There is no leash law in Caddo Parish for cats.  Cats are permitted to roam freely without a fence but should remain on the owner's property.  They also need to be neutered or spayed, vaccinated for rabies, and properly tagged.

There is no limit to the number of cats a person can own as long as they do not create a nuisance. However, all cats over four months of age must be vaccinated against rabies and properly tagged.

Traps

Citizens may lawfully place humane animal traps on their private property to capture stray cats that may enter. However, trapped cats must be transported by the citizen to the Animal Shelter. Once the animal is brought to the Shelter it is accepted without charge.

Animal Services has a limited number of cat traps available to the public on a first-come, first-serve basis. There is a refundable $50.00 deposit required for a trap.

Stray or feral cats surrendered to us will be evaluated for potential adoption, evaluated for a potential trap-neuter-return candidate, or may be euthanized after the appropriate hold period. If you are planning to utilize our TNR services, please do so between Monday and Thursday. This will decrease the cat's length of stay in our facility as no surgeries are completed on the weekends.

Fines & Penalties

Abandoning animals is animal cruelty. To abandon an animal that has been trapped is a misdemeanor of the first degree, punishable by a fine of up to $5,000 or by both imprisonment and a fine.

We are an open-admission shelter and accept all dogs and cats surrendered to our facility. We work closely with rescue organizations and humane societies to save as many pets as possible.

Owners electing to have their pets humanely euthanized due to a medical condition must check in at the Receiving office.

Please note: If the dog is not owned/registered by the person requesting the euthanasia, the pet's owner must provide the person bringing in the animal to the shelter a photocopy of their driver's license and a notarized authorization letter granting the person permission to have the animal put to sleep.

Pet owners should note that any animal that enters the shelter automatically becomes parish property after four days and we are authorized to euthanize that animal.

As a volunteer you can look forward to making a huge impact in saving animal lives!! You are needed on the team that supports the humane movement!!

Through positive influence and education we can promote animal compassion and put an end to animal cruelty and unnecessary euthanasia!!

There are many things to do, from cleaning in order to protect animals from deadly disease, to helping them find new homes.

As a Volunteer Staff Member, the animals depend on you to devote a few hours every week!!

We have two types of volunteers.

Volunteer Staff Member

We ask that you be willing to fill a volunteer time block (usually three hours a week) on a day that is convenient for you, or be able to help with special events.

You must be at least 18 years of age and follow the volunteer guidelines. A volunteer staff member can help by:

• Helping to transport and care for animals at offsite adoption sites around the local area.
• Socialize with our animals by exercising them, giving treats, training them, petting and playing with them.
• Help set up classroom workshops and fun educational presentations when we go into schools and communities.
• Cleaning may not be fun, but help is needed to keep the shelter free of communicable animal disease.
• Grooming and washing the animals helps socialize and prevent spread of disease at the same time!!

Traditional Volunteer

You simply come to the shelter at your convenience. If you are not 18 you have to be accompanied by an adult. Traditional volunteers can help by:

• Cleaning the adoption areas to help keep them healthy.
• Socializing them to keep them friendly and happy!!
• Grooming, and training them to make them more desirable.
• Assisting customers with adoption
• Washing mats, animal dish bowls and pet beds also, to prevent deadly disease

We consider all of our Volunteer Members a part of our team and as a token of appreciation they receive:

• Milestone awards
• Achievement awards
• Various certificates
• Public service awards
• Award pins and more

Best Friends Conference

Our next National Conference will be August 10-12, 2023, in Houston, Texas.

More information about the venue, hotel rooms, and registration will be available in Spring 2023.

Volunteer Application Form

If you own or operate an animal related establishment of any type within Caddo Parish you may be required to have a permit. You also require a permit to breed or sale dogs and cats within Caddo Parish.

(318) 226-6624 for more information or refer to the ordinance covering these topics.

