Looking for your new best friend?  Look no further!!!  We have a many wonderful animals that are in NEED of good homes. 

Follow us on facebook! Click the "Like" button on our facebook to see pictures of adoptable animals and to keep up with the latest events at the shelter.


Application Process

Our staff attempts to match every animal with the most suitable home. Our adoption process begins with completing a simple adoption application. Applications are processed in the order in which they are received. Shortly after you submit your completed application, you will receive a call from our adoption specialist so that we may gain as much information from you to ensure that the animal you are interested in is a match.  This will also give you the opportunity to ask questions about the animal. Please be patient and know that we want to adopt animals to good homes just as much as you want to adopt.

Adoption Fees
Adoption fees include ALL of the following:

• Brief health exam
• Heartworm test (dogs 6 mo. and over)
• Parvo test (dogs/puppies)
• Heartworm/Feline Leukemia/FIV test (cats/kittens)
• First set of vaccinations
• Dewormer
• Mirochip (including registration)
• Spay/Neuter

Cats/Kittens
click for list
		Cats (6 mo and over): $50.00 Kittens (under 6 mo): $75.00

Dogs/Puppies
click for list
		Dogs (6 mo and over): $100.00 Puppies (under 6 mo): $125.00

Other
click for list	$15.00

Every adopted animal will have all of the above listed services completed before going into its new home.

Click here to view some of the animals available for adoption.

Off-site Adoption Events
Join us at our adoption days at PETCO on MLK Blvd. in Houma, LA on the first Saturday of every month and at PETSMART on the second Saturday from 12pm to 2:30pm. Cats are on display for adoption at PETSMART every day during the week.

"Operation: Reduce Population" is our low cost spay/neuter program for pets in our community. This low cost program is designed to reduce the number of unwanted animals in our community. Spaying/neutering your animal is an EXTREMELY important part of its care. By doing so, your animal will typically want to stay home more, be less aggressive, and not contribute to the overpopulation problem that exists in Terrebonne Parish and so many other places. The staff of TPAS understands that the COST of the spay/neuter surgery is the PRIMARY reason that owners give for not spaying/neutering their pets. Now, there is an AFFORDABLE option for those who are interested.

How do I sign up to get my animal spayed/neutered?

• Please come by the shelter at 131 Plant Rd. in Houma, LA; or
• Call us at (985) 873-6709 ext. 202

 Payment is required at the time appointments are scheduled.

Cats : $25.00 - $50.00
Dogs: $50.00 - $100.00

Gulf Coast Companion Animal Relief Program (GCCARP) was a program lead by the LA/SPCA which was created in response to tragic effects stemming from the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill in April 2010. Through a generous grant from the ASPCA, Terrebonne Parish along with other coastal parishes in Louisiana affected by the oil spill were able to offer assistance to those pet owners affected by this disaster. The objective of this program was to ease the financial burden of pet care during the period of economic hardship following the oil spill for fisherman, workers in the seafood industry, and those affected by the depressed economy. Qualifying pets received testing, vaccinations, microchip, and spay/neuter for their pets at NO cost to the owner.

This program had two parts of which the latter broadened the qualifying criteria to include any person/family in Terrebonne Parish who could show proof of being affected in some way by the depressed economy. This program assisted over 200 families in Terrebonne Parish with pet care.

Are your pets prepared?

A written disaster plan, particularly in households with pets can lessen a disaster's impact and save lives! The best recommended plan is to take your pet with you when you have to evacuate. REMEMBER:  If it is unsafe for you to remain, it is unsafe for your pet(s) as well.  Also, most public shelters Do Not allow pets.

Before an Emergency

• Acquire a pet carrier or cage for EACH dog, cat, bird or small animal. Make sure it is large enough for each pet to comfortably stand up and turn around inside. Exceptions can be made to house more than one animal per carrier but DO NOT mix different species together. Take time to familiarize your pet(s) in the carrier or crate until it feels secure and comfortable in it.
• Vaccinate your pet(s) yearly. Consult your veterinarian for the necessary vaccinations for each pet. Boarding facilities REQUIRE proof of current vaccinations before boarding animals.  Healthy pets have a greater chance of thriving during an emergency.
• Provide Identification. The better animals are identified, the greater the chances of reuniting them to their original rightful owners should they become separated. Put current license and rabies tags on a properly fitted collar. Microchipping is an excellent permanent ID. Using more than one ID can also improve the odds. Consider placing an ID tag with an out-of-state contact name & address along with your local information on its collar. Don't forget to place ID on the carriers!
• Photos! Take clear, color photos (frontal, left and right sides) and store with your pet’s license, health records and ownership papers in a waterproof carrier to take with you.  It is a good idea to have pictures of you with your pet.

