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Animal Control

Animal Control

Animal control is a public safety function of Terrebonne Parish. The Terrebonne Parish Animal Shelter is responsible for performing animal control throughout the entire parish. Animal Control handles the following:

  • stray and loose animals found roaming the streets
  • Community Cat Program
  • bite case investigations
  • aggressive animals
  • rabies quarantine (bite cases)
  • cruelty and dogfighting investigations
  • animals in distress (24/7)
  • support local law enforcement
  • enforcement of animal ordinances
  • revision of ordinances that address animal issues
  • disaster response
  • humane education in the field
  • humane sheltering of homeless, bite, dangerous, and cruelty case animals

 

Frequently asked questions

What do I do if I see an animal in distress?

Terrebonne Parish - Call the Terrebonne Parish Animal Shelter at (985) 873-6709. If after-hours, contact the Houma Police Department at (985) 873-6371 (within city limits) or Terrebonne Parish Sheriff's Office (outside city limits) at (985) 876-2500. Animal Control responds to emergencies 24/7 through law enforcement.

Lafourche Parish - Call Lafourche Parish Animal Shelter at (985) 446-3532 or the Lafourche Parish Sheriff's Office (985) 446-2255.

What do I do if I see a stray in my neighborhood?

Terrebonne Parish - Call the Terrebonne Parish Animal Shelter at (985) 873-6709. Typically, we respond to stray dog complaints within 1 business day. If you see stray cats, learn about our Community Cat Program. If the animal is injured or aggressive, please notify the dispatcher when you call. Due to the volume of calls we receive, we may miss your call. Leave a message with your information and we will call you back promptly. We accept strays from Terrebonne Parish during business hours.

Lafourche Parish - call the Lafourche Parish Animal Shelter at (985) 446-3532 or the Lafourche Parish Sheriff's Office (985) 446-2255.

What do I do if I am bitten by an animal?

Immediately report the bite to the Terrebonne Parish Animal Shelter at (985) 873-6709. If it is after-hours, contact the Houma Police Department (inside city limits) at (985) 873-6371 or Terrebonne Parish Sheriff's Office at (985) 876-2500 (outside city limits). Follow up the next day with the TPAS if the bite occurred after-hours to ensure that we have all of the pertinent information regarding the bite.

Get as much information about the dog and owner as possible at the time of bite. This is critical.

Bite case animals are quarantined according to the law for a period of 10 days to observe for signs of rabies.

What do I do about disposal of animal remains?

If your animal dies, you are responsible for disposal. TPAS does not handle private disposal.

Bayou Paws Cremation (985) 594-9832 is a private pet crematory located in Terrebonne Parish.

Please contact 985-851-0278 for animal disposal through waste management. Waste Management provides disposal services for dead animals found on roadways. They will not remove dead animals found on private property.

What do I do if I have a wildlife issue?

The TPAS does not remove healthy nusisance wildlife. For deterrant information, visit our Wildlife section on our website. Wildlife issues may need the assistance of a licensed wildlife agent of the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. Contact the local Wildlife and Fisheries branch at 1-800-442-2511 for assistance.

What do I do if I see an animal being cruelly treated?

Report the abuse to the Terrebonne Parish Animal Shelter at (985) 873-6709. Come forward as a witness. Without witnesses, it is very difficult to prosecute cruelty crimes. We need citizens who are willing to stand up against this senseless act.