The Foster Care Volunteer

The foster care volunteer plays a special part in saving lives at the Caddo Parish Animal Shelter. Many of the animals that come to CPAS are not ready to be adopted into new homes because they are injured, ill, too young, too small, un-socialized, pregnant, and/or orphaned.

To keep these animals at the shelter to rehabilitate them is not always in the best interest of the animals. For instance, tiny kittens and puppies at CPAS could be exposed to life threatening viruses. Young animals with broken limbs would not receive the important socialization needed in that time of their life.

That's where the foster care volunteer comes in. These volunteers are highly committed people who give weeks or months of their time to homeless animals needing extra care.

Foster parents will always become emotionally involved with the animal they are caring for. It is important that foster parents understand that sometimes an animal will not survive, even with the best of care. Each foster parent will handle this differently. Please feel free to discuss your feelings with the Foster Care Coordinator or Public Relations Specialist.

Overall Responsibility of the Foster Home

Foster homes are responsible for providing a warm, safe place for foster animals. They are responsible for providing socialization for the pets in their care, teaching good behavior to the animals while monitoring and guarding their health.

Time Commitment

People who work 9-5 can often be wonderful foster parents. When a mother cat or dog is part of the equation there is little for a foster parent to do but observe her and her kittens or puppies. Kittens and puppies without the mother to nurse them require around the clock care.

Time commitment for other animals will vary depending on the individual animal's needs.

If you are interested in or want more information, about our Foster Care Volunteer Program, please contact the Volunteer Coordinator, Foster Coordinator, or Operations Manager.

Foster Application Form

What do you mean by spaying or neutering?
Spaying is the procedure used for female pets. Neutering generally refers to the procedure used for male pets. They are ways of providing birth control for dogs and cats by removing reproductive organs.

Through spaying or neutering, you can:

• Help your pet have a happier, healthier, longer life.
• Help all pets by reducing the number of dogs and cats condemned to live without homes and without love.

What should I know about spaying and neutering?

• Millions of tax dollars are spent annually to care for lost, abandoned and unwanted pets - and millions more to destroy those that find no homes.
• Health and safety are threatened by rabies, dog bites, cat scratches and loose animals causing car crashes.
• Property may be damaged and livestock killed or injured when pets run "wild" or in packs. Yards and walkways can be fouled with urine and feces.
• Millions of cats and dogs are killed each year - at least half in pounds and shelters, the rest by injury, poisoning, exposure, starvation and disease. Most of these victims are unwanted offspring of family pets.

Spaying a female pet:

• Eliminates the heat cycle ("estrus"). Dogs are in heat for about 21 days twice a year. Cats are less predictable, but can be in heat 3 to 15 days, 3 or more times a year.
• Ends crying and nervous pacing of a cat in heat; ends the frantic efforts of a dog or cat to get outside and find a mate.
• Stops the bloody discharge of a dog in heat. The discharge, which can stain rugs, furniture, etc., attracts male dogs. (If the scent rubs off on your clothes, you may be "hounded" by admirers!)
• Stops unwelcome visits by hordes of yapping or yowling "suitors." Male pets can be drawn from blocks around by the scent of a female in heat - even when she's kept indoors!

Neutering a male pet:

• Stops spraying - a cat's "marking" of territory with foul smelling urine - in most cases. (If the habit is already established, it may not be completely eliminated.)
• Stops the mating drive by removing organs that produce sex hormones. (It may take at least one month for hormones already in the bloodstream to disappear.)
• Reduces the urge to roam in search of a mate - which in turn, reduces the risk of fights, injury, poisoning or death in traffic. (Even if kept inside, unneutered males will howl and beg to get out.)
• Reduces mounting of furniture, cushions, and people's legs by frustrated dogs - a behavior embarrassing to many, even frightening to some.

• Outfit your dog or cat with a collar and ID tag that includes your name and contact information.
• Follow local laws for licensing your pet and vaccinating him for rabies
• Take your pet to the veterinarian for regular check-ups
• Spay or neuter your dog or cat
• Be loyal and patient with your faithful companion

DID YOU KNOW...

