The Best Louisiana Dog Rescues & Shelters in 2025

St. Tammany Parish Animal Services

The Animal Shelter provides a safe and clean facility for stray animals or unwanted pets. We offer a wide array of animals for adoption throughout the year. Please come by the shelter, or call to inquire about the types of animals that are available to adopt.

Villalobos Rescue Center

VRC works ceaselessly to give Pit Bulls (and other types of dogs) another chance in life. Each and EVERY dog is taken in and received any and all medical treatment necessary. We work patiently to re-acclimatize fearful dogs to the loving care of a human, so that they may eventually be adopted. In some cases, these dogs have never had a kind word or touch, and it is a slow process. After determining temperaments and compatibility factors, we begin that long search for the perfect home.

Louisiana SPCA

The Louisiana SPCA is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to promote, protect and advance the well-being of Louisiana's companion animals. As the oldest and most comprehensive animal welfare organization in the state, we impact more than 73,000 homeless and companion animals each year. For more than 130 years we have been committed to service the needs of the people and animals in the Greater New Orleans community and across the region as a 4-star Charity Navigator rated nonprofit ranking in the top 1% nationally.

Friends of Lafayette Animal Shelter

FLASh is a 501c3 non-profit animal welfare organization with a mission to help improve the lives of the animals at the Lafayette Animal Shelter and Care Center and homeless and at-risk pets throughout our community. We focus on surrender prevention: helping pets stay in their loving homes and not enter a shelter. We strongly encourage you to adopt a pet from Lafayette Animal Shelter and Care Center (LASCC). The shelter has many cats and dogs for adoption. They are all wonderful, fully vaccinated and spayed/neutered

Lafayette Animal Shelter & Care Center (LASCC)

The Lafayette Animal Shelter & Care Center (LASCC) is the municipal animal shelter serving the two and 4-legged residents of Lafayette Parish. Our mission is to find, protect, and serve the citizens and animals of Lafayette Parish through community engagement and innovative methods to obtain harmony between the two. After introduction of the No-Kill 2020 initiative in 2016, LASCC has successfully increased adoptions, implemented a TNR (trap-neuter-return) program for cats, increased rescues, and decreased euthanasia rates. The shelter has increased its save rate of 52.88 percent in 2016 to a successful No- Kill status save rate of 90.3 percent in 2020. Community support as well as partnerships with nonprofit organizations such as Wildcat Foundation/SpayNation and Acadiana Animal Aid have been instrumental in obtaining and maintaining a No-Kill status.

Iberia Parish Animal Control

The Iberia Parish Rabies and Animal Control facility operates the Animal Shelter at 2017 Seaway Access Road, focusing on public health and safety. Its primary goal is to ensure that all dogs and cats in Iberia Parish are vaccinated against rabies and registered. This program also includes enforcing rabies and leash law ordinances, as well as handling animal quarantine and observation for bite cases. The shelter takes in unwanted or stray animals, either picked up by animal control officers or dropped off by residents.

Paws of NE Louisiana

PAWS of NE Louisiana, Inc. is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization that has been serving the Northeast Louisiana area since 2003. It was founded by local residents who realized the problems that our community faced regarding animal welfare would not go away without intervention and education. We are an all-volunteer organization that is guided by a volunteer board of directors. We do not have a physical location, we do not have paid employees, and we are not a shelter. PAWS is not a branch or division of any national agency. We do not receive tax funding. Our sources of funding are fundraisers and donations and grants from individuals and organizations. Since its inception, PAWS has grown and flourished thanks to our volunteers, members, and supporters. PAWS provides services to our community through our many Programs: Spay/Neuter Assistance, Shelter Animal Rescue, Tag Your Pet, and Pet Therapy/Humane Education. Please click on the specific pages for each Program to learn more.

Saving Paws of Caldwell

Saving Paws of Caldwell was started in April 2011 by Deborah Wilson and Donna Pardue. They began under the Louisiana Humane Society. By summer 2012 they incorporated and became Saving Paws of Caldwell. They set out to rescue animals in the parish that were being abandoned and abused. It took them a year to get the funds together to build a shelter at the Caldwell Correctional Center. At the end of 2015 SPC finally got their 501(c)3 status. That shelter was quickly too small and additional kennels had to be built. The facility at the prison was shut down in January 2021. SPC is now located at 106 Tranquility Lane, Columbia, LA. 2022 brought a lot of changes to SPC. With funds left to us we were able to purchase a transport van. With the van we take dogs to states up north. We continually grow and change as needed to keep our organization alive.

Humane Society Adoption Center of Monroe

4 Paws Rescue Inc.

Heart of Louisiana Humane Society

The Heart of Louisiana Humane Society is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that was founded in 2008 by Rae McManus. Our organization operates out of the Central Louisiana area with headquarters in Winnfield, Louisiana. HLHS is completely volunteer ran and operated, we are also foster based, meaning All companions in our organization are in homes of our fosters. The Heart of Louisiana Humane Society (HLHS) Is a non-profit 501c3 group who operates solely on donations and is completley foster based. 100% of your donation goes towards the rescue of our companions. There are no salaries and no administration costs.

