate 1,300 dogs handled per year (with the present building capacity of 27 dog runs, counting one dog per kennel). We suggest the new shelter be planned to receive 1,470 dogs with a 14 day average stay. Based on this scenario, the shelter will need: 2 jumbo adoption runs (6 x6 inside) housing 2 dogs 18 adoption runs (4 x6 inside) housing 18 dogs 4 extra adoption runs for cleaning (4 x6 inside) 2 jumbo stray runs (6 x6 inside) housing 2 dogs 16 stray runs (4 x6 inside) housing 16 dogs 4 extra stray runs for cleaning (4 x6 inside) 6 isolation runs (4 x6 inside and 4 x4 for cleaning) housing 6 dogs 6 quarantine runs (4 x6 inside and 4 x4 for cleaning) housing 6 dogs 4 Small breed puppy pens (3 x5 indoor) housing an average of 8 dogs The above 54 runs and pens will provide housing for 58 dogs, a 100% increase in the number of runs over the existing shelter. As visitation levels go up and adoptions and returns increase, the average length of stay for dogs will be reduced. Shelter Planners of America, Copyright Page 16 of 44

30 Cats Capacity The existing shelter averages approximately a 15 day stay for the approximate 870 cats handled per year (with the present housing capacity of 35 cats). We suggest the new shelter be planned to receive 980 cats with a 14 day average stay. Based on this scenario, the shelter will need: 2 community cat rooms housing 8 cats each = adoption cat cages 14 stray cat cages 4 isolation cages The above will provide housing for 40 cats at any given time. Note that isolation cages were not included in the average length of stay calculation. Other Animal Capacity The existing shelter receives approximately 45 other species of animals per year, which may increase to 50. Four (4) cages for other animals in a separate room are suggested. This room could also be used for mother cats with kittens at a time. A small, outside, fenced pen may also be needed with a small, weather-tight barn. Shelter Planners of America, Copyright Page 17 of 44

31 4. BUILDING SPACE PROGRAM Following are the suggested rooms and spaces and square footage for a new animal shelter designed to meet the needs of the Midwest City Animal Shelter: Summary: Interior Exterior A. Administrative 2,500 B. Animal Housing (Interior) 4,885 C. Animal Housing (Exterior) 160 D. Animal Support Area (Interior) 1,555 E. Animal Support Area (Exterior) 620 TOTAL SF 8, COMBINED SF 9,720 Shelter Planners of America, Copyright Page 18 of 44

32 SECTION A - ADMINISTRATIVE Room or Space Quantity of Rooms SF of Each Total SF Adjacent to or Near Equipment / Comments 1 Lobby Two separate doors - Adoption and Public Dropoff with wall to separate areas 2 Reception Counter (2 staff behind counter) Vestibule Supervisor ACO Office (Group Office for 2) Volunteer/Rescue Office (Group office for 2) File Room Dispatch Multi-purpose Meeting Room Lobby seating for 20, Kitchenette, access for after hours use including toilet 10 Volunteer Supply & Locker Public Toilet (Male & Female) Staff Toilets Locker Room full lockers for staff and 8 half lockers for volunteers 14 shower Mechanical/ Elec Room Data/Phone Subtotal: 2,000 Net to Gross SF Factor 25%: 500 Departmental Gross Area: 2,500 Shelter Planners of America, Copyright Page 19 of 44

33 SECTION B - ANIMAL HOUSING- INTERIOR Room or Space Jumbo Adoption Dog (6'x6' Indoor Runs) Dog Adoption (4'x6' Indoor Runs) Jumbo Stray Dog (6'x6' Indoor Runs) Dog Stray (4'x6' Indoor Runs) Dog Isolation Kennel (4'x6' Indoor Runs & 4'x4' Cleaning Space) Dog Quarantine Kennel (4'x6' Indoor Runs & 4'x4' Cleaning Space) Puppies (pens - 3'x5') Cat Community Rooms (8 cats each = 16 total cats) Cat Adoption Room (10 Cages) Cat Stray Room (14 total cages) Cat Isolation non-viewable (4 cages) Other Animals and Mother Cats (4 cages) Quantity of Rooms SF of Each Total SF Adjacent to or Near Equipment / Comments Back-to-back Back-to-back Back-to-back Viewable Viewable Subtotal: 3,908 Net to Gross SF Factor 25%: 977 Departmental Gross Area: 4,885 SECTION C - ANIMAL HOUSING - EXTERIOR 1 Cat Porch Puppy Porch Subtotal: 160 Departmental Gross Area: 160 Shelter Planners of America, Copyright Page 20 of 44