Bathing your pet on a weekly basis can reduce the level of allergens on fur by as much as 84-%. Studies show that a weekly bath is far more effective than even products that claim to reduce pet allergens. Even cats can become accustomed to being bathed; check with your veterinarian's staff or a good book on pet care for directions about how to do this properly, and use whatever shampoo your veterinarian recommends.

So you've taken the plunge and adopted a dog of your own. Congratulations! What do you do now?

Supplies

• Collar and leash
• Water and food bowl
• Toys
• Identifications tag

Welcome Home

• Try to arrange the arrival of your new dog for a weekend or when you can be home for a few days
• Spend some quality time together
• Remember not to neglect other pets and people in your household

Heath Care

• If you already have dogs or cats at home, make sure they are up-to-date on their shots and in good health before introducing your new pet dog.
• Take your new dog to the veterinarian within a week after adoption.
• If your dog has not been spayed or neutered, make that appointment!

House Rules

Work out your dog-care regimen in advance among the human members of your household. Decide things like:

• Who will walk and feed him?
• Will Fido be allowed on the couch, or won't he?
• Are there any rooms in the house that are off -limits?

House Training

Always assume that your new pet is not housetrained, and work from there. Read over the housetraining information given to you at the time of the adoption

Crating

Crates may look to you like the canine equivalent of a jail cell, but to your dog, who instinctively likes to den, it's a room of his own.
Do not crate your dog all day, or he will consider it a jail cell.
The crate should not contain wire where his collar or paws can get caught.
He should be able to stand up, turn around and sit comfortably in normal posture

Let the Games Begin

• Dogs need an active life so that means you should plan plenty of exercise and game time for your pet.
• If running in the park is too energetic for your tastes, try throwing a ball or a stick, or just going for a long walk together.
• If you are visiting family or friends, bring your dog and a leash along

A Friend for Life

Be reasonable in your expectations. Life with you is a different experience for your new companion, so give him time to adjust. You will soon find out that you have made a friend for life.

You know how it goes: The minute you turn your back, your pet decides that your new carpet is the perfect place to relieve himself. You clean, but you can't get rid of that smell. What can you do?

To Clean Washable Items

• Machine wash as usual, adding a one-pound box of baking soda to your regular detergent. Air the items for best results.
• If your pet urinates or defecates on the sheets or blankets on a bed, cover the bed with a vinyl, flannel backed tablecloth when you begin the retraining period.

To Clean Carpeted Areas and Upholstery

• For new stains,those that are still wet, soak up as much of the urine as possible with a combination of newspaper and paper towels.
• The more fresh urine you remove before it dries, the easier it will be to remove the odor
• Place a thick layer of newspaper on the wet spot, cover with a paper towel and another thick layer of newspaper. Stand on this padding for about a minute. Remove the padding and repeat the process until the area is barely damp

For Stains That Have Already Set

• To remove all traces of heavy stains in carpeting, consider renting an extractor or wet vac
• When using these machines or cleaners please follow the instructions carefully. Don't use any chemicals with these machines as they work more effectively with plain water
• Once the area is clean, use a high-quality pet odor neutralizer; many are available at pet supply stores

Did You Know?

Cats are wonderful animals who are very clever, kind, and generous. However, you may have an issue when it comes to the litter box. You see, a cat will go where he or she please. The same way a puppy or dog might. Start training your cat for the litter box asap. Have a little tray or box around and fill it with cat litter. After about an hour or 45 minutes from the time your cat has eaten. Lift him or her into the box and wait until he or she goes. This will tell the cat that this is the place he or she needs to use the bathroom.The type of litter you buy is also very important. You see, some litter may upset the cat or cause it to get sick. Try natural and scented litter. They tend to work the best.

