Last year, Norman euthanized 1,148 animals, said Mike Stogsdill, animal welfare superintendent at the Norman Animal Shelter.
In an effort to end this, Norman has built a new pet adoption center next to the current animal shelter.
Norman will dedicate the new pet adoption center at 10 p.m. Saturday.
Mayor Ron Henderson said the Citizens Humane Commission donated aid to the new center
Mark Stanley from the Norman Veterinary Hospital will be offering low-cost vaccination shots .
Henderson said this has been a priority for him after hearing the number of animals euthanized. He said the new center will be separate from the Norman Animal Shelter in that it will have a division that will keep the sick animals apart from the healthy ones.
Another perk of the center is the dog run, a place for the dogs to get exercise.
Norman appropriated $400,000 in this year's budget for the new center. The money is expected to be paid back with pet license fees, he said.
In Norman, pet owners are required to have their pet licensed. If they have more than two adult dogs, they are required to have a kennel license, said Henry Bafkeyfield, animal welfare officer.
A license for pets that have not been spayed or neutered and are more than 6 months old, costs $16. For an altered animal, one that has been spayed or neutered, the cost is $8.
Henderson said the new center will have a surgical center so animals can be spayed and neutered in-house.
If an animal is under 6 months old, the owner can deposit $15 for a certificate to get the animal vaccinated. After the animal is vaccinated, the deposit will be refunded. Henderson said most veterinarians in Norman participate in this program.
There will also be certificates given to owners that will be refunded once they have their pet spayed or neutered.
Those who would like an immediate rabies vaccination for their pet can get one at the clinic for $5 or $10 for the feline or canine combination vaccination. Bafkeyfield said this is a good thing for Norman, where rabies is on the rise.
The clinic will have about 45 dogs and 25 cats needing a good home.
Bafkeyfield said a few litters of 4-week-old kittens and puppies will be available for adoption.
The new center will be located south of Hwy. 9 at 3428 S. Jenkins Ave. For more information, contact Mike Stogsdill at 292-9736.
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