Oklahoma City breaks ground on new $42 million MAPS 4 Animal Shelter

City officials broke ground Thursday on the new $42 million MAPS 4 animal shelter, a long-awaited project aimed at improving conditions for pets, staff, and the community.

The facility, located near Southeast 29th Street and Bryant Avenue behind the current shelter, will double the city's dog kennels and expand cat condos to enhance care for animals in need.

“This city is ready to build a brand-new place for the dogs, for the staff and volunteers, and especially for the citizens of Oklahoma City," said Gayle Leichner. "They deserve it, and we’ve waited so long for it."

The state-of-the-art shelter is expected to open in 2026, providing modernized spaces and increased capacity to support pet adoption and rescue efforts.