THIS IS AN OFFICIAL PUBLIC HEALTH NOTICE 
on STATE LAWS & DEPARTMENT  of H & H - SANITARY CODE LAWS Regarding Requirements for RABIES VACCINATIONS and PARISH LICENSE'S

ANIMAL SERVICES routinely checks all locations where animals are observed for Rabies Vaccinations and Parish Licensing Requirements.

Rabies Vaccination and Licensing Requirements have been in effect for decades. It is the responsibility of the pet owner to insure their pet/s are in compliance with all regulations. 

IT HAS BEEN DETERMINED THAT THIS RESIDENCE HAS ANIMALS ON THE PREMISES. THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION EXPLAINS THE VACCINATION AND LICENSING REQUIREMENTS:

It is the LAW that every owner of a dog and/or a cat vaccinate their pet against RABIES at three (3) months of age and EVERY YEAR thereafter by a Licensed Louisiana Veterinarian. It is the LAW that a CALCASIEU PARISH LICENSE & CERTIFICATE be distributed at the time of vaccination. Pet License TAGS are required to be attached to dog's collars and worn at all times to provide identification as an "owned" animal. Animals that live indoors are NOT EXEMPT from the vaccination and tag requirements. Proof of vaccination must be available by a certificate issued at the time of vaccination on any cat allowed to remain on the premises. *Keep this certificate with your important records. If your pet's tag becomes lost, it can be replaced with verification of vaccination. 

Lost pets picked up by Animal Services wearing a Pet License/Rabies Tag or some kind of identification tag get medical treatment, if necessary; extended time, and usually get home, since the owner can be traced and notified. Most lost pets picked up without a tag are generally euthanized. Impounded animals are only held five (5) days.

"OWNER" shall mean any person, business, corporation or other legal entity who keeps in his care, harbors, acts as custodian, or PERMITS an animal to remain on or about his premises. YOU become the owner of any dog or cat that you feed and allow to stay around your home for extended periods. If a stray shows up that you do not want to adopt and keep, feed and water it to keep it friendly and call Animal Services to have it picked up or you may bring it into the Shelter and surrender it at no charge. NEVER CHASE AN ANIMAL AWAY - IT ONLY MAKES IT HARDER TO CAPTURE WHEN IT IS TERRIFIED OF PEOPLE.

CONTACT YOUR VETERINARIAN IMMEDIATELY TO SCHEDULE A RABIES VACCINATION FOR YOUR PET AND RECEIVE A NUMBERED PET LICENSE TAG AND CERTIFICATE. IF YOU PAY THE CITATION WITHOUT COMPLETING THE VACCINATION/TAG REQUIREMENTS, YOU MAY RECEIVE ANOTHER CITATION, WHICH WILL BE TURNED INTO THE PARISH OR CITY COURT. On 1st Offense Citations, there is a courtesy 72 hr. for payment on first time offenders, only. The fine/s may be paid at Animal Services or by mail to avoid the additional expenses of Parish or City Court. If you have received a prior 1st Offense in Court or paid a lst Offense Citation at Animal Services, another 1st Offense will automatically be turned into the District or City Court. A second 1st Offense cannot be paid at the Animal Services Office.

PLEASE COOPERATE WITH OUR DEPARTMENT AS WE STRIVE TO PROTECT OUR COMMUNITY FROM THE POSSIBILITY OF AN OUTBREAK OF RABIES, AS HAS HAPPENED IN SURROUNDING STATES. TOGETHER WE CAN MAKE THAT DIFFERENCE. 

IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS ABOUT THESE LAW S OR ANY OTHER REQUIREMENTS PERTAINING TO ANIMALS, CONTACT:

Calcasieu Parish Department of Animal Services & Adoption Center
5500 Swift Plant Road
Lake Charles, LA 70615
(337)721-3730