Make your pet emergency kit

•   Carrier or portable kennel for each pet.
•   Paperwork (ownership, registration, photos, health and vaccination records)
•   A leash and properly fitted collars/harness to restrain each pet
•   Food and water bowls
•   Bottled water (5-7 day supply--double what your pet(s) consumes on an average day)
•   Food supply (5-7 day) and manual can opener
•   Medications, dosage and care instructions
•   Toys, blankets and special comfort items
•   Cleaner and disinfectant wipes to properly handle wastes
•   Newspaper, litter box, litter, scooper, plastic bags for wastes

When a disaster is on the horizon…

• Bring your pet indoors when there is an impending threat of danger from storms or other potentially dangerous events. Reassure your pet. Remember your pets can feel your stress and emotional state.
• If evacuating, call ahead and make reservations at a motel/hotel located away from the threatened area.  Ask for information regarding their pet policies (number of pets allowed and fees). Some motels/hotels will change their policies and accept pets in an emergency situation, but call ahead first.

        Websites for pet-friendly hotels:
        www.petswelcome.com
        www.pet-friendly-hotels.net
        www.bringfido.com

After the disaster…

Provide a safe environment! Clear an area free of debris. Use restraint measures to limit animals to "clean" areas and prevent injury to your animals. Domestic and wild animals will be confused because of the loss of their territorial markers. They will be attracted to poorly discarded food, potentially becoming a threat to family and pets or becoming ill themselves.

If your pet is hurt or lost, listen to emergency broadcasts for an open animal hospital/shelter. Contact the Terrebonne Parish Animal Shelter at (985) 873-6709.

		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 of Terrebonne.

Animal Control handles the following:

• Stray and loose animals found roaming the streets
• Trapping nuisance animals
• Bite case investigations
• Aggressive animals
• Rabies quarantine (bite cases)
• Cruelty and dogfighting investigations
• Animals in distress (24/7)
• Support TPSO and HPD
• 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
• Humane euthanasia

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

Terrebonne Parish

Call the Terrebonne Parish Animal Shelter at (985) 873-6709 ext. 205.  If outside of hours of operation, contact the Houma Police Dept (985) 873-6371 (within city limits) or Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office (TPSO) (985) 876-2500 if outside city limits.  Animal Control responds to emergencies 24/7 through law enforcement.

Lafourche Parish

Lafourche Parish Animal Shelter (985) 446-3532
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: (985) 873-6709 ext. 205. Typically, we respond to stray animal complaints within 1 business day. 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

Lafourche Parish Animal Shelter (985) 446-3532
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 (TPAS): (985) 873-6709 ext. 205.  If it is outside the hours of operation, contact the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office: (985) 876-2500 if outside the city limits or Houma Police Dept. (985) 873-6371 if inside the city limits.  Follow up the next day with the TPAS if the bite occurred beyond the hours of operation of the TPAS 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. 

Heavenly Paws Pet Crematory

(985) 594-9832

Heavenly Paws Pet Crematory is a private pet crematory located in Terrebonne Parish.

Please contact SWDI 985-851-0278 for animal disposal through waste management.  SWDI 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 can assist those residents by offering traps for nuisance wildlife such as raccoons and opossums.  However, other 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 (985) 594-4139 or 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: (985) 873-6709 ext. 205.  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.

 

They NEED your HELP!!  Our staff try their best to give the love and affection that each animal deserves, but because there are more animals than employees, this isn’t always possible.  That is where you can help!  Giving a few hours of your time can make a tremendous difference in the lives of animals and the feeling you have from doing so is very rewarding! 

We also have volunteer opportunities that can be done away from the shelter such as transporting animals, fostering animals, grant writing, errand running, fundraising, etc.

We have volunteer opportunities for individuals 16 years and older.  We also have a youth volunteer program.  A guardian must accompany youth volunteers to the shelter and/or off-site events.

If you are interested in volunteering your time, send an e-mail to animalshelter@tpcg.org with “VOLUNTEER” in the subject line.  Please include the following information in your e-mail and a TPAS staff member will contact you soon:

• First and last name
• E-mail address
• Phone number(s)
• Age (18 yrs. +, 16-18 yrs, or under 16 yrs.)
• Your experience with animals (own pets, volunteer at animal org, none, other-please explain)
• What types of things are you interested in? (animal care, transporting, fostering, grant writing, errand running, fundraising, etc.)

