Chartered in 1888 the LA/SPCA is the oldest animal welfare organization in the state. From the beginning we were tasked with enforcing the animal related ordinances of the City of New Orleans. As our organization grew the LA/SPCA's reach was expanded. While our first task was to ensure the mules of the French Quarter were treated fairly, eventually we provided veterinary services, humane education, and brought cruelty investigations into the 21st Century for all companion animals. Throughout our history you will find dedicated leadership, committed staff members, and an army of volunteers ensuring our mission is achieved.
The LA/SPCA has inhabited the historic Hermann-Grima house, a shelter on Japonica Street, and an empty coffee warehouse on Thayer Street. The location most synonymous with us Japonica Street which we inhabited for over 20 years and was made famous in a jingle coined by Edward Haslam and Allen Toussaint: "You can find a friend on Japonica Street." Many New Orleans residents have fond memories of finding their companion animals at that shelter. Unfortunately, Hurricane Katrina devastated that building.
Hurricane Katrina hit on August 29, 2005. The LA/SPCA was the lead animal welfare agency responding to the emergency situation this city's pets were in. We rescued, provided water, food, shelter, and transported over 8,500 animals to safety following Hurricane Katrina. To learn more about our response to Hurricane Katrina please visit this page. After the storm destroyed the shelter we launched a 2 year capital campaign to raise funds to build a brand new shelter. Come. Stay. Heal.
Phase 1 was completed in 2007 and we opened a brand new state of the art facility at our current location of Mardi Gras Blvd. We hope many more memories will be made at this new facility. Because of our work after Hurricane Katrina legislation was passed including pets in any mandatory evacuation ordered by the government.
Check out our Programs and Services section to see what the Louisiana SPCA currently has to offer. We are proud of our accomplishments over the years, and know it is because of the dedication of all animal lovers that we are able to do what we do. We thank you and all the others who have had a hand or paw in our journey.