34 SECTION D - ANIMAL SUPPORT AREA INTERIOR Room or Space Quantity of Rooms SF of Each Total SF 1 Cleaning Equipment & Storage Animal Kitchen Area & Laundry Food Storage Get Acquainted Rooms Receiving & Treatment (2 Pens) Adjacent to or Near Equipment / Comments Counter with sink, dishwasher 1 washer and 1 dryer 1 for dogs & 1 for cats Grooming tub 11 Euthanasia Chest refrigerator 12 General Storage Mechanical Room Subtotal: 1,244 Net to Gross SF Factor 25%: 311 Departmental Gross Area: 1,555 SECTION E - ANIMAL SUPPORT AREA EXTERIOR Quantity of Rooms Adjacent to or Near Room or Space SF of Total Equipment / Each SF Comments 1 Crematory Relocate Existing 2 Truck Port Subtotal: 620 Departmental Gross Area: 620 Shelter Planners of America, Copyright Page 21 of 44

35 5. SITE CONSIDERATIONS The qualifications of the new site are very important for the special needs of the shelter. Any site for the new Midwest City, OK shelter should be examined for compliance to the following criteria: A. Visibility. This is a very important concern for any new shelter; however, it is most often overlooked. In the past, it was customary to locate shelters at out-of-the-way, least expensive properties such as industrial parks, sewage treatment plants or landfills. The theory was that if someone wanted to visit the shelter, they could call for directions to find it. Today it is being recognized that locating shelters in high-visibility locations not only increases visitors and the number of pets adopted and returned to owners, but also reduces the need for animal euthanasia and helps build public awareness and community goodwill. Coupled with an active adoption promotion program, this location and visibility factor can increase adoptions and reduce euthanasia. B. Accessibility. It is important that the new shelter be centrally located to the area it serves. If the shelter were located in a far corner of the jurisdiction, and driving time should become lengthy, people would be less likely to use the shelter. That long drive would mean people being less likely to come to look for lost pets or visit for adoptions. The site should have good access on and off of a major freeway or arterial street. C. Suitability. It is very important to check potential sites for the following: 1. Availability of utilities such as water, sewer, gas and electricity. 2. Zoning restrictions 3. Easements, right-of-ways and setbacks 4. Excess topography or drainage concerns 5. Check for wetland concerns 6. A rectangular shape. Odd shapes can be used but may require acquiring more land due to inefficiency of the shape. Shelter Planners of America, Copyright Page 22 of 44

36 If some of these criteria are not satisfactory, it may be possible to achieve changes via rezoning, extend utilities, solve drainage issues, etc., but that must be factored into any site decision. D. Parking. Adequate parking is very important for the success of the new shelter. The parking for the new shelter is estimated as follows: Staff 6 Volunteers 8 Animal Control 4 Visitors 20 Total 38 Parking should be arranged to provide good visible parking for visitors and located for easy access to the main entrance. Staff parking should be separate and located to the side near a separate staff entrance. Animal Control and other service vehicles should be provided with simple to navigate routes with adequate turning radius. E. Site Size. The new site needs to be approximately 1½ to 2 acres. This is based on a one story building using indoor kennels with surface parking for approximately 38 vehicles. This is assuming the site is relatively flat and rectangular in shape. If the site is an odd shape or has extensive slope, additional space may be required. F. Proposed Site. Midwest City is considering locating the new shelter at the Joe D. Barnes Regional Park located on East Reno Drive, near City Hall. This location is very central to the Midwest City population and therefore desirable. However, when the population of the other communities served by the shelter is considered, it is not perfectly central. Reno Drive is a major atriel street, which is desirable for providing good access. The park is used by a great many citizens and would increase the visibility of the shelter over its current location. Shelter Planners of America, Copyright Page 23 of 44

