A Legacy of Care

Pets are an important part of our lives. They provide comfort, happiness and unconditional love. As members of the family, they depend on us for lifelong care.

Often pet owners are concerned about what will happen to their animals if they can no longer care for them. The Oklahoma State University’s Center for Veterinary Health Sciences (CVHS) has constructed a facility and developed a program to assure lifelong care for beloved family pets.

A generous donation from the estate of Ms. Leah Cohn Arendt, matched by OSU funds, has enabled the CVHS to construct a life-care center for companion animals. In 1998, the Cohn family dream was brought to life through the establishment of the Cohn Family Shelter for Small Animals.

What Are The Facilities Like?

Pet owners can feel secure in knowing that their pets will receive the love, care and attention they had always enjoyed at home.

The center is located on eight acres of land north of the CVHS Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital. The 6,600 square foot facility is designed as a home with some very special features:

• a playroom where visitors and veterinary students can enjoy the animals
• areas for examination, treatment and grooming
• outdoor runs and separate kennels
• apartment for live-in attendants that provide 24-hour care

Program Participation...

To enroll your pet in the program, call or write the CVHS. Enrollment materials will be provided and staff will discuss your plans for providing the necessary funding.

Funds to operate the program come from invested gift earnings. Minimum gift amounts are:

• $10,000 for each pet bird
• $15,000 for each cat
• $25,000 for each dog
• People often choose to provide funding through a bequest in their will. A 5 percent non-refundable reservation fee assures your animal a place at the center.

For large or exotic animal owners, special arrangements can be made at other facilities within the OSU Center for Veterinary Health Sciences.

For more information about this innovative approach to long-term pet care, please contact:

Jeff Cathey, Senior Director of Development
OSU Center for Veterinary Health Sciences
308 McElroy Hall
Stillwater, Oklahoma 74078-2011
Phone: (405) 744-6728
Fax: (405) 744-5233
Send e-Mail to This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Boarding Facilities
The Cohn Family Shelter is equipped to board pets as space allows. For information on boarding pet procedures, please call (405) 744-3647.