Animal Services FAQ
Adoptions:
What is the adoption fee, and what does it include?
The adoption fee is $80.00 for a dog and $70.00 for a cat. This includes a one year registration, spay/neuter, a rabies vaccination, the first 3-in-1 for cats and 4-in-1 for dogs, a bordetella nasal injection, and a de-wormer.
When do I get my animal?
If the animal is already spayed or neutered, or if it is a kitten or puppy, you get it at the time of the adoption. If none of that applies, it will be sent to a local veterinarian and you can pick it up usually on the next day.
How long do the animals stay at the vet?
Normally one day so you can pick them up on the same day. Some of the vets like to keep them overnight. Be sure to check.
How can I pay?
Cash, check, or credit card.
What do I need to bring with me?
Good personal identification and some form of confirmation of your address.
Do you have to get the animal fixed?
Yes, it is required by law.
Can I return my adopted animal?
Yes – however there are no refunds. You can exchange your adopted animal for another.
What is the refund policy?
There are no refunds, however you can exchange for another animal. Conditions of the exchange may apply.
I have lost my voucher, can I get another one?
Yes, simply contact our office.
Do you microchip, if so, how much?
Yes, we do microchip for adopted animals, and animals that are being returned to their owner with a registration. The cost is $15.00.
Do you foster?
Yes, please contact our office for more information.
Can we bring our dog to meet a dog we like?
Yes you can, simply contact us to schedule it.
Can you adopt more than one animal?
Yes you may. We do monitor this to make sure that it is within good reason.
If you live out of state can you still adopt?
Yes. We will require proof of the address where the animal will be housed.
Intakes:
Does it cost to turn in an animal?
No, proof of Tangipahoa Parish residency is required.
What type of animals do you handle?
Dogs and cats only.
What do we need to drop off an animal?
Proof of Tangipahoa Parish residency.
Do you pick up stray cats and dogs?
Yes we do, simply call our office at 985-543-0215.
If I don’t live in Tangipahoa Parish can I turn in an animal?
No. Proof of Tangipahoa Parish residency is required.
Euthanasia:
Are you a kill shelter?
We are an unlimited intake facility. Unfortunately some refer to us as a kill shelter. This is only because we cannot limit the number of animals that come in.
How long do you keep a dog/cat?
There is no automatic number of days. Owner turn-ins become the property of TPAC at the time of the turn in. At-large or stray animals that are healthy enough stay for five days before going up for adoption or rescue. Each animal is evaluated each day to determine how long it will be here.
What is the criteria for euthanasia?
Sick, injured and vicious animals or animals that present a threat to public health and safety are humanely euthanized. Unfortunately, due to the number of animals that come in, sometimes healthy animals have to be euthanized. We work diligently to get every animal here adopted, returned to the owner or rescued.
Hours:
What are your hours to adopt a dog or cat?
Intake hours are 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM Monday through Friday.
Adoption hours are 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM Monday through Friday, and 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM on Saturday.
We are closed on Sundays.
Shots And Rabies:
Do you do rabies shots?
Only on adopted animals.
How often do I need to get my cat/dog vaccinated?
As you will see in our adoption contract, you need to have your pet seen by a veterinarian shortly after adoption. Your veterinarian will advise you on this. The general rule is annually.
If I vaccinate my own animal for rabies is it recognized by the state?
No it is not. Even though you can purchase the rabies vaccine and give the shots to your own pet, this does not cover you legally if your animal bites someone.
Do you do low cost spay and neuter?
No, that is not available at this time.
Do you have a vet there?
No, we do not have a vet on staff.
Services:
If we didn’t adopt a dog from there can we get it microchipped?
Yes you can, with a registration.
I need to have my animal put down, how much is it?
We do this for dogs and cats only. The fee starts at $25.00 for small animals and goes up depending on the size of the animal.
Donations And Volunteers:
Do you accept donations, and if so, what type?
Yes, we do accept donations. We accept just about any type of donations that would include but not be limited to: towels, blankets, kuranda beds, chew toys, treats, and even cash donations.
How old do I have to be to volunteer?
You must be at least 18 years old.
Laws:
Is there a leash law?
Yes, all pets have to be contained or under the direct supervision and control of their owner.
What do I do about my neighbors barking dog?
Ideally work it out with your neighbor. In the event that does not work contact our office and we will be glad to help.
Does it cost money to get your animal back?
Yes, there are fines and fees associated to getting an animal returned to its owner. There are exemptions such as through the registration program.
What happens if we don’t pay the ticket on time?
All unpaid tickets are sent to the 21st Judicial District Court for prosecution.
When do you take an animal?
When there is a violation of law, when any human is endangered, and when any animal is endangered.
Traps:
How can I get a trap?
If you need to check a trap out, simply come to our office, post a deposit, and get a trap. If you need an at-large or stray animal trapped, simply call our office at 985-543-0215 and we will respond.
Do you use humane traps?
Yes, we use humane traps.
Do the animals get exercise?
We have a volunteer program designed to exercise our animals. The staff also exercises the animals when time allows.