Friends of Terrebonne Animal Shelter
Friends of Terrebonne Animal Shelter is a 501c3 non-profit animal welfare organization created to assist the Terrebonne Parish Animal Shelter in many facets.  The organization’s members volunteer and host fundraising events to benefit the homeless animals in Terrebonne Parish.  If you are interested in joining the team of animal lovers who want to help make a difference in the lives of animals, contact Karen Molasion at karen@houmapets.com or (985) 852-0504.

Are you a non-profit animal rescue organization and want to help our adoptable animals?.....Please begin by downloading and completing our simple rescue application . Be sure to submit all required documentation to expedite the approval process. 

AFTER submission of the rescue application and appropriate documents, please send an e-mail to animalshelter@tpcg.org with "RESCUE REQUEST" in the subject line. Please indicate which animal you are interested by including animal ID#, color, breed, cage number (if applicable), name, etc. Our staff will contact you shortly after. Please remember to include the rescue contact's name, phone number(s) and e-mail address. Thanks for caring about animals!

Petsmart Charities Rescue Waggin

PetSmart Charities Rescue Waggin' program launched in 2004 in the Midwest. Today, the Rescue Waggin' program currently operates in 24 states, running four routes: one on the East Coast, one in the Midwest, one in the Great Plains states, and one in the South Central states region.

The Rescue Waggin' program operates nationally, transporting dogs from high euthanasia shelters to high adoption shelters in order to save more pets' lives.

Since 2004, more than 45,000 dogs have been saved through the Rescue Waggin' program. In 2011, the Rescue Waggin' program is expected to save the lives of more than 9,000 dogs and puppies.

The Dogs

• All adult dogs are given an evaluation before being selected for the Rescue Waggin' program.
• All puppies and dogs must be vaccinated prior to travel and are examined for illness prior to transport.
• No animals are ever displaced at destinations shelters to make room for incoming dogs.
• Upon arrival at the destination shelters, animals are given 12-24 hours of down time to adjust to their new surroundings before receiving a medical exam and spay/neuter surgery.
• Once on the adoption floor, dogs from the Rescue Waggin' program are generally adopted within a week of their arrival.

The Vehicle

• Since 2004, vehicles used in the Rescue Waggin' program have logged more than 1.5 million miles transporting dogs from shelters with high euthanasia to shelters with high adoption rates.
• Each of the vehicles used in the Rescue Waggin' program can transport as many as 50 to 60 puppies and dogs at one time.
• Temperature-controlled environments and piped-in lullaby music on the Rescue Waggin' vehicles provide comfort for the dogs during the trip.
• Rescue Waggin' program guidelines have been reviewed by veterinarians and national humane organizations and are considered the gold standard for pet transport.

The Shelters

• Currently, more than 60 shelters participate in the Rescue Waggin' program.
• All shelters in the Rescue Waggin' program must go through a screening and training process before being admitted.
• Shelter staff receives behavior evaluation training to ensure only behaviorally-adoptable dogs are chosen and transported through the program.
• Many Rescue Waggin' program shelters report significant reductions in euthanasia as a result of the program, in one case as much as 50%.
• Shelters transporting pets in the Rescue Waggin' program are eligible for PetSmart Charities' grants, so that they can improve their shelter facilities and increase their services to their communities.
• The Rescue Waggin' program picks up dogs from animal shelters and transports them to other shelters that have virtually solved their dog overpopulation problems and are able to accept transfer of dogs and puppies into their adoption program.

Interested in helping dogs make it on the Rescue Waggin'?

These animals need to be fostered so that they remain healthy prior to transport. If you can temporarily care for a dog/puppy (or two), please go to our website and fill out our adoption application at www.tpas.petfinder.com. Please put "FOSTER HOME" in the field that says "Animal interested in adopting". Our staff will contact you shortly after to begin discussing our foster program.

The following are a few sections from the Terrebonne Parish Code of Ordinances Chapter 5 "Animals". These excerpts are not intended to represent the entire animal-related ordinances.

To view the entire animal-related ordinances under Chapter 5 "Animals" of the Terrebonne Parish Code of Ordinances, click here.

Sec. 5-7. Licensing; failure to license.