Zeus' Rescue

It is the mission, duty, and purpose of Zeus' Rescues to eradicate pet homelessness and euthanasia within the New Orleans metro area. The organization is further committed to community-building and pet education with a focus on children and the elderly. We find forever homes for animals that are pulled from high kill metro shelters. We are not an in-take shelter. We are an all-volunteer group funded by private donations and grants. We receive no local or state public funding.

Pineville Animal Control

Pineville Animal Control was established in 1984. As a part of Pineville's Department of Public Works we serve the area within the City limits of Pineville, protecting the citizens and animals of Pineville.

Humane Society of Northwest Louisiana

We are a local no-kill shelter located in Shreveport, Louisiana. We are a 501-C3 organization! We survive solely on donations and volunteers. The Humane Society of Northwest Louisiana was established in August of 1997 by volunteers to address the concerns and needs of animals in our area. We are here to help dogs in need through sheltering, adoption, spay/neuter, education and community outreach. HUMANE SOCIETY OF NORTHWEST LOUISIANA INC EIN #72-1396136 Our Goals: • Promote early spay/neuter programs so we have no more unwanted litters. • Lower the number of animals unnecessarily euthanized in local shelters. • Promote adoption from local shelters and animal groups.

Bossier City Animal Services

All animals in the care of Bossier City Animal Services (BCAS) will be appropriately housed, fed, watered and cared for, provided veterinary care as appropriate, given the best chance for reunification or adoption; and if necessary, humanely euthanized according to guidelines set forth by the Louisiana Board of Veterinary Medicine. In order to satisfy Bossier City Ordinance Sec. 14-104 - Records: All transactions with BCAS will require a valid ID to be presented. Whether an animal is being left with us as a stray or owner surrender, an animal is being adopted, or you are involved in an animal incident or providing a witness statement, you will be expected to provide a legal, valid Identification upon request. All animals without a microchip will be microchipped upon leaving BCAS with a previous owner or new adopter, in order to improve reunification of animals with their family in our city. The owner of any animal being reclaimed will be responsible for the cost of the microchip. The adoption fee includes the microchip. Rescues may request the animal receive a microchip at a reduced fee.

Pet Savers, Inc

Pet Savers, Inc. in Shreveport, Louisiana. We are a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization. We have provided a safe, no-kill alternative to animal control for almost two decades.However, our space is limited and if pets are not being adopted quickly enough, we will not have room to take in more. By adopting a pet, you will change the life of a homeless animal. Above all, you will save the life of the pet you adopt, and you will create space for another life to be saved. Many of the pets we save are strays. Honestly, we cannot guarantee that they are house-trained, good with children, good with other pets, friendly or unfriendly. Though the history of many are unknown, we do know all animals are deserving of a safe and loving home.

Louisiana Baby Mommas Rescue

Louisiana (LA) Baby Mommas Rescue is a non-profit 501c3 organization that started out as a division of Texas Star Rescue (TSR) and decided to branch out due to the high demand for a rescue dedicated to saving the lives of puppies & pregnant dogs. We rescue these puppies and momma dogs from various situations, nurse and love them back to health, and adopt them out to qualified families when they are ready. LA Baby Mommas specialize in rescuing puppies that often require around the clock monitoring and bottle feeding, as well as medical special needs. Rescue animals often have horrible beginnings, but it is our goal to help them with their journey to a happily ever after.

Rockers Rescue

Rockers Rescue is located around Shreveport, Louisiana. The non profit was founded in November of 2015 by Megan DeMoss. Rockers Rescue is dedicated to providing exemplary vetting care, loving foster homes, and finding amazing forever homes for both dogs and cats in need! We focus passionately on saving animals at our local shelters, helping with severe cases and educating the public when possible. Our animals are TREASURED as our own and receive the best of care! We're here to be a stepping stone from unwanted and in need, to forever loved and treasured. We are a 501c3 non profit rescuing both dogs and kitties in need and we have no breed restrictions. We love them all. We function with volunteers so donations FULLY benefit the rescue! We fall in love with dogs and kitties that are in need. Dirty, scared, malnourished, mange, heartworms, embedded collars, elderly, bottle feeders, etc. When we pull a dog or cat under our rescue …. they are treated as if they are our own personal pets. They receive ALL vet care. We get them fixed, microchipped, and up to date. We nurture them back to health and we get attached to them. From kittens without a mom, to senior dogs without a hope. We see lots of them evolve from scared and discarded pets to beautiful happy ones. Most go from a high kill shelter with no hope… to a lovely AMAZING pet.

Caddo Parish Animal Services

Ninna's Road to Rescue

Founded in March, 2012, Ninna's Road to Rescue is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. We are located in BENTON, LA. We do not publicize our address to protect our dogs and our volunteers. Adoptions are scheduled by appointment only with approved adopters. Continue reading for instructions to apply. Our mission is to rescue and re-home primarily small-breed dogs. Most of our dogs come from kill-shelters and in and around Northwest Louisiana. We also take in many retiring breeder dogs. We provide vetting, socialization, and via over 50 EXPERIENCED volunteers, we provide healing of mind, body and soul. Our goal is to find each dog the "right" home, not just "a" home. We rescue and rehome approximately 400 dogs each year!

