New animal shelter opens
Related photos on pages 3 & 5 this week. We’ll have more next week.
Newcastle Animal Shelter offiicially opened its doors on Monday, March 11 at 717 N. Walker Drive.
According to information released by the City, the new facility is a testament to the City’s dedication to improving the lives of its four-legged residents. They said it has innovative design features to provide the best animal care and a welcoming space for prospective adopters.
In 2023, 28 animals were returned to their owners, and 38 were adopted by the City of Newcastle’s animal control department. The new facility is built to accommodate up to 27 dogs and 12 cats at one time. It replaces an outdoor shelter which only had space for 10 animals at a time.
The new shelter features state-of-the-art amenities, such as spacious living quarters, outdoor exercise areas and advanced medical facilities to ensure the health and well-being of its four-legged residents.
Guernsey, a design and consulting firm in Oklahoma City, and Nabholz Construction, designer and contractor on the facility, hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony Monday afternoon celebrating the grand opening of the shelter. The ceremony brought together city officials, community members and animal welfare advocates to celebrate the new facility and the city’s commitment to the pet population.
“As a growing city, Newcastle must maintain a high standard of service for our citizens,” said Newcastle City Manager Kevin Self. “By working with knowledgeable partners, we ensure the efficient allocation of tax dollars in Newcastle. This animal shelter is a prime example of our practical approach, as we address not only our current needs but also anticipate future demands.”
“We’ve been planning this animal shelter for six or seven years and it has taken a long time, and it takes a lot of money to build something like this,” Nail said. “We think it is incredibly important that we treat all of our members, including our dogs and cats, with a great deal of respect. This facility is probably the nicest facility of its type for a community of this size in the state of Oklahoma.”
Nail said while the shelter is expandable, the City’s goal is to never fill the facility up. The goal is to keep the pet population controlled.
Guernsey has applied strategic construction methods with future expansion in mind, reflecting the anticipated growth of Newcastle. This approach guarantees that the shelter will meet the immediate needs of the city’s animals and remain adaptable and scalable.
The shelter promises a comfortable and safe haven for animals until they find permanent homes and exudes a loving and compassionate atmosphere. For physical activity, 12 dog runs, directly accessible from the inside, lead to an exterior area, ensuring that dogs enjoy plenty of fresh air and sunlight. Moreover, a play yard is available for dogs to exercise and engage with potential adopters, fostering their physical health and sociability.
“Teaming up with the City of Newcastle and Nabholz Construction, we’ve created more than just a shelter. It’s a dynamic space that not only meets today’s animal care standards but also sets the stage for future growth,” said Guernsey Architect Keith Holman. “This collaboration is all about putting our furry friends first and making the community stronger together.”
As the Newcastle Animal Shelter begins its operations, the City looks forward to seeing the positive impact on animal welfare, and the possibility of fostering a deeper connection between Newcastle’s residents and their animal companions.
The Newcastle Animal Shelter invites the community to visit the new facility. It is open to potential adopters and supporters.