The 20-year development plan would serve the estimated 135,000 population in 2025. By then, the impound area would need to accommodate 66 to 73 dogs and 49 to 54 cats.

The single facility would satisfy the impounding and adoption holding needs of animal control, enforcement and sheltering components. It would provide additional animal holding areas to allow for the containment of disease cross contamination.

"The number one way to prevent disease is to keep it from getting into the facility," Tevis said.

The shelter environment would be in line with the current recommendations of the Humane Society of the United States and other governing agencies.

Dr. John Otto asked if the City plans to continue with its aggressive spay and neuter program, with Oklahoma State University veterinary students traveling to Norman two days per week to do spaying and neutering on all animals that go up for adoption.

"Really since we have been doing this, the number of animals we are taking in has dropped," Otto said.

"We will continue to do 100 percent spay and neuter," Maisano said.

The recommended stray animal holding area would be 4,700 square feet. It would include a cat area with 56 to 84 cages; dog holding area with 40 runs and 16 cages, long term/bite holding area with 10 runs; general storage room, tech work area, janitor room, mechanical room and food prep and storage.

A 2,300-square-foot area would include the laundry room, a general storage room, mechanical and utility room, euthanasia room, break room, employee toilets with shower, changing area with lockers, workshop and covered cremation area.

A new delivery garage would include a triage area and an area to hold feral cats.

Alternates that could be added to the plan include a fenced exterior play yard, covered exterior play area, habitat rooms, cat and dog adoption expansion and a training center.

Tevis said it would be important for the expansion to be phased, because the facility would need to continue to operate during construction.

Maisano said there are also plans to expand when the City moves its compost facility and include a corral to hold horses and other animals.

A study session is planned for Norman city councilmembers in April, Maisano said. How the renovation and expansion would be financed has yet to be determined.

Suggestions and input may be sent to Maj. Jim Maisano at the Norman Police Department at jim.maisano@NormanOK.gov or call 321-1600.