1. It shall be the duty of every owner residing in the parish to obtain and retain an annual license for each dog and cat three (3) months of age and older.  The license certificate shall include the name and address of the owner, a description of the dog or cat including its breed, color, gender, and date of birth or estimated age, and the year and number of the license tag. The annual license fee shall be five dollars ($5.00) for each spayed or neutered dog or cat and ten dollars ($10.00) for each dog or cat which is not spayed or neutered.
   
2. For the purposes of this Section, a dog or cat shall be considered spayed or neutered whenever any of the following is applicable:
   
1. upon presentation of a certificate issued by any licensed veterinarian stating that the dog or cat, if female, was made incapable of producing young by spaying by the veterinarian, or, the dog or cat, if male, was made incapable of producing young by neutering by the veterinarian.
   
2. upon examination by a licensed veterinarian any dog or cat, whether male or female, is certified by the veterinarian to be incapable of producing young.
   
3. if the dog or cat has been previously licensed as a spayed or neutered dog or cat.
   

A male dog or cat may be considered neutered if upon examination it has evidence of castration.


3. Dogs used as guides for blind persons and commonly known as “seeing-eye” dogs or dogs used to assist deaf persons and commonly known as “hearing-ear” dogs shall be licensed as other dogs herein provided for, except that the owner or keeper of such dog shall not be required to pay any fee therefore.
   
4. The owner of five (5) or more dogs may procure a kennel license and pay a kennel license fee in lieu of the individual dog licenses and license fees provided for herein.  In every case where all animals on the property are spayed/neutered, a sixty percent (60%) discount on the applicable kennel license fee shall be applied.
   
5. Any person with five (5) or more dogs on his property and who breeds and sells dogs retail, wholesale, or to the public is required to procure a kennel license and pay a kennel license fee in lieu of the individual dog licenses and license fees provided for herein. 
   
6. The annual kennel license fee is:
   
1. fifty dollars ($50.00) if no more than five (5) dogs over the age of six (6) months are harbored on the premises at the time of application;
   
2. one hundred dollars ($100.00) if more than five (5) dogs but no more than ten (10) dogs over the age of six (6) months are harbored on the premises at the time of the application; and
   
3. one hundred fifty dollars ($150.00) if more than ten (10) dogs over the age of six (6) months are harbored on the premises at the time of the application.
   
7. Upon the issuance of a kennel license, the applicant shall be furnished a number of license tags equal to the number of dogs harbored on the premises. 
   
8. No person that breeds, buys, or sells dogs retail, wholesale, or to the public shall maintain more than twenty (20) dogs, excluding dogs which are spayed or neutered, over the age of six (6) months at any time.
   
9. Kennels are subject to inspection by Animal Control Officers at reasonable times and with little or no advance notice.
   
10. All dog, cat, and kennel licenses shall be issued for one (1) year.  The licensing renewal date shall be one (1) year from the initial license date and on an annual basis thereafter.  New residents must license their animal(s) within thirty (30) days of establishing residency in the parish. 
    
11. If there is a change in ownership of a dog, cat and/or kennel during the license year, the new owner shall license the dog, cat, and/or kennel within thirty (30) days of the change.
    
12. No person shall use a license for any dog, cat, and/or kennel other than that for which the license was issued.
    
13. It shall be the duty of every owner of a dangerous dog residing in the parish to obtain and retain an annual license for each dangerous dog.  The license certificate shall include, in addition to information contained on a general license certificate, a statement that the dog has been declared dangerous.  The annual license fee for a dangerous dog shall be ten ($10.00) for each dangerous dog, which shall be in addition to the general license fee stated above.
    
14. Any person who violates any provision of this section shall be fined $25.00 for each offense.  Additionally, when any person violates subsection (h) of this Section, an Animal Control Officer may seize, impound, and humanely dispose of any dog exceeding the maximum number of dogs allowed on the premises.
    

(Parish Code 1979, § 5-4)
State law references: Time for paying dog license tax, R.S. 3:2776; Dog, cat, and kennel licenses fee and certificate; records, R.S. 3:2772; Registration of dangerous dogs; fees, R.S. 14:102.17.

Sec. 5-9. Restraint; failure to restrain.

1.  Each owner and/or attendant shall keep his domestic animal under restraint at all times to prevent the escape from his property or person and shall prevent his animal from threatening, attacking, and/or biting any lawfully acting person or animal. 
   
