Stillwater voters approve new $8.75m animal welfare shelter

Stillwater voters overwhelmingly approved an $8.75 million bond to build a new Animal Welfare facility, replacing the outdated shelter built in 1984. The new facility will be three times larger and address issues like limited space, poor drainage, and HVAC problems. Supporters say the project will enhance animal care services, including adoptions, spay and neutering, and pet owner education.

Wednesday, April 2nd 2025, 2:07 am

By: Nathan Elliott

STILLWATER, Okla. -

Voters in Stillwater overwhelmingly passed a property tax increase to fund the construction of a new Animal Welfare facility to replace its aging shelter.

Seventy-four percent of voters on Tuesday approved a 15-year general obligation bond to pay for the $8.75 million project.

Click here for the full list of April 1 election results.

Supporters said the new animal welfare center would cost property owners about $60 annually, based on a home valued at $240,000.

What is Animal Welfare?

Animal welfare falls under the Stillwater Police Department, providing services including:

Adoptions and reunifications
Spay and neutering
Removal of dead or injured animals in public spaces or roadways
Microchipping or vaccination of rescued animals
Education of pet owners
Code enforcement

What are the problems at the current facility?

Stillwater’s current animal welfare facility was built in 1984 and doesn’t have enough space, kennels or catteries to serve the growing community, according to supporters. The current facility has HVAC and drainage problems and is located in an area that doesn’t allow expansion.

Where will Stillwater’s new Animal Welfare be located?

The new Animal Welfare will be located near Stillwater Regional Airport and Sanborn Lake, with no adjacent homes. It’s also two miles from Oklahoma State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine. The new facility, at more than 12,000 square feet, is triple the size of the existing center.

What was the vote count for the Stillwater Animal Welfare bond?

With 100% of precincts reporting on Tuesday, 3,647 voted "yes," while 1,266 voted "no." Results are unofficial until certified by the Payne County Election Board.