Stray dogs are held for six (6) working days.  Stray cats are held for four (4) working days.  Although the animals are cared for daily, regardless of weekends and holidays, the Animal Control Center's open for adoptions only, on the the first and last Saturday of each month from 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

When the allowed time has expired, the animal becomes public property.  It is then evaluated for acceptance into our adoption program based on its health, age, temperament, and available space in our adoption kennels.  Animals not accepted for the adoption program are humanely euthanised.

Over 1,200 animals are adopted each year.  There is no firm "adopt-by" date for dogs and cats entering our adoption program.  Once accepted for adoption, they stay until they get adopted, provided they do not develop any serious physical or mental health problems.

Up to 13,000 animals are impounded yearly.

The Center works with domestics, wildlife, exotics, and livestock.

The staff of 19 includes a Director, Assistant Director, 7 commissioned animal control  officers, 4 kennel attendants, 3 clerks, an animal control supervisor, an administrative supervisor, a kennel supervisor, and a part-time contractual veterinarian.

The ACC serves 412,000 citizens throughout East Baton Rouge Parish.

The shelter contains 13,500 sq. ft. and was built in 1980.

The shelter is divided into the following areas: strays, adoptions, isolation, and rabies quarantine.

Over 17,000 complaints are received each year.

Jurisdiction is parish wide and includes the City of Baton Rouge, Baker and Zachary.

The Center is classified as a Public Health and Safety Agency.

About 80% of animals entering the shelter are euthanised. Many of those are old, sick, injured, or vicious. About 10% are adoptable, and others are redeemed by their owners.

The Animal Control Center:

• Protects the public safety and health

• Provides animal adoptions

• Administers the anti-rabies program

• Conducts animal rescues

• Offers educational programs

• Investigates animal cruelty

• Interacts with the veterinary, medical and animal welfare communities

• Cooperates with the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine in a student surgical teaching program

• Quarantines rabies observation animals

• Cooperates with fellow law enforcement agencies