Midwest City Opens New Animal Services Center

A brand-new animal services center opened in Midwest City on August 16, and it is a much-needed upgrade for the workers and the animals. 

A project from the 2018 bond election, the facility sits just off Reno on Woodside Drive, just north of Regional Park. A tremendous upgrade from the previous facility, that staff said was too hot in the summer and too cold in the winter. 

“It’s great for the community, the location is close to neighborhoods, it’s close to our biggest dog park, it’s closest to our biggest park,” said Josh Ryan, with Midwest City. 

The location keeps animal adoptions on the mind of residents. People like Jalinda Bowman, who came in to adopt Velma. 

Bowman’s boyfriend is a trucker and was looking for a riding companion. 

“We came up a couple of weeks ago and saw her, and he asked me to come back and pick her up, and she’s going to go meet her new daddy, tonight or tomorrow,” said Bowman. 

Bowman said there was an instant connection with Velma, from the very first encounter. 

“She’s young, she’s obviously playful, she’s really cute, she seemed to really get along with us, and she loves to give hugs,” said Bowman. 

When the city began plans to build the facility, there were many trees on the lot that would have to be cut down. So, they came up with the idea of how to use them. 

“What you’ll find in the get acquainted rooms and in the community room-- is you’ll find a large table where community meetings can take place, city staff meetings, neighborhood associations can have meetings here and then you’ll find some benches as well that are made from this reclaimed wood. 

The interior and exterior walls are insulated as not to disturb the neighbors. Also in the works is a surgery room where animals can be spayed or neutered on site. 

A grand opening is scheduled for later this month, but for now they are open and functioning and invite everyone to come out and visit, and maybe take home a new family member. 

Click here for more information.