"Saving lives tomorrow by spaying or neutering today"
Spay-Neuter Intervention Programs (S.N.I.P Fund & Operation CatSnip)
Provides low-cost sterilization of dogs and cats for St. Bernard residents; those on public assistance or retired may apply for a voucher to pay all or most of the cost. OperationCatSnip provides spay or neuter for feral or neighborhood cats at little or no charge.
"Enriching the lives of senior citizens while giving an adult pet a second chance"
Animals for Retirees Fund (A.R.F. Program)
Provides low cost or free adoptions to resident senior (65 yrs. and over) citizens.
"If an animal is being abused in the home,
it is almost certain that a spouse or a child is also being abused"
Adopt-A-Teacher Program
Provides free humane educational materials with strong conflict resolution content for elementary school classes in the hope that it will break the cycle of family abuse.
"Our animals are dying for lack of space"
Build a Better Shelter Fund
Currently our award winning, but woefully overcrowded shelter has only 20 dog runs and 18 cat cages. The Humane Society of the United States recommends a shelter serving a population the size of St. Bernard have 40 dog runs and 50 cat cages. The parish has secured property and allocated funding for the first phase of the new shelter, but funds are needed to complete all phases.
"Getting basic necessities that the parish cannot afford"
Shelter Needs and Projects
Past examples are resurfacing and sealing cement flooring in the kennel area, construction of an after-hours surrender area, outfitting a bus for mobile adoptions and education, outside kennel runs, a digital camera for placing pictures of adoptable pets on the internet, cement paths and walkways, construction of a "play room" for cats and kittens, computer software and other equipment. Current projects include behavior training for shelter dogs, flea treatment for shelter pets, internet access
Below are thumbnail descriptions of our programs. Check the links above for more information or call the shelter at 504 278-1535. Future programs are listed at the bottom of this page
coordinate and fund our programs. As a registered 501(C)(3) public charity, donations are deductible under section 170 of the Internal Revenue Code.
Donations can made on-line or may be sent to:
FRIENDS OF THE ANIMAL SHELTER
OF ST. BERNARD
P.O. Box 1095
Chalmette, LA 70044
504 278-1535
If you wish your donation to specifically benefit one of the programs listed above, please indicate the program on your check. No administrative costs are ever deducted; 100% of your donation will go to the program indicated. If you have no preference, Friends will use your donation where most needed.
Spay and Neuter Assistance - for low income owners, feral and/or neighborhood cats, as well as the general public.
Build a Better Shelter - replace our shelter's severely outgrown (and outdated) facility. Property and funding for the first phase of the new shelter has been allocated. Donations and 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 until old enough for adoption.
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 (public or private), agility competitions and other dog contests or events.
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 classes for shelter pets to make them more appealing to adopters. Develop "puppy classes" to start new owners and their pets off right. Schedule regular sessions for owners' seeking help with particular behavior problems before the animals are surrendered to the shelter.
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 prevent pets from losing their homes in the first place, and will improve the manner of housing 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.