37 6. RECOMMENDED FEATURES A. Design Concept An example of a welcoming new animal shelter by Shelter Planners of America of about the size needed for Midwest City, OK The new shelter should be built with low-maintenance, heavy-duty materials. The interior should be brightly lighted and open with pleasing colors and pleasant public spaces. Animal holding areas should provide as much health protection, safety and comfort as possible with today s new materials and designs. The new building should be planned to be expandable if the selected site will allow. For the new shelter we recommend a one story building. The structure would be a slab on grade, depending on the soil condition, with masonry and framed walls and sloped truss roof. The exterior should avoid an institutional look, preferring a human scale and welcoming feel. It should be compatible with other nearby structures and be attractive and inviting to the public. Abundant natural lighting should be provided to all animal holding areas and staffed areas. Attractive landscaping will be very important to the successful appearance of the new building. We recommend that an extensive landscaping plan, be a part of the building program. Shelter Planners of America, Copyright Page 24 of 44

38 1. Dog Housing Midwest City wishes to utilize fully indoor kennels. The indoor kennels will allow the animals and visitors year round comfort. Fully indoor designs also allow reduced concern for noise bothering neighbors. Shelter Planners of America usually recommends indoor/outdoor kennel design for mild climates similar to Midwest City. They will allow dogs to be kept safe and dry during the cleaning procedure by moving animals to the covered outside run. This allows for efficient daily cleaning. For Midwest City, back-to-back indoor kennels will be used with guillotine doors. Midwest plans to house compatible dogs in the back-to-back kennels. During cleaning time, all dogs will be moved to one side so all of the runs on the other side can be cleaned at one time. 20% of extra kennels are provided for the runs that do not have a compatible dog to be paired with. These extra runs should not be used normally to all animals to be quickly moved to an empty run for time efficient cleaning. Since outdoor kennels are not being provided, extra effort should be made to have volunteers take the dogs outside frequently. Floors will be sloped to individual drains thereby eliminating trench drains which are difficult to clean and can cause cross contamination. There should be special sound control materials used in the design to keep the building quiet inside and to keep noise from disturbing surrounding neighbors. Sample of indoor dog runs Shelter Planners of America, Copyright Page 25 of 44

39 2. Cat Housing These cages have individual exhaust, the cats can be viewed from the public corridor through glass or from inside the cat room through the cage front 3. Puppy areas - Puppies are to be housed separately from the adult dogs for disease control. We recommend all puppies be housed in floor level pens. This is to prevent them from stepping out of a cage with an open door, falling out of cages located several feet above the floor and possibly injuring themselves. Puppies will have individual 3 x 5 inside pens to hold litters of puppies. Shelter Planners of America, Copyright Page 26 of 44

40 B. Interior Features Shelters built in the past did not have the advantage of using many of the new innovative materials and equipment available only in recent years. Animal shelters of today are no longer just warehouse structures with cages lined down the walls. Shelters are very specialized buildings which are more like hospitals and shopping malls than warehouses in construction. A high level of quality is needed if the facility is to be able to keep animals healthy and to hold up under heavy wear. This is especially important for a shelter that is striving to present an attractive, welcoming image to the public. An attractive, quiet front lobby is important in a shelter. This improves customer satisfaction and increases adoptions. The goal is to make the shelter a place where employees feel positive and the public enjoys visiting for pet adoption, pet retrieval, pet owner education and other animal services. Most importantly, the shelter must house animals in the healthiest, least stressful manner possible. Shelter Planners of America, Copyright Page 27 of 44

