Humane Society of Louisiana

The Humane Society of Louisiana leads the fight against cruelty statewide. We rescue animals from abuse and neglect and operate multiple programs to prevent cruelty and to promote kindness. Our life-saving work is particularly needed, as more than half of the state's parishes lack any animal shelter or rescue organization.

Founded in New Orleans in 1988, we work tirelessly to help animals around the state, from our headquarters in historic old Gretna. Our primary focus is Cruelty Investigation and Prevention.  Click on the 'Cruelty Focus' tab above to find out what we do to fight cruelty to animals.

Some of our other important programs include:

Spay-LA - fighting pet overpopulation through free and low cost services, education and more;

People with Pets Project - providing food and other assistance to help keep pets in their homes;

Humane Habitats Project - supporting Louisiana's volunteer wildlife rehabilitators and more to aid native wildlife;

The Louisiana Shelter Project - working to expand the number of shelters and to support and fund their programs statewide.

We care for animals at three animal facilities each and every day: the Enoch J. Donaldson Animal Sanctuary, the Merry Wood Refuge and the Tylertown Animal Transport Center. Each year, our hands-on programs aid thousands of animals, low income animal caregivers, wild creatures at risk and more.  We support community cat caregivers and trap-neuter-return programs, and we provide food to more than 400 community cats daily. We support people exploring cruelty-free lifestyles and educate people about plant-based food options with positive, fun community activities and events.

We also operate the annual Mardi Gras Horse Adoption Program in New Orleans. 

For almost 40 years, the Humane Society of Louisiana has worked to save lives and make our state a kinder place, providing services that touch thousands of lives each year.  But we can't do it alone!  With rising costs, help is needed now more than ever, at the same time our resources are extremely stretched.  If you love animals and want to help make our state a kinder and more compassionate place, please support our critically needed work on behalf of Louisiana's most defenseless animals.