Frequently Asked Questions
How many animals do the shelters get each
year?
Almost 20,000 dogs and cats. On a
busy day the shelters will receive as many as 100
animals.
What happens to all those animals?
Currently about 8 per cent are reclaimed by
their owners and 11 per cent are adopted to new
homes. Sadly, the rest are humanely euthanized
because they are terminally ill and suffering,
injured or because there are not enough homes for
them all.
What can people do to reduce this "pet
over-population"?
Have your veterinarian spay or neuter your
own pets so that they can not produce more
puppies or kittens. Every birth adds to the
problem of pet over-population. Also encourage
everyone you know to have their pets spayed or
neutered.
Do you get many animals with rabies?
There has not been a case of rabies in a dog
or cat in Jefferson Parish in over 20 years. But
there are confirmed cases of rabies recently in
bats in the parish. Raccoons which are plentiful
in Jefferson can also be carriers of rabies. By
vaccinating our pets we protect them from getting
infected with rabies from wild animals and then
bringing that disease home to people. Rabies
vaccinations for dogs and cats can be
administered by any veterinarian.
Is there a leash law in Jefferson Parish?
Yes - Anytime a dog is not confined to its
owner's property it must be on a leash not longer
than six feet and under control. Also Jefferson
Parish has a "pooper-scooper" law. If
your dog or cat "does its business" on
public or private property you must clean it up
promptly and dispose of it in a sanitary manner.
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