41 Today, modern shelters are designed to include central washing equipment, central animal watering systems, individual kennel floor drains, 100% outside air with heat exchangers for economy, heated kennel floors, noise control systems and long-lasting, easily disinfected wall and floor finishes. Special equipment can be utilized in a new shelter. During the preparation of the construction drawings and specifications in Step 3 we will review with you all of the details and choices that are available including performances, features, pros & cons, and the cost implications of the various options. Some of the equipment and finishes are pictured below. Central pressure washing equipment allows the animal areas to be cleaned and disinfected in one very rapid process. System should only be used on low pressure setting so bacteria do not become airborne. Shelter Planners of America, Copyright Page 28 of 44

42 The special trowel on kennel floor finish comes in an attractive array of earth tone colors to make kennels cheerful and bright. It also halts bacteria growth. Shelter Planners of America uses special Guillotine doors that prevent loss of heated or cooled air from the kennel. Shelter Planners of America, Copyright Page 29 of 44

43 Each animal Kennel is equipped with an automatic waterer so that animals always have fresh water available with no staff time required refilling bowls. Attractive Kennels with bright lighting levels, germicidal floor finishes and sound absorbing ceilings make quiet, inviting public spaces. Shelter Planners of America, Copyright Page 30 of 44

44 These new style cat cages have individual litter box compartments and positive air exhaust from each cage. Professional grooming tub that animals can be walked into through a swinging door. Shelter Planners of America, Copyright Page 31 of 44

45 C. Heating, Ventilating, Air Conditioning (HVAC) Heating, ventilating and air conditioning systems must be designed to provide clean, odor free and uncontaminated air throughout all animal housing areas. This is essential to control the spread of air borne viruses. The HVAC system will be custom designed to provide 100% fresh air to kennels with 12 air changes per hour. The system will be designed to provide ceiling air supply above public walkways with a ceiling exhaust above each dog run opposite each supply providing the best odor control for the visiting public and staff. This prevents cross contamination and helps keep return grilles from clogging with animal hair. Additionally, the systems will be fitted with heat exchangers to recapture energy before it is exhausted. This helps keep utility bills as low as possible. There will also be supplemental roof mounted exhaust fans (with separate switches on timers, with red lights) to pull out moist air during, and immediately following, kennel cleaning. The kennels will be served by multiple, separate, and smaller HVAC systems, each to serve 20-25% of the animal housing areas. This smaller equipment is less expensive to install and service and if a system fails, you still have 75-80% of the building heated and cooled until the system is repaired. Animals can be doubled up until repairs are made. The administrative areas are on a separate air system to prevent odors from entering the staff areas. Warmed floor areas in the front half of each run can be used during cooler seasons. This warmed spot is about 3 deep by the width of the run. The warmed area improves the animal s resistance to disease and allows the animal to be comfortable and quieter during the day. The warmed floor also helps speed the floors drying after wash down. Shelter Planners of America, Copyright Page 32 of 44

46 7. STAFFING The present animal shelter staff consists of 2 full-time staff positions and 1 part-time position as follows: 1. Shelter Supervisor (1 FT) 2. Animal Control Officers (4 FT) 3. Volunteer/Rescue Coordinator (1 PT) This staffing level is below average compared to most shelters across the Country handling approximately the same number of animals and having similar adoption results. The new shelter should plan to have the following staff: 1. Shelter Supervisor (1 FT) 2. Animal Control Officers (4 FT) 3. Administrative Assistant (1 FT) 4. Volunteer/Rescue Coordinator (1 PT) 5. Kennel Technicians (4 5 PT) In addition, in a new shelter that is a more pleasant environment, it should be possible to recruit more volunteers. Volunteers can help with a wide variety of activities at the shelter. Shelter Planners of America, Copyright Page 33 of 44

47 8. OPERATING COST The present annual total operating budget is $308,266 including Animal Control. The average cost per animal handled is $139 based on 2,215 animals and the $308,266 total operational budget. Nationally, animal shelter operational budgets run between $250 and $500 per animal. The Midwest City shelter budget is lower than the normal range. The proposed new shelter will be larger than the present shelter. It is logical to assume this larger facility will require additional staff in the animal areas because of more animals being held and more kennels will need to be cleaned daily. The administrative areas and staffing may also need to increase to handle more animals and expand programs to increase adoptions and reduce euthanasia. The larger facility will also generate higher utility costs. Shelter Planners of America, Copyright Page 34 of 44