2. When off the property of the owner or attendant, every domestic animal must be securely fastened to a leash, in a pet carrier/cage, or in a vehicle.
   
3. Every domestic animal shall be restrained in a humane manner that protects the animal from injury and escape while being transported.
   
4. Every female dog and cat in estrus or “heat” shall be confined by way of a solid barrier such as a wooden fence, inside the owner or attendant’s home, or in a veterinary hospital or animal establishment, in such a manner that another not neutered male of the same species cannot come in contact with such dog or cat, except for intentional breeding purposes.  Dogs and cats in estrus are banned from being tethered as the sole means of restraint.
   
5. Proper invisible fencing shall have warning signs posted on all sides of the yard warning persons that an animal is present. Signs shall be plainly marked and visible. Domestic animals in estrus, dangerous dogs, and/or domestic animals that have unjustifiably threatened or bitten a human or another animal are banned from utilizing this system.  Owners or attendants who have been previously convicted of or plead guilty to the restraint ordinance or similar state law shall not utilize this system except at the discretion of the Animal Control Manager.  The owner or attendant is responsible for insuring that the invisible fence is functioning at all times and the domestic animal’s collar is on and effectively working.
   
6. It shall be unlawful for any person to bring an animal into any public park and/or playground in the parish without affixing a securely fastened leash to the animal and maintaining a firm grasp on the leash at all times while in the park and/or playground.  This shall not apply to parks that are designated as “Dog parks”.
   
7. Any owner or attendant who violates any provision of this Section shall be guilty of failure to restrain.
   
1.  For the first offense of this Section, and any subsequent offense of this Section occurring more than one (1) year from a previous violation of this Section, an owner or attendant shall be fined forty ($40.00) dollars for failing to restrain a spayed/neutered animal, and fifty ($50.00) dollars for failing to restrain an animal that is not spayed/neutered.
   
2. An owner or attendant who commits a second offense of this Section within one (1) year of the first offense of this Section shall be fined eighty ($80.00) dollars for failing to restrain a spayed/neutered animal, and one hundred ($100.00) dollars for failing to restrain an animal that is not spayed/neutered.
   
3. An owner or attendant who commits a third offense of this Section within one (1) year of the previous offense of this Section shall be fined one hundred twenty ($120.00) dollars for failing to restrain a spayed/neutered animal, and one hundred fifty ($150.00) dollars for failing to restrain a animal that is not spayed/neutered.
   
4. An owner or attendant who commits fourth and subsequent offenses of this Section within one (1) year of the previous offense must appear at trial and shall be, at the discretion of the court, fined not less than one hundred sixty ($160.00) dollars nor more than five hundred ($500.00) dollars or imprisoned for not more than thirty (30) days, or both.
   
5. Additionally, violators shall pay all court costs and expenses incurred by the parish in the prosecution of these violations.
   

(Parish Code 1979, § 5-6)
State law references: Local regulation of dogs running at large, R.S. 3:2731; state regulation of dogs running at large, R.S. 3:2771, 3:2773 et seq.

Sec. 5-11 Impoundment; citizen cooperation.

1. It is hereby found that the Animal Control Authority’s public purpose of protecting the health, safety, and welfare of the citizens of this parish by seizing and impounding stray animals can be greatly facilitated through cooperation of the citizens and residents of this parish. 
   
2. Therefore, the Animal Shelter, at its discretion, may loan its traps to residents of this parish, pursuant to a written loan agreement, in order to further the cooperation between the Animal Control Authority and the Parish’s citizens in seizing and impounding stray animals. The agreement shall include, but not be limited to, the following terms and conditions:
   
1. The Animal Shelter shall recover from the borrower any costs associated with damaged, lost, or stolen traps in the amount of $40.00 per trap.
   
2. The Animal Shelter shall recover from the borrower late fees in the amount of $10.00 per day for traps not returned by the specified trap return date.
   
3. Any person may use his own traps to capture stray animals, provided it is accomplished humanely and with a humane trap which is covered by a solid shelter.  Any person who traps a stray animal shall relinquish it to the Animal Shelter within a reasonable time in order to ensure the humane treatment of the animal. No person shall set a trap to capture a stray animal on days the Animal Shelter is closed. 
   
4. Any person who inhumanely traps an animal and/or relocates a domestic animal is subject to a charge of animal neglect. 
   

Sec. 5-15.  Rabies control; failure to vaccinate.