• Don't leave pets in parked cars for any period of time.
• On a warm day even with the windows cracked, the temperature in a car can reach 120 degrees in a matter of minutes.
• It's very dangerous, and in some states illegal, to drive with a dog in the back of a pick-up truck.
• Summer is often a time when people fertilize their lawns and work in their gardens. But be aware: Plant food, fertilizer, and insecticides can be fatal if your pet ingests them.
• Make sure your pet is always wearing a collar and identification tag
• Your pets and pools can equal disaster. Prevent free access to pools and always supervise a pet in a pool.
• Provide plenty of water and shade for your pets while they're enjoying the great outdoors so they can stay cool.
• Pets need exercise even when it is hot, but extra care needs to be taken with older dogs, short-nosed dogs and those with thick coats.
• Use only flea and tick treatments recommended by your veterinarian. Some over-the-counter flea and tick products can be toxic, even when used according to instructions.
• Pets can get sunburned too, and your pet may require sunscreen on his or her nose and ear tips.
• Don't take your pets to crowed summer events such as concerts or fairs.

Did You Know?

Chocolate may be your favorite treat but these are treats should stay in the hands of people and not pets. Chocolate is a potent stimulant that can produce potentially life threatening toxic effects in your pet. Your pet might begin to vomit, have diarrhea, experience nervousness and anxiety that could possibly lead to death.

Taking Control by Managing the Situation

• Take responsibility for your own belongings: if you don't want it in your dog's month, don't make it available.
• Keep clothing, shoes, books, trash, eyeglasses, and remote control devices out of your dog's reach
• Don't confuse your dog by offering him shoes and socks as toys and then expecting him to distinguish between his shoes and yours.
• Until he knows the household rules confine him when you're unable to keep an eye on him.
• Give your dog plenty of time and attention.
• If you catch your dog chewing on something he shouldn't interrupt the behavior with a loud noise, offer him an acceptable chew toy instead, and praise him lavishly when he takes the toy in his mouth.
• Have realistic expectations. At some point your dog will inevitably chew up something you value; this is often part of the transition to a new home
• Remember that your dog needs time to learn house rules and you need to remember to take precautions and keep things out of his reach.

Play, Boredom, or Social Isolation

Normal play behavior sometimes leads to destruction, as it may involve digging, chewing, shredding, or shaking objects. This is all because dogs investigate objects by pawing at them and exploring them with their mouths, they may also inadvertently damage items in their environment. Your dog may be chewing for entertainment if:

• He's left alone for long periods without opportunities to interact with you.
• His environment is relatively barren, lacking playmates or toys.
• He's a puppy or adolescent (under three years old) and he doesn't have other outlets for his energy.
• He's particularly active type of dog (like the herding or sporting breeds) who needs to be occupied to be happy.

Solutions

• Play with your dog daily in a safe, fenced in area. Playing fetch is a great way to use up your dog's excess energy without wearing you out too!
• Go for a walk! Walks shouldn't be just for "bathroom time".
• On the leash walks are important opportunities for you and your dog to be together. Allow time for sniffing, exploring, instructions, and praise.
• Teach your dog a few commands or tricks and practice them daily.
• Dog training classes; are fun, and such classes teach commands important for your dog's safety and give you and your dog time to work toward a common goal.
• Provide your dog with lots of appropriate toys. Rotate your dog's toys to refresh his interest in them.
• Consider a good "doggie day care" program for two or three days a week to help your dog work off some of his excess energy.

Separation Anxiety

Dogs with separation anxiety tend to display behaviors that reflect a strong attachment to their owners. This includes following you from room to room, frantic greetings, and anxious response whenever you prepare to leave the house. Factors that can precipitate a separation anxiety problem include:

• A change in the family's schedule that leaves your dog alone more often
• A move to a new home
• The death or loss of a family member or another family pet.
• A period at a shelter or boarding kennel.
• Remember: That these behaviors are not motivation

What Not to Do!

Punishment is rarely effective in resolving destructive behavior problems and may even make the problem worse. Never discipline your dog after the fact. Your dog doesn't know what he's done wrong; he only knows that you're upset. Punishment after the fact will not only fail to eliminate the undesirable behavior, but may also provoke other undesirable behaviors.