48 9. ESTIMATED CONSTRUCTION COST The following construction estimates for a new shelter are based on Oklahoma City, OK in SF A Administrative Areas 2,500 B Animal Housing - Interior 4,885 C Animal Support Areas - Interior 1,555 8,940 $270/SF $2,413,800 D Animal Housing - Exterior 160 E Animal Support Areas - Exterior $135/SF $105,300 Building Cost - Sub-Total $2,519,100 Site Work & Parking 10% $251,910 Total Construction Cost $2,771,010 Soft Costs 20% $554,202 AE Fees, Civil Engineering, Surveying, Soil Tests, Construction Materials Testing, Air Balancing, Furnishing, Loose Equipment, Computers & Phone System, etc. Contingency 5% $166,261 Estimated Total Project Cost $3,491,473 *Does not include land Shelter Planners of America, Copyright Page 35 of 44

49 10. OPERATION Staff is making every effort to maintain and operate the existing shelter in the best way possible. They should be congratulated for a job well done with current facilities. A. We urge Midwest City to expand its fine work of increasing adoptions and saving lives by increasing activities that get more people to the shelter to adopt. Listed below are some programs that have helped other shelters. Midwest City may already be utilizing some of these, but we include them for you to consider: Low cost spay neuter programs for the general public Free collar and ID tag program for all pets Owner education Foster pet homes Pet health and behavior rehabilitation Counseling for pet owners with problems keeping their pets Progressive, responsible owner ordinances Ongoing and well promoted shelter adoption programs and events A well designed website for animal adoption and lost animal identification Use of web-based adoptions such as Petfinders.com Proactive return to owner program Pet retention program to help owners keep their pets rather than surrender them Enhanced medical program B. Will Holding More Animals for Longer Periods of Time Increase the Number of Animals Adopted? If we hold more animals for longer times won t more be adopted? The two following examples can help individuals understand this frequently misunderstood question. Before we examine the questions however, we want to emphasize the importance of all healthy animals being provided a reasonable stay. As long as animals are emotionally and physically healthy, and kennels are not overcrowded, it is reasonable to extend Shelter Planners of America, Copyright Page 36 of 44

50 their stay. However, dogs should not be kenneled so long that it adversely affects their behavior, causing neurotic behavior such as pacing, spinning and aggression. This issue often becomes confusing for many people when trying to understand the value (or lack thereof) of building bigger shelters and holding more and more animals for longer periods. The following examples will help facilitate understanding: 1. In the first example, assume the shelter holds animals an average of ONE week each during a one year period. During the year, 400 people (or pet rescue groups) visit per month with the intention to adopt a pet. How many animals could be adopted in that year? If every visitor adopted, you would adopt 4,800 animals. Now, assume you kept every animal for FOUR weeks (four times longer) during a one year period. The same 400 people per month visited with the intention to adopt a pet. How many animals could be adopted in a year? If every visitor adopted, you would still adopt 4,800 animals. As you can clearly see, holding the animals longer, by itself, did not affect adoptions. It is important that your shelter make an informed decision of how many animals to hold at any given time and how long to hold each animal to provide the best opportunity for adoption. Shelter Planners of America, Copyright Page 37 of 44

