Adoption Fees Waived at Lafayette Animal Shelter May 1-15

Pet adoption fees are being waived at Lafayette Animal Shelter and Care Center (LASCC) from May 1 through May 15, 2023.

LASCC has partnered with Bissell Pet Foundation and Dogtopia for Bissell Pet Foundation's Spring "Empty the Shelters" event, which aims to find permanent homes for dogs and cats at the shelter.

“Our community came through when we had an ‘Empty the Shelter’ event over the holidays, adopting 122 animals. This is a great way to find homes for our animals, and it’s helpful for adopters because, thanks to the Bissell Pet Foundation, we’re able to waive adoption fees," said LASCC Supervisor Shelley Delahoussaye.

All pets up for adoption at LASCC will be spayed/neutered, fully vaccinated, and microchipped and will be available to go home the same day.

Lafayette Animal Shelter & Care Center, Facebook

LASCC hours are Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm and Saturdays from noon to 2:00 pm.

"This is a very difficult time for shelters across the country, with increasing owner surrenders due to the housing crisis and inflation as well as slowed adoption rates. With Dogtopia's partnership, we are hopeful more pets than ever will find homes during this national event," added Cathy Bissell, Founder of Bissell Pet Foundation.

Families are encouraged to do their research about the pet they are interested in adopting as well as adoption requirements. Go to https://www.lafayettela.gov/lascc/adopt/available-pet to view pets available at LASCC.

Lafayette Animal Shelter & Care Center, Facebook

The St. Landry Animal Shelter is also participating in the event. However, adoption fees are being lowered, not waived altogether. Dogs and cats are available for adoption for $25.

They are located at 255 Hangar Road in Opelousas and are open Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm and Saturday and Sunday from 8:00 am to 2:00 pm.

Bissell Pet Foundation's Spring National “Empty the Shelters” is happening at more than 350 shelters in 45 states. The nonprofit organization’s mission is to help reduce the number of animals in shelters through pet adoptions, spay/neuter programs, microchipping, and crisis and disaster response.

Founded in 2011 by Cathy Bissell, BPF is an extension of her long-standing love for animals and commitment to their welfare. BPF has since partnered with more than 5,700 shelters and rescues across the U.S. and Canada to help pets find loving homes.

LOOK: Here are the pets banned in each state

Because the regulation of exotic animals is left to states, some organizations, including The Humane Society of the United States, advocate for federal, standardized legislation that would ban owning large cats, bears, primates, and large poisonous snakes as pets.

Read on to see which pets are banned in your home state, as well as across the nation.