For many years, animals that were caught by Collinsville Animal Control were brought to the cinder-block shelter. This was known as the Collinsville Animal Shelter ("the shed") prior to January, 2008. Inside the shed, there were no windows, only cages. The only light came from gaps in make-shift metal sheeting and blue tarps that covered the "outside" parts of the cages. Animals were given 3-5 days before being euthanized and since most people were unaware of this shed, adoptions were rare. With so few cages available, most animals did not have a chance for survival.
In August, 2004, a group of concerned Collinsville residents formed the Friends of the Collinsville Animal Shelter (F.O.C.A.S). Their objective was to build the first and only no-kill animal shelter to replace the old living quarters for the animals, the lobby for the implementation and enforcement of animal care ordinances, and give our animals a chance to find a loving home.
By August of 2005, F.O.C.A.S. had been given use to the land by the City of Collinsville to build the shelter and by June, 2006, the foundation was being poured. The shell of the building was finished in June, 2007 and by January, 2008, the Ward-Wiseman Animal Haven opened its doors for the first time. Since opening, we have remained at capacity, but have adopted out over 1437 animals (as of 12/22) while maintaining a strict spay/neuter policy. We are funded completely by donations, fundraisers and adoption fees.
In 2020 the city built an Isolation Unit funded through bonds. This building holds incoming animals and is used to isolate sick animals from the rest of the residents. The Isolation Unit opened in January 2021 and has made a huge impact on keeping the dogs and cats in the main building safer and healthier.
Adoption Policy
Adoption Process
1. Contact the shelter and let them know your animal of choice OR stop by our shelter during hours of operation! - 15628 N. 129th E. Ave, Collinsville, OK 74021
2. Meet your animal. We have a big back yard at the shelter so you and your new friend can romp and play!
3. Fill out an application and either email it to: [email protected] or mail it in! You can also fill out the application at the Haven during hours of operation.
4. If your new pet is not SPAYED/NEUTERED, WE WILL NEED TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT WITH EASTSIDE VET CLINIC TO BE SPAYED/NEUTERED BEFORE LEAVING OUR SHELTER! Spaying/Neutering at Eastside Vet Clinic is included in the adoption fee. Puppies and kittens must be spayed/neutered as soon as they are old enough. You will be required to sign the spay/neuter form and provide proof of the surgery being completed. Failure to spay/neuter your new puppy or kitten will result in repossession of the animal by WWAH and you will lose your adoption fee. We are not trying to sound mean, but we are required to control the pet population as best we can!
5. Call or visit us to find out our current adoption rates! We often have special prices for long-term residents! This pays for care while they were at the shelter, shots, staff fees, heart worm testing, feline leukemia/FIV testing, micro chipping and alteration fees (if necessary). Your check or cash will be held until the adoption is approved. We also accept credit cards! If, for some reason, the animal cannot be adopted, you will receive a full refund.
6. Whether your pet needs altered or not, there could be a 48 hour waiting period for all adoptions. This allows one of our staff to review your application and to visit with you. A home visit may be required for some adoptions. We take pride in caring for our animals and want them to have a great life when they leave us!
7. That's it! Take your new friend home and have fun! And please tell your friends about our shelter! There are other great pets that need homes!
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