Adoption Hours are Monday-Friday 12 p.m. - 4 p.m. & Saturday 12 p.m. - 3 p.m.

The Jefferson Protection & Animal Welfare Services mission is to improve the community through the practice of compassion by saving and protecting animals, providing care and treatment, through education, advocate for their welfare and to enhance the human-animal bond.

We operate two parish animal centers at satellite location when available and 2701 Lapalco Blvd. at Peters Rd. in Harvey.

The centers hold lost animals for-owners-to reclaim, adopts out homeless animals and quarantine dogs and cats that have bitten. In addition, the center investigates complaints of cruelty or neglect of animals. The centers accept all stray animals turned over to them found in Jefferson Parish, they accept owner surrenders or "owned" pets by appointment only.

Hours of operation are currently:

Tuesday thru Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Sunday is by appointment only.

After hour emergencies should call 504-554-4744.

To schedule an appointment, call the West Bank Shelter at 504-349-5111.

We are taking measures to sanitize, monitor the number of people in the building at one time and socially distance.

RABIES SHOTS

The West Bank location offers Rabies Shots to the public on the first Tuesday of every month. For the month of December, rabies shots will only be available on Monday, December 5, 2022. Times for rabies shots are between 10:30 a.m. - 12:40 p.m. by appointments, walk-ins will be taken as spots are available. Cost for rabies shots is $20.00 for a pet that is spayed/neutered and $25.00 for a pet that is not spayed/neutered. 

FAQ - GENERAL QUESTIONS

HOW DO I REACH THE HUMANE DEPARTMENT?

Please note that Humane Officers can only respond to those cases occurring within Jefferson Parish. To report an animal control incident, please call (504) 349-5536 during regular business hours or the afterhours line at (504) 554-4744.

WHAT SERVICES DOES THE HUMANE DEPARTMENT PROVIDE FOR THE CITIZENS OF JEFFERSON PARISH?

• Investigation of dog attacks to humans and domestic animals

• Enforcement of city and state laws specific to animals

• Emergency response to sick or seriously injured domestic animals, vicious domestic animals, reports of severe animal cruelty, possibly rabid animals, or possible human or domestic animal exposure to wildlife when rabies is a concern

• Investigation of animal cruelty

• Removal of stray dogs from streets and public areas

• Pick up of stray dogs from residences and businesses

• Regulation and inspection of kennels - commercial and private

• Dog license enforcement

• Rabies vaccination enforcement

THERE IS A RACCOON IN MY ATTIC. WILL THE HUMANE DEPARTMENT REMOVE IT OR RENT ME A TRAP TO REMOVE IT?

The Humane Department only deals with wildlife concerns when a human or animal has been bitten or attacked. 

Humane wildlife control agencies can help resolve these situations, but do charge a fee.

Visit the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries for more information on nuisance wildlife: https://www.wlf.louisiana.gov/page/nuisance-wildlife-control-and-removal.

WHAT IS RABIES AND IS IT A PROBLEM IN JEFFERSON PARISH?

Rabies is a viral disease that affects the brain. Dogs, cats, humans and other warm-blooded animals can become infected with rabies if they are exposed. In recent years horses, cats, and bats in Louisiana have been confirmed carriers of the rabies virus.

CAN I GIVE MY PET A RABIES VACCINATION MYSELF?

Louisiana state law requires that a rabies vaccination be administered by a licensed veterinarian. Jefferson Parish offers public rabies vaccinations on Tuesdays at the West Bank shelter location, from 10 a.m. -11:30 p.m.

WHY SHOULD I LICENSE MY PET?

Lost and Found: As you probably agree, we would rather your pet not ever be brought to an animal shelter. If your pet is wearing a Jefferson Parish rabies license, we can easily trace the number and contact you regarding his or her whereabouts. This is significantly less stress on you, your pet, and your local animal shelters.

Money Generated: The money that is taken in from license fees is used for other animal control operations such as supplementing the cost of animal care and conducting a low-cost and no-cost spay and neuter program for our residents.

It is the LAW!: It is much less expensive to pay the fee than to pay the fine. It is required that every dog or cat in Jefferson Parish have a license within 30 days of ownership.

MY PET ALWAYS STAYS IN MY HOUSE. DOES HE STILL NEED TO BE LICENSED?

Yes. All animals over the age of three months must be licensed.

HOW MUCH DOES A LICENSE COST?

Unaltered dog or cat: $25.00
Altered dog or cat: $20.00
Replacement fee: $5.00

For more information on local animal ordinances, click here: municode.com

MY NEIGHBOR'S DOG IS ALWAYS OUTSIDE AND I WORRY THAT HE MAY NOT HAVE ADEQUATE SHELTER, FOOD, OR WATER. WHAT SHOULD I DO?

If you are ever concerned that an animal is being neglected or cruelly treated, call the Humane Department so that an officer can visit and check on the animal. The officer will ask for a street address and a description of the animal in question. Citizens may remain anonymous when filing complaints. An officer will inspect the premises to validate the complaint, and speak with the owner in hopes of improving the animal's living situation.

A DOG OR CAT BIT ME OR MY CHILD. WHAT SHOULD I DO?

Take any steps necessary to ensure that any wounds are treated appropriately with medical care. Report the bite immediately to animal control so that an officer can respond and gather details of the incident.