51 2. In this second example the shelter holds about 200 animals available for adoption at all times. The same 400 people visit per month with the intention to adopt a pet. How many will be adopted in one year? If every visitor adopts, you will have 4,800 adoptions in one year. Now, assume the organization builds a shelter with twice as many kennels, holding about 400 animals at all times, how many will then be adopted? If all of the 400 visitors adopted, you would still adopt 4,800 animals. As you can see, holding twice as many animals does not affect the number adopted. The conclusion of these examples is simply this: The only factor that truly affects the number of animals you adopt is the number of people (or rescue groups) who visit the shelter with the intention of adopting. Holding animals longer and holding many more animals does not significantly increase adoptions. NOTE: (A shelter may hold an animal an extended period of time and finally get it adopted, but other animals are being euthanized to allow that one animal the space to stay longer. This is the scenario that causes people to think incorrectly, If we could just hold all animals longer, they would all eventually be adopted.) TO INCREASE ADOPTIONS, YOU MUST INCREASE THE NUMBER OF VISITORS (WHO WANT TO ADOPT). This is done through a good visible shelter location, visibility of all animals, weekend and evening hours, web-site pet listings, an attractive welcoming shelter, well groomed and healthy animals, friendly staff, adoption requirements that are not too restrictive, reasonably low adoption fees, promotion of adoptions in all local media, special adoption events and the help of rescue groups. C. Stray Kennels that Are Closed to the Public May Increase Euthanasia and Reduce Adoptions. The Midwest Animal Shelter has a reasonable return to owner rate of about 12.5% of total animals received. If a shelter does not normally allow the general public to enter the stray kennels and see all lost animals, this may result in a lower rate of returns. Shelter Planners of America, Copyright Page 38 of 44

52 In some shelters the public is not allowed to enter stray or quarantine kennels on their own because of concerns about bites from quarantined dogs, disease spread, or that someone may try to claim an animal as their own, or the animals may not have been temperament tested and someone might be injured, or a person may become interested in adopting an animal that will not be qualified for adoption. Although these are valid issues, there are ways to deal with these issues and still allow lost and stray quarantined animals the benefits of being seen by the general public. Consider the following important points: Often, when the general public is looking at stray animals, they will identify a neighbor s or friend s dog and be able to advise the shelter staff as to whom the pet belongs. Not having that possibility can lead to the euthanasia of the owned pet rather than the return to its owner. Sometimes an owner of a lost animal will visit the shelter without stopping at the front counter, or they tell the staff they just want to look at the animals. They walk through the kennels looking for their animal, not knowing the strays and quarantined dogs are isolated out of view. They will leave, thinking their dog is not there and the dog may be euthanized as a result. When an animal shelter prevents stray and quarantined animals from being seen by the general public, it also reduces the number of opportunities that could lead to an animal s adoption. Failing to give each animal the maximum exposure to the adopting public can lead to that animal being euthanized rather than finding a good, new home. The human contact the animals need and the opportunity the public wants most is to interact and fall in love with a new pet. The animals, of course, benefit from receiving attention, a kind word and a caring touch. An example of this need is seen in pet stores (where pets are isolated, not allowing the public to touch them) they often have depressed animals who lay in a cage corner not even responding to tapping on the glass. Shelter Planners of America, Copyright Page 39 of 44

53 Several reasons are given by shelters for the procedure of keeping the general public restricted from stray or quarantine kennels. Lets examine each stated reason and consider an alternate solution. Situation: The animals have not been temperament tested and the public may be bitten by a dog in the stray or quarantine kennel causing problems obtaining liability insurance. Solution: Any animal that is frightened or aggressive should be placed in an isolation or quarantine kennel (where the public can see through view windows for identification) but not come in contact with the animal. Rarely do friendly animals bite visitors in shelters. Competent staff can usually tell, as soon as an animal arrives, if it is friendly or frightened and aggressive. This first observation does not require more extensive temperament testing. If the insurance company is advised that bite cases and aggressive animals are kept out of contact with the public, the insurer is normally satisfied. These types of Observation or Quarantine kennels, viewable by the public through glass corridor windows, allows bite cases and unfriendly animals to be seen but not touched by the public. Situation: Shelter staff are concerned that someone may claim an animal that is not theirs. Shelter Planners of America, Copyright Page 40 of 44