1. No person shall own, keep, or harbor any dog, cat or ferret three (3) months and older within Terrebonne Parish without it being vaccinated against rabies by a licensed veterinarian.  Every owner of a dog, cat, and ferret shall cause said animal to be vaccinated initially with a series of two vaccinations, the first to be administered at three (3) months of age and the second to be administered one year after the initial vaccination.  Subsequent booster vaccines shall be administered one year after the administration of the last vaccine administered, except in cases of a medical condition that would preclude proper vaccination or endanger the health of the dog, cat, or ferret.  Exceptions shall only be given for dogs, cats, and ferrets after a letter signed by a licensed veterinarian requesting an exception, whether temporarily or indefinitely, has been received by the Animal Shelter.
   
2. Whoever violates Subsection (a) of this Section shall be guilty of failure to vaccinate and shall be fined $50.00 for each offense.  After the dog, cat or ferret reaches three (3) months of age, each day the animal remains unvaccinated shall constitute a separate offense.
   
3. Any case of an animal biting a human being shall be reported to the Animal Control Authority.  Any case of an animal infected with rabies shall be reported to the Animal Control Authority. Any case of an animal suspected of being infected with rabies shall be reported to the Animal Control Authority.  It shall be the responsibility of the owner and/or attendant of the animal and/or the person bitten to report such facts to the Animal Control Authority.
   
4. Cases of rabies exposure to humans and animals, and cases of animals suspected of being infected with rabies shall be dealt with as required by the Louisiana Administrative Code, Title 51, Part III, Chapter 1, as may be amended.
   
5. Any Animal Control Officer is hereby empowered to seize, euthanize, transport, and/or confine any animal that bites a human being, any animal infected with rabies, or any animal suspected of being infected with rabies pursuant to the Louisiana Administrative Code, Title 51, Part III, Chapter 1, as may be amended, and more specifically as follows: 
   
1. Any animal whose owner does not have proof of the animal’s current rabies vaccination from a licensed veterinarian, shall be confined for a period of not less than 10 days at the Animal Shelter, or, at the owner's option and expense, in a local veterinary hospital of his choice.
   
2. In the case of animals whose ownership is not known, confinement shall be at the Animal Shelter.
   
3. Any domestic animal whose owner presents proof of a current rabies vaccination from a licensed veterinarian may, at the Animal Control Manager’s discretion, be allowed to confine the said domestic animal in the owner’s home.
   
4. When any animal is confined at the Animal Shelter pursuant to this Section, the confined animal shall not be released from confinement except by written permission of the Animal Control Manager.
   
6. In cases where an animal capable of carrying rabies scratches a person causing the skin to be broken, the Animal Control Manager may cause the animal to be confined in the same manner stated above.
   
7. When any animal is confined at the Animal Shelter pursuant to this Section, the owner may redeem the animal after the prescribed confinement period upon the determination by the Animal Control Manager, or his designee in his absence, that the animal does not exhibit any signs of being infected with rabies and upon the owner’s payment of applicable fees and fines.
   
8. An owner who opts to not redeem his animal after the appropriate rabies confinement period shall pay the required boarding fee upon intake or impoundment of said animal.
   
9. No person shall kill, or cause to be killed, any rabid animal, any animal suspected of having been exposed to rabies, or any animal that has bitten a person within the prior ten (10) day period, except as provided in this Section. No person shall remove such animal from the parish.
   
10. The carcass of any dead animal which has bitten a person and/or is suspected of being infected with rabies shall upon demand be surrendered to the Animal Control Authority.
    
11. An exotic or wild animal capable of carrying rabies, that has bitten a human or is suspected of being exposed to rabies, shall be immediately euthanized and the head sent off to the appropriate health department for pathological examination.  The same procedure applies to an exotic or wild animal found dead that has bitten a human or is suspected of being exposed to rabies.
    
12. All dogs which are property of a law enforcement agency are exempt from the confinement requirements of this Section upon producing proof of a current rabies vaccination.  Vaccination records of all law enforcement dogs shall be retained by the agency to which the dog belongs and shall be available for inspection upon request following a reported bite/scratch.
    
13. It shall be the duty of every physician or practitioner to report to the Animal Control Authority the names and contact information of persons treated for bites inflicted by animals capable of carrying rabies, together with such other information as will be helpful in rabies control. 
    
