Home / Humane Law & Rescue / Intact Permit

New Orleans Intact Dog Permit

The City of New Orleans requires all dogs 6 months and older be spayed or neutered OR have an Intact Dog Permit. This law was created to help reduce the number of homeless animals in New Orleans.

Our New Orleans Humane Law & Rescue team is contracted by the City of New Orleans to provide animal control and enforce the City’s animal laws, including the Intact Dog Permit.

If you live in Orleans Parish and your dog is spayed or neutered this law does not apply to you. If your dog has not been fixed and is 6 months or older, please follow the steps below and apply for an Intact Dog Permit.

If you have questions about the permit please call 504.368.5191 or email info@laspca.org. Our team will be happy to answer any questions or concerns you might have about this City of New Orleans law.

Intact Permit Details

Permits are only valid for 1-year and must be renewed annually.

If you have more than 1 pet that requires a permit, you must fill out 1 application for each pet.

If your pet has a medical condition that prevents them from being spayed or neutered, whether the condition is permanent or temporary, have your veterinarian provide you with proof of your pet’s medical condition including possible release date. Submit the letter from your vet with your exemption application and all necessary documentation and fees to the Louisiana SPCA. Exemption applications can only be received in person or through snail mail. There are no annual renewal fees required if you are approved for an exemption.

You will receive notice of your dog’s Intact Permit application status within 30 days of submission. If your application is approved, we will mail your permit to the address on file. If you have been found guilty or have pled No Contest to a Chapter 18 violation with in the past 12 months, your permit will be denied.

Permits are non-transferable. Fees are non-refundable.

How To Apply

Complete our online application for up to four (4) dogs needing an Intact Dog Permit. You can also print the application and submit the completed application with all necessary documents and payment to the Louisiana SPCA either in-person or by mail.

Please make checks payable to Louisiana SPCA.

Our mailing address is:

Louisiana SPCA
Attn: Intact Permit
1700 Mardi Gras Blvd.
New Orleans, LA 70114

Necessary documents:

proof of vaccinations (Rabies, Distemper, Parvovirus)
current City License/Rabies Tag Number
proof of microchip
Current photo of your pet
copy of pet parent’s ID

If you need assistance filling out the intact permit or have questions please call us at 504.762.3319.

first time application

renew a permit

Fees per Dog

Initial application fee: $95

Annual renewal fee: $20

Online processing fee: $5 per pet

Unfortunately, like with any law, there are penalties set by the City of New Orleans for those that do not comply with the Intact Permit.

Late fee for permit renewal, per day: $10
Late fee for permit renewal, after 15 days: $15
First offense of non-compliance: $100
Second offense of non-compliance: $250
Third offense of non-compliance: $500 and impound of dog

Louisiana has an overpopulation of pets, especially in its Southern parts, meaning there are too many animals and not enough homes for those animals. Spaying and neutering pets helps reduce the problem of unwanted dogs and cats, but surgery alone is not enough. Unowned and stray animals are a large part of the problem because these animals give birth to unwanted puppies and kittens at an alarming rate. As a responsible pet owner, you should do everything you can to see that leash laws and other animal control regulations in your community are up-to-date and adequately enforced.