54 Solution: No animal should be returned to an owner without proof of ownership in the form of one of the following: dog license, vet confirmation or records, photographs or bill of sale. In absents of these (or in addition to them) the shelter staff can observe how the animal responds to the person claiming to be the owner. Usually, the animal will react excitedly when they see their owner. Finally, if need be, you could require the person claiming the pet to obtain a notarized statement, signed by two witnesses, stating they have knowledge the dog belongs to the person claiming the pet. Situation: The shelter staff hopes to reduce the spread of disease by preventing people from touching the animals. Solution: The major causes of disease in shelters are poor air quality, lack of daily sanitation and poor animal health care, including lack of daily observation. Keeping the public from touching an animal does not solve the problem of disease transfer because the staff is constantly handling all animals each day during cleaning and feeding procedures. Situation: The staff may be burdened with having to tell the public a certain animal is not ready for adoption. Solution: The staff can list the possible adopters name and phone on the animal s record. The prospective adopter can be advised if the animal is not returned to its owner, and is in good health, it will be available on a certain day. If the interested party returns on that day they can apply for the animal and, if approved, adopt the animal. The shelter staff should advise the adopters they reserve the right to place the animal with whoever they feel can provide the best home rather than first come first served. This procedure is a little more work for the staff, but its important to allow every opportunity for a good adoption. Situation: If the animal is euthanized before being made available for adoption, the staff may find it uncomfortable to explain what happened to the animal. Solution: If the animal must be euthanized for health or behavior reasons before it can be made available for adoption, the public should be told the truth. Shelter Planners of America, Copyright Page 41 of 44

55 We urge all shelters to have the stray kennels open and available to the public to view. To be able to have safe, viewable stray kennels, the shelter should also have isolation and quarantine kennels for unfriendly dogs and bite cases. These kennels can be viewed by the public for identification through glass windows but they cannot touch the animals. In addition, there should also be some strict isolation kennels for sick or injured animals completely out of view of the public. D. How to Prevent the Euthanasia of Any Lost Pet that Comes to the Shelter Another extremely important area of preventative programming is ID tags. There should be an organized effort to get all animals in Midwest City area tagged with a owner ID tag or dog license. The microchip ID s are a valuable owner ID system but a collar and tag can get the animal back to its owner without the need for the animal going to the shelter. A free tag program could be offered to all pet owners for a limited time of one or two years. This program could be implemented by volunteer school age children setting up tables at their schools and in shopping malls and giving away free ID tags in a Save Our Pets campaign. A donor could probably be found to finance the modest cost of the numbered tags. (The tag should contain either the shelter phone, plus an identifying number, or, preferably, the owner s name, address or phone.) Certificates for a free collar at the shelter can also be given away with the tag. This certificate gets people to visit the new shelter. Also, every animal adopted at the shelter should be fitted with a collar and tag as it leaves. The simple fact is, if every pet in the community is wearing an owner ID tag, NO Shelter Planners of America, Copyright Page 42 of 44

56 lost animal would need to be euthanized. Additionally, these pet owner s names can go into a database and they can be mailed annual dog license renewals, e- newsletters, etc. A well promoted pet tag program will save the life of any lost animal that has its tag and can be returned home. With a new facility, Midwest City will be able to strengthen all of these types of preventative and remedial programs to increase adoptions, return lost animals and reduce euthanasia to the lowest level. E. Spay Neuter Programs for All Adopted Animals and Low Cost Programs for the Public s Pets The one most important action any shelter can take to reduce the number of unwanted animals, is assuring that the spaying and neutering of every animal adopted from the shelter is done. Since the Midwest City Shelter already does this they should be commented. A spay/neuter program is the most effective preventative program a shelter can put in place to reduce the number of animal deaths. In addition, there should be a low cost spay/neuter program available to the general public for their pets. In some communities local veterinarians understand the importance of these programs and cooperate with the shelters to provide these services at as low a cost as possible. If this cooperation is not possible, it is important for the shelter to start to make arrangements to develop a low cost program for the public. Shelter Planners of America, Copyright Page 43 of 44

57 It has been proven in city after city that the cost of this type of preventative program will pay for itself in a few years with a reduction of animals that need to be picked up, fed, cared for and often euthanized. F. Responsible Pet Owner Education Program to Solve Future Problems. The new shelter should implement an expanding education program that will reach out into the community to promote a message of responsible pet ownership along with humane treatment of all animals. A basic underlying message the education program should promote is the importance of all pet owners spaying and neutering all family pets. The other component of the program is to educate in basic proper animal care, feeding, housing, health care, obedience training and humane treatment of all animals. Shelter Planners of America, Copyright Page 44 of 44