14. It shall be the duty of every licensed veterinarian to report to the Animal Control Authority any domestic animal capable of carrying rabies.  It shall also be the duty of every licensed veterinarian to cooperate fully with the Animal Control Authority in its administration of duties and responsibilities under the provisions of this Chapter, including providing timely information relative to the ownership and rabies inoculation status of any animal under his care.
    

(City Code 1965, § 6-24; Parish Code 1979, § 5-11, § 5-12, § 5-13)
State law references:  Killing of dangerous or vicious dog, R.S. 3:2773; rabies control, R.S. 40:4(A)(2), 40:1276 et seq., Reports prepared by physicians in public hospitals, application of public records laws, R.S. 44:7, 44:36, 44:39, State sanitary code to include the authority of parishes and municipalities to enact ordinances for the control of rabies, R.S. 40:1277. 

Sec. 5-17.  Proper care of animals.

Any person having charge, custody, or possession of any animal, either as owner or otherwise, shall provide it with proper food, proper water, proper shelter, proper space, proper veterinary care, and proper grooming. 

1. Proper food shall be wholesome, palatable, and free from contamination.  Food shall be provided in a sanitary receptacle sufficient quantity with consideration of the age, species, condition, and size of animal a minimum of  once a day except as directed by a veterinarian.
   
2. Proper water shall be clean drinkable water provided in a sanitary receptacle of appropriate size and design which is affixed to prevent spills and made available as often as necessary for health and comfort to all animals which are in a climate controlled environment.  Animals which are not in a climate controlled environment shall have proper water available at all times in a sanitary receptacle of appropriate size and design which are affixed to prevent spills.  Exceptions shall only be allowed upon the recommendation of a licensed veterinarian.
   
3. Proper shelter shall be well constructed with solid sides, bottom, and top with a doorway and be appropriate for the species, size, physical condition, and age of the animal to provide protection from the weather, i.e., wind, rain, sun or other inclement weather conditions.  All animals shall have access to an adequate amount of shade from the sun during hot weather.  When outdoor temperatures reach below thirty-two (32) degrees Fahrenheit, all domestic animals must be moved to an enclosed facility or be provided with heat.  Proper shelter for enclosed facilities shall be adequately ventilated by natural and/or mechanical means or heated/cooled to provide for the health and well-being of the animal.
   
4. Proper space shall be given to all animals with consideration to the species, size, and age and must be useable, maintained, and free of standing water, accumulated waste and/or debris to allow for proper exercise and freedom of movement as necessary to maintain good physical condition.  Unaltered domestic animals of the opposite sex shall not be housed together except in the cases where the owner has selected the animals for intentional breeding.
   
1. Cage confinement of an animal that is abnormally restrictive shall only be acceptable for temporary confinement, be monitored to be kept free of urine and fecal matter, and allow the animal to stand to its full height, stretch out, turn around, lie down, and make normal postural adjustments comfortably.  Animals must be removed from such confines for adequate exercise.
   
2. Each animal, excluding small mammals, primarily confined in a cage/pen must have a floor space of 1.33 square feet per inch of the length of the animal measured from the tip of the nose to the base of the tail, per animal.  For example: One dog measuring thirty-six (36) inches in length must have a floor space of forty-eight (48) square feet.  (36” X 1.33 sq. feet = 48 sq. ft).  Domestic animals housed together should be socially compatible.
   
3. Any animal which must be tethered to restrict the animal to the confines of its owner’s property must have a tether a minimum length of five (5) times the length of the animal, as measured from the tip of the nose to the base of the tail, shall weigh no more than eight (8) percent of the animal’s body weight, and shall not be allowed to endanger the health, safety, or welfare of the tethered animal, other animals and/or persons.  The tethered animal’s living area shall be kept free of obstructions to prevent entanglement.
   
4. Cats primarily confined in cages shall be provided with litter pans and litter material which shall be cleaned regularly as necessary to prevent odor and accumulation of urine and fecal matter and provide comfort for the cat.
   
5. Small mammals and rodents, such as guinea pigs, rabbits, hamsters, etc, which are primarily housed in cages shall have a sufficient amount of room for foraging activities, exercise, etc. to maintain a good physical condition.
   
5. Animals shall be afforded proper grooming of the fur, hoof, claw, nail, tooth, beak and/or any other necessary grooming to maintain their health and comfort.
   
6. An animal shall be afforded proper veterinary care as necessary when an animal is sick, diseased, or injured to prevent unnecessary or unjustifiable physical pain or suffering by the animal.  Upon request, proof of veterinary care must be provided to an Animal Control Officer.