The team at Edmond Animal Shelter, led by Animal Services Supervisor Kenny Stevenson, operates under a broad mission far extending beyond the typical "dog catcher" duties, as reported by the City of Edmond. Stevenson emphasizes the unit's dedication to public safety and animal welfare, “We do a lot more than ‘dog catcher’ – we investigate reports of neglect or abuse. We respond to and address reports of bites or aggressive animals,” in a statement obtained by the City of Edmond's official website.
In the busy urban sprawl stretching over 90 square miles, the animal services team not only handles the rescue and security measures for both wild and domestic creatures, but they're also heavily involved in legal procedures and care management, including vaccinations, spay and neuter services, and finding these pets their ideal homes, before the end of 2024, the team is expected to exceed a response rate of 4,000 calls for service, according to their internal data. Their roles integrate seamlessly within the Edmond Police Department's Special Services Division, ensuring a comprehensive approach towards animal-related incidents in the community.
The Edmond Animal Shelter has shown an impressive record of care for the year 2024, with over 500 animals taken in and a proven success rate in rehoming these creatures, "In 2024 – heading into December – the shelter had taken in and cared for more than 500 animals,” Stevenson told the City of Edmond, with the shelter having facilitated 265 adoptions, partnered 67 animals with rescue groups, and reunited 168 pets with their owners.
Understanding the long-term commitment pets require, Stevenson and his team stress the significance of considering all aspects of pet ownership including potential medical needs and the sheer lifetime responsibility; this sensitivity extends to the shelter's work which not only caters to sheltering animals but also offers essential services like low-cost spay and neuter in collaboration with the Oklahoma Humane Society, “We recommend all pet owners get their animal spayed or neutered, and keep their vaccinations up to date,” Stevenson told the City of Edmond, highlighting the outreach efforts aimed at maintaining public safety and animal well-being.
At the heart of the Edmond Animal Shelter’s operations is a robust volunteer program with an active force of 35 to 50 individuals donating their time in various capacities, from dog walking to assisting with off-site adoption events. Those interested in contributing their efforts to the Shelter's cause must commit to at least 2 hours per week for a minimum of 6 months and are vetted through an application process, which includes a criminal records check and an interview, as highlighted by the City of Edmond. Prospective volunteers can learn more by calling the Shelter directly.
Despite the rewarding aspects of the job, Stevenson acknowledges the difficult decisions that sometimes have to be made, especially when the welfare of the community and animals intersect, "The hardest thing, no doubt, is when we are forced to euthanize an animal for health or safety reasons," Stevenson remarked with a note of solemnity in discussions with the City of Edmond, signaling a last resort in their line of duty.
