We envision the day when all citizens, their property and their neighborhoods will be safe from the dangers and nuisances of irresponsible pet ownership
We envision the day when animals will not suffer because of human abuse, neglect or ignorance.
We envision the day when every pet born will be assured of a good home and proper care all its natural life.
We envision the day when all who care about animal welfare can rise above differences and personalities to work together to win the war against pet overpopulation and abuse.
a humane organization which protects animals,
a law enforcement agency which protects people
and their interests,
and of a public health agency which protects people from the dangers and diseases of animals.
The Office of Animal Control assumes a unique position in our community. We combine the activities of:
In keeping with our vision, our mission is to balance the health, safety and welfare needs of people and animals in St. Bernard Parish by:
Protecting the rights of people from dangers and nuisances caused by uncontrolled animals by direct and indirect means.
Insuring the legal protection of animals from mistreatment.
Promoting, motivating and encouraging responsible pet ownership.
Providing a quality adoption program complete with a comprehensive health package.
Working with other groups, private and public, to insure there are NO MORE HOMELESS PETS in St. Bernard Parish by developing programs that will find pets responsible new homes, by addressing the root problems of pet overpopulation and abuse.
Providing resident seniors with the health benefits provided by pet
ownership while giving a second chance to adult pets
at little or no charge to the senior.
Providing free humane elementary educational materials to the elementary school classes of St. Bernard with the goal of breaking the cycle of animal, spouse and/or child abuse.
Preventing the tragic deaths of healthy companion animals in
our shelter by providing low cost or free sterilization of
Our primary goal is to make St. Bernard Parish a NO KILL COMMUNITY by forming a NO MORE HOMELESS PETS COALITION. To reach this goal, Friends of the Animal Shelter of St. Bernard will continue to develop projects that, along with exiting programs, will not only prevent pets from losing their homes in the first place, but will improve the housing conditions for those pets that will inevitably become homeless. Our success will depend on the residents of St. Bernard Parish and the willingness for volunteers to work toward making the following projects a reality.
Spay and Neuter Assistance - for low income owners, feral and/or neighborhood cats, as well as the general public.
Our severely outgrown (and outdated) shelter must be replaced. Funding for the first phase of the new shelter has been allocated. Funding must be secured for additional adoption space, a surgery room and an education room.
Last Chance Fund - to provide funds to treat otherwise adoptable animals that are injured or sick. Eventually will include emergency assistance for low income owners who cannot afford emergency medical treatment.
Foster Care Network - trained volunteers willing to open their homes (and hearts) to otherwise adoptable pets that have minor temperament or health problems that can be resolved during a relatively short-term stay. Would also include housing dogs and cats that are either pregnant or have unweaned litters.
Dog Park - a safe and secure area for pet owners to enjoy their dogs off leash and to meet like-minded pet owners. The park eventually can be used for programs like obedience training, agility competitions and other dog contests.
Feral Cat Initiative - to implement a program to trap, treat if necessary, neuter or spay, release, then maintain (T/N/R) colonies of feral cats instead of trapping and killing them. Provide educational materials to the public on the benefits and long-term success of T/N/R.
Behavior and Training - acquire and maintain a library (video as well as books) addressing pet behavior and problems. Provide training of dogs in the shelter to increase chances for adoption and to prevent returns after adoption. Develop "puppy classes" to start new owners and their pets off right. Schedule regular sessions for owners' seeking help with particular behavior problems.
