IF YOU MUST GIVE UP YOUR PET!
 
We regret that you find that you are unable to keep your pet in your household any longer. However, we appreciate that you are considering bringing your animal to a humane Animal Shelter instead of carelessly giving it away or abandoning it.
 
The Department of Animal Services, as a primary Parish government facility, is obligated by law to shelter all unwanted or stray animals. Because of the animal overpopulation problem throughout our Parish, the State and the Nation, space in Shelters is extremely limited. Although our Shelter has a highly successful adoption program, and features adoptable animals on TV, on radio, and in the newspapers, there are still too many for the available responsible homes. Most animals, whether given up by their owners or strays are humanely destroyed. Therefore, we would like to offer some alternatives for you.

	CHECK WITH RELATIVES, FRIENDS, CO-WORKERS AND NEIGHBORS FOR POSSIBLE "ADOPTERS".
	PLACE AN AD IN LOCAL OR NEIGHBORHOOD NEWSPAPERS. * BE SURE TO CAREFULLY SCREEN PEOPLE WHO ANSWER FREE ADS. ANIMALS OBTAINED FREE OFTEN WIND UP AS BAIT FOR DOG FIGHTERS, OR ARE SOLD AT PUBLIC AUCTIONS FOR MEDICAL RESEARCH. Remember this is a multi-million dollar business so many people have no remorse at lying to you about giving a "good home" for your pet.
	PLACE SIGNS IN LAUNDROMATS, SHOPPING CENTERS AND VETERINARIANS' OFFICES.
	CHECK WITH OTHER LOCAL ANIMAL SHELTERS CONCERNING AVAILABLE CAGE SPACE. REMEMBER "NO-KILL" SHELTERS DO THE BEST THEY CAN BUT THOSE TYPES OF SHELTERS ARE REALLY "LIMITED ADMISSION" SHELTERS. YOUR ANIMAL CONTROL AGENCIES DO NOT TURN AWAY ANY ANIMALS.
	IF YOUR ANIMAL IS A PUREBRED ANIMAL, CHECK WITH THE BREEDER FIRST AND THEN CHECK THE BREED RESCUE GROUPS. CONTACT ANIMAL CONTROL FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, OR CHECK ON THE INTERNET.    If you decide that you must give up your pet, we commend your choice of turning it in to a humane shelter. At least your pet will not suffer the fate of those unfortunate victims abandoned along the highways, in the suburbs and "in the country". We pledge to do the very best we can with the harsh realities that must be faced each day at Animal Services.      Your Animal Services Representative Calcasieu Parish Department of Animal Services & Adoption Center 5500 Swift Plant Road Lake Charles, LA 70615