Q:  Is HOPE for Animals a non-profit organization?
A:  Yes, HOPE is a 501 (c) 3 organization, and all donations made to HOPE are tax-deductible. 

Q:  What does HOPE for Animals stand for?
A:  HOPE for Animals stands for the Humane Organization for the Protection and Education for Animals. 

Q:  Why does HOPE exist?
A:  HOPE's mission is to save and improve quality of life for as many stray and homeless animals as possible by placing them in foster or adoptive homes.  Also, HOPE strives to educate the public about the dire need for spaying and neutering, as our country is currently fighting a vast cat and dog overpopulation problem.  Through our education program, we teach young children about the needs of dogs and cats and the responsibility of pet ownership. 

Q:  Where is HOPE located?
A:  At the present time, HOPE has no physical location, although it is our dream to one day acquire land on which we can operate a shelter to house and care for more of the needy animals in this area.  Correspondence can be sent to P.O. Box 1341, Thibodaux, LA 70302. 

Q:  Does HOPE euthanize any of its animals?
A:  HOPE for Animals is a no-kill organization; all cats and dogs in our program will stay as long as it takes to get them adopted to a loving home.  The only animals euthanized are the terminally ill. 

Q:  Where are HOPE's animals kept?
A:  HOPE houses some of its dogs at a kennel in the Lafourche Parish area.  All other animals are kept in foster homes through HOPE's foster network, a group of members who takes in HOPE's rescues until they are adopted. 

Q:  I'm interested in adopting a HOPE animal.  What do I do?
A:  First, be sure you have considered the responsibilities of pet ownership before making a decision.  HOPE requires that all adopted cats be kept inside and that all adopted dogs have a fenced-in yard in which to play and remain safe during potty breaks.  Pre-adoption home and vet history checks are necessary before adoption can occur.  Also, the potential owner must agree to abide by our terms of contract.  If you are sure that adopting a cat or dog is the right choice, please see the contact numbers following each animal's description in our adoption section. 

Q:  Is adoption free?
A:  There is a $55.00 adoption fee associated with each animal. 

Q:  What does my adoption fee cover?
A:  The $55.00 adoption fee covers heartworm treatment, feline leukemia testing, spaying or neutering, and initial vaccinations, which would cost you over $200.00.  Your adoption fee also provides your membership for one year to HOPE for Animals.  The fee helps curb the cost of our veterinarian bills. 

Q:  I have fallen in love with one of HOPE's animals, but I cannot take him into my home.  Is there another option? 
A:  HOPE for Animals now has a sponsorship program in which you can help contribute to the monthly care of the animal of your choice. 

Q:  Which veterinarians does HOPE deal with?
A:  HOPE's animals are seen by Durocher Veterinary Clinic, Ridgefield Animal Hospital, and occasionally by de la Houssaye Animal Hospital.  Without the dedication and generosity of these veterinarians, HOPE would be unable to treat the hundreds of animals it takes in yearly.

Q:  How does HOPE fund its operations?
A:  HOPE operates solely on donations from individuals and businesses and grants from the LORIO Foundation.  Without this generosity, HOPE could not exist and fight for the animals. 

Q:  I no longer want my pet.  Can HOPE take it?
A:  HOPE only takes in stray or homeless animals.  Every animal taken from a home is one less which can be rescued from a miserable life on the streets, and one of our goals is to improve the quality of life for as many animals as possible.  If you are unable to find a good, loving home for your pet, the most humane thing to do is euthanize him or her, as domesticated animals cannot survive on the streets alone.  "Dropping off" animals is both cruel and illegal. 

Q:  I am a witness to animal abuse or neglect.  What do I do?
A:  Please contact as soon as possible the Humane Society of Louisiana at 504-366-8972 or by fax at 504-366-1278.  The email address is humanela@cs.com, and snail mail can be sent to The Humane Society of Louisiana, P.O. Box 740321, New Orleans, LA 70174.  Also, contact your local law enforcement immediately to have a report filed and pictures taken, if possible. 

Q:  When and where are HOPE's meetings held?
A:  HOPE's meetings are currently held on the first Wednesday of every month at 6:30pm at West Thibodaux Fire Station at the corner of Cedar St. and Notre Dame St. near St. Genevieve Church. 

Q:  Can I make a donation?
A:  HOPE appreciates any and all donations made to our organization.  Every penny goes toward the care of our many animals.  You may send a check made out to HOPE for Animals to P.O. Box 1341, Thibodaux, LA 70302 or donate online securely using your credit or debit card.  All donations are tax-deductible. 

Q:  Can I become a member?
A:  HOPE welcomes all animal lovers to join our organization.  Please review our membership information and fill out the form provided.  Mail the form and yearly membership dues to P.O. Box 1341, Thibodaux, LA 70302.

Q:  Can I become a volunteer?
A:    HOPE is always on the look-out for more animal lovers to assist with our many responsibilities!  There are many ways to get involved.  Help out at a fundraiser such as Dog Day Afternoon, or visit our kennel once a week to feed, water, and socialize with our dogs.  To volunteer, please call Ruth at 985-447-9454. 

Q:  I live farther away than I am willing to drive, and I'm interested in one of HOPE's adoptables.  Can HOPE ship an animal to me?
A:  HOPE does not ship cats or dogs to any location, no matter how near or far.  If transportation cannot be arranged, we recommend that you visit your local shelter and rescue a needy animal from euthanasia. 

Still have a question?  Email us at hopeforanimals at bellsouth dot net. 
 

HOPE for Animals, Inc. 
P.O. Box 1341
Thibodaux, Louisiana 70302
non-profit 501 (c) 3 organization