Animal shelters in Louisiana must follow certain rules and regulations to operate. These laws apply to construction, operation and adoption. The following information gives an overview of Louisiana state law regarding animal shelters but is not intended to be exhaustive. It covers the main points of the aforementioned laws.
General Regulations
General regulations for running an animal shelter in Louisiana include dealing with waste in a manner consistent with parish and state codes, getting an inspection every six months, registering fees with the appropriate parish office and displaying them clearly and having workers properly trained in various aspects of animal care including disease prevention and transportation among others, according to the University of Michigan College of Law.
Shelter Construction
The building housing the shelter must conform to certain standards. You need to construct all floors and walls from moisture-resistant material with drains in all animal holding areas. You must properly isolate kennels housing rabies-infected animals. Indoor temperature cannot fall below 50 degrees and you must provide adequate ventilation. Outdoor facilities will provide adequate shade to protect animals from excess heat as well as shelter from inclement or cold weather. Enclosures should provide enough room so that the animal can turn around and stand up fully as well as lie comfortably.
You need a separate area for adopting, returning or reclaiming areas as well as a separate space for euthanasia and dead animals.
You must have both hot and cold water and mount self-feeders so animals cannot go to the bathroom in them.
Separation
Louisiana shelters require the separation of dogs and cats, healthy and sick animals, unneutered males from females, adult animals from babies---unless nursing, animals who have bitten or scratched from the rest of animals and nursing mothers from all other animals.
Animal Care
Dogs older than three months will receive food at least once a day equaling one-half a pound per 25 pounds of weight---dogs under three months will have dry food available at all times and receive food at least three times a day. Cats of all ages will have food available at all times. Workers will feed other animals as required by their particular species. You must change cat litter at least once a week.
Euthanasia procedures will comply with the recommendations set forth by the American Veterinary Medical Association on Euthanasia, according to the University. Any worker performing euthanasia needs to attend the Humane Society of the United States training or an equivalent program within 12 months of being employed.
Sterilization
Animals adopted from a Louisiana shelter must be spayed or neutered before the shelter can release them to the adopter. The adopter usually has to pay the fee but this can vary from shelter to shelter.
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