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59 Clark Construction, Inc E. Grand Blvd. Oklahoma City, OK Midwest City Animal Welfare PRELIMINARY BUDGET ESTIMATE March 1, 2018 revised April 4, 2018 DESCRIPTION NOTES QUOTE TOTAL DIV. 1 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS Architectural Fees $55, Structural Engineering Fees $14, Geotechnical Engineering Fees $3, Civil Engineering Fees $12, Mechanical Engineering Fees $15, Electrical Engineering Fees $12, Testing & Inspections $5, Layout/Surveying $5, Permit $0.00 Supervision $80, Printing Fees $3, Temporary Facilities $14, Onsite Security No Allowance Provided $0.00 Clean Up $14, Temporary Construction Fence $3, Additional Insurance $5, SUBTOTAL DIV. 1 $240, $240, DIV. 2 SITEWORK Earth Work (2' select fill) $40, Soil Treatment $1, Paving & Sidewalks $140, Private Utilities $10, Public Utilities (water, sewer, fire line) $50, Demolition $7, Fencing Exterior (no allow for gate opener) $10, Fencing Interior $50, Landscape/Irrigation $40, SUBTOTAL DIV. 2 $349, $349, DIV. 3 CONCRETE Cast-In-Place Concrete $90, SUBTOTAL DIV. 3 $90, $90, DIV. 4 MASONRY Masonry/CMU/Cast Stone $160, SUBTOTAL DIV. 4 $160, $160, DIV. 5 METAL Miscellaneous Steel $3, Stainless Steel kennel $800 ea $48, Stainless Kennels (6) $20, SUBTOTAL DIV. 5 $71, $71, DIV. 6 CARPENTRY Rough Carpentry $1, Millwork $30, SUBTOTAL DIV. 6 $31, $31, DIV. 7 THERMAL & MOIST. PROTECTION Water Proofing & Sealants $16, Exterior Insulation Finish System $28, SUBTOTAL DIV. 7 $44, $44,

60 Clark Construction, Inc E. Grand Blvd. Oklahoma City, OK Midwest City Animal Welfare PRELIMINARY BUDGET ESTIMATE March 1, 2018 revised April 4, 2018 DESCRIPTION NOTES QUOTE TOTAL DIV. 8 DOORS & WINDOWS Hollow Metal Doors & Frames $33, Sectional Overhead Doors (2-12'x12' w/elec openers) $4, Glass, Storefronts, & Glazing $30, SUBTOTAL DIV. 8 $67, $67, DIV. 9 FINISHES Gypsum Drywall & Acoustical Ceiling $115, Ceramic Tile $0.00 Resilient Flooring $0.00 Polished/Stained Concrete $0.00 Epoxy Flooring $141, Painting $38, SUBTOTAL DIV. 9 $294, $294, DIV. 10 SPECIALTIES Interior Signage $1, Lockers $0.00 Fire Extinguisher $1, Wall Protection/Corner Guards $0.00 Toilet Accessories $2, SUBTOTAL DIV. 10 $4, $4, DIV. 13 SPECIAL CONSTRUCTION Pre-Engineered Metal Building $97, Steel Erection $45, Metal Building Insulation $14, SUBTOTAL DIV. 13 $156, $156, DIV. 15 MECHANICAL Plumbing $90, HVAC $160, Fire Suppression System $29, SUBTOTAL DIV. 15 $279, $279, DIV. 16 ELECTRICAL Electrical $65, Voice/Data, CCTV, Access Control $7, Fire Alarm System $10, SUBTOTAL DIV. 16 $82, $82, SUBTOTAL $1,869, CONSTRUCTION MANAGER FEE $186, CONTINGENCY $130, TOTAL $2,187, SQFT 9510 SQFT COST $

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