Continual Care Program
At Oklahoma State University, we know pets are more than animals. They are best friends
and cherished members of our families. We spend hours caring for and bonding with
them. But what happens when we can no longer provide for them?
The College of Veterinary Medicine at OSU has a way for you to give your pet lifelong care. Established by a generous gift from Leah Cohn Arendt, the Cohn Pet Care Facility gives pets a haven when their owners cannot.
The Pet Care Facility covers eight acres north of the Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital in Stillwater. Pets that live at the facility enjoy a large playroom where they interact with visitors and staff and have private kennels and plenty of room to run outside. All the animals receive excellent medical attention from the CVM staff. They are treated and groomed in clean, up-to-date spaces.
The Cohn Pet Care Facility Continual Care Program gives you the opportunity to endow a fund that will cover the expenses of your pet for their entire lifetime. The program includes the services at the Pet Care Facility and can be customized to establish an adoption plan after your pet is admitted to the facility.
The endowment levels below have been identified for each type of pet to provide the same quality care you offer at home.
| Endowment Level | |
|---|---|
| Cat | $50,000 |
| Dog | $75,000 |
History
Thanks to a generous donation from the estate of Ms. Leah Cohn Arendt, matched by Oklahoma State University funds, the Veterinary College was able to build the Cohn Pet Care Facility. In 1998, the facility opened offering pet owners a plan to provide a home and care for their beloved furry family members long after the owner is gone.
The shelter is located on eight acres of land north of the OSU Veterinary Medical Hospital. The building is 6,600 sq. ft with some very special features:
- A cat room, specifically designed to meet the exercise needs of cats, is located inside where the sun shines into the room most of the day
- A designated area for veterinary medical examinations, treatment and grooming
- Outdoor runs and separate dog kennels are provided
- A ‘visiting’ area where the animals can enjoy being with people in an atmosphere that is ‘just like home’
Frequently Asked Questions
- How does the program work?
Through your endowed fund, the Cohn Pet Care Facility will provide for your pet when you are no longer capable of daily care. You can choose to permanently house your pet at the Cohn Pet Care Facility or we will work to find your pet the perfect home that matches the requirements you establish when enrolling. Regardless of your decision, your pet will receive the highest standard of care from CVM veterinarians and support staff.
- How do you decide who adopts my pet?
You’ll have the chance to tell us all about your pet and any specific requirements for potential adopters. You also have the ability to name a friend or family member who will be responsible for adopting your pet while also ensuring all of their medical care will be provided for with the endowment you establish with us.
- What happens if you can't find the perfect people to adopt my pet?
If we cannot find appropriate adopters, your pet will remain in our care. We will continue to abide by your requests and keep your pet happy and healthy.
- How will my pet be cared for?
While your pet is staying at the Cohn Pet Care Facility, your endowed fund covers all daily costs such as food, toys and bedding, as well as any medical procedures and routine veterinary visits and vaccines. Your pet will be catered to by the best OSU specialists, ensuring quality and timely attention. Outdoor runs and a spacious play room will guarantee your pet gets plenty of time with staff andb visitors while we find his or her future home.
- What happens to my endowment if my pet passes away before me?
Your endowed gift ensures the health and happiness of whichever animal may be your companion at the time your pet arrives at the Cohn Pet Care Facility. If your pet passes away before admittance to the Facility, your gift will extend to any future pet you may acquire at the appropriate endowment levels.
- What does the university do with my money after my pet dies?
After your pet passes, the endowed fund will benefit the College of Veterinary Medicine as a whole. Your gift will help the education of future veterinarians and research into new and improved veterinary treatments to benefit animals.
- How do I enroll my pet for the program?
The enrollment process is simple. To start, we’ll have you fill out a few forms including information about his or her daily routine in addition to providing a photo of your pet. In order to guarantee a spot for your pet(s) and secure the current price, a minimum five percent of the total endowment amount is due at the time of enrollment. Due to the tremendous interest in our program, we cannot guarantee space to any pet that does not have completed paperwork and at least five percent of their total endowment paid in advance. Please contact us if you have any questions about the enrollment process or program.