God’s PAWS Rescue and Shelter

God’s PAWS Rescue and Shelter is a small, 501c3 nonprofit shelter with a big heart, located in Jena, Louisiana. My sister and I have a passion for helping and nurturing the abused, abandoned, and neglected animals in this state and our local area. We want to be their voice. We want to be the pathway to their forever home. These animals are God’s creation.

Lost Ball Canine Rescue

At Lost Ball Canine Rescue, we strive to rescue GSDs and other breeds who are abandoned, abused, or unwanted. We provide the medical care and training needed to find a loving forever family. Our organization is committed to keeping pets safe, happy, and healthy while they wait to be placed in a forever home. Ways to Help: • Financial Donations: Help us cover medical expenses, food, and shelter for the dogs in our care. • Donate Items: From food and toys to blankets and cleaning supplies, every item makes a difference. • Volunteer Your Time: Whether it's fostering, helping with transports, or offering support at events, your time is invaluable to us. • Every bit of help goes a long way in giving these dogs the second chance they deserve.

Atchafalaya River Rescue, Inc.

We are a 501-C3 organization that survives on the donations of our generous supporters and fundraising events. Our rescue is completely foster-based, meaning we rely on the willingness of our community members to provide safe and loving homes for the animals in our care until they can find forever homes.

West Feliciana Animal Humane Society

Our animal shelter was founded in August 2012. A community member and animal lover, James "Bo" Bryant left a legacy when he donated the funds to begin the construction of our shelter. Before 2012, animal control was operated with a few holding kennels behind the parish jail. Now, we are able to operate a full-time animal shelter thanks to Mr. Bryant's generosity and love of animals. Our parish has moved from saving less than 10% of the parish's stray population, to now saving more than 95% of the stray population per year!

Dante's Hope

Dante's Hope-Animal Rescue is a 501(c)3 charity dedicated to helping animals in need in Baton Rouge, Louisiana and surrounding areas.

The Happy Tail Rescue

A no-kill rescue is an animal rescue that does not kill healthy or treatable animals even when the shelter is full, reserving euthanasia for terminally ill animals or those considered dangerous to public safety. We do not have a physical location just yet, but we are working towards opening up one if that’s God‘s will! We are currently a Foster-based Rescue. We are doing our part in helping West and East Feliciana in decreasing the stray dog population, and owner surrenders. If you are in need of assistance, just give us a call, send an email or message us through social media! We are actively looking for fosters and/or volunteers- please fill out an application! We would love to have you! Our goal is creating "Happy Tails"

Capital Area Animal Welfare Society (CAAWS)

The Capital Area Animal Welfare Society (CAAWS) is the first and oldest non-profit in the Greater Baton Rouge Area committed to the well-being of animals in the community since 1979. Our purpose is primarily operating as an educational resource for the community on responsible pet ownership, the humane treatment of animals, and the beneficial practice of spaying and neutering.

Avoyelles Animal Welfare Society

Bissel pet foundation

BISSELL Pet Foundation is a national animal welfare organization dedicated to ending pet homelessness. In partnership with shelters across the country and by providing much-needed resources to underserved communities, BISSELL Pet Foundation is reducing the number of animals in shelters and rescues through our pet adoption, transport, spay/neuter, vaccination, microchipping, and crisis and disaster response programs. 100% of every donation directly impacts pets in need. As a hands-on foundation, we are committed to understanding the needs of different geographic areas, knowing our partners, and working together to create the best possible outcomes through grant funding for programs and initiatives that directly impact homeless pets.

Acadiana Animal Aid

Acadiana Animal Aid (AAA) is the region’s leader in animal transport, adoption, and education. We provide a safe place to land for animals at risk of euthanasia before they take off to their adoptive homes. For 50 years, AAA has played a vital role in saving animals from impoverished, resource-deprived communities. We transfer in pets at risk of euthanasia from municipal shelters throughout the state, provide veterinary and daily care, and create pathways to their futures. AAA is known locally and nationally for its transport program, a lifesaving strategy to reduce the 40% euthanasia rate of shelter pets in Louisiana. Our commitment to saving our region’s pets runs deep – in 2023, we saved nearly 2,000 cats and dogs through local and out-of-state adoptions and transport. Founded in 1974 & Chartered As A 501(C)3 Non-Profit Animal Welfare Organization Acadiana Animal Aid is funded by donations, fundraisers, and adoption fees and is governed by a Board of Directors. Guiding Principles Acadiana Animal Aid is the largest local animal welfare organization in the area that is leading the way in inspiring a healthy community through compassion for animals. We strive to not only rescue and find homes for these companion animals, but, also, to be an integral part of inspiring our community through education, volunteer, foster, transport and adoption programs. As a partner to the Pet Food Pantry, we strongly believe in serving as a resource for our community, which includes providing opportunities for them to be responsible, loving pet owners that have access to affordable care and nutrition.