Licenses, rabies tags and permits in New Orleans
The state sets a rabies baseline, and Orleans Parish adds a city code enforced by a nonprofit.
State baseline
R.S. 3:2776 says dog license taxes are due annually on the anniversary of the rabies vaccination. The Louisiana Sanitary Code ยง 103 in the state sanitary code covers mandatory rabies vaccination of dogs, cats and ferrets.
City of New Orleans
a 2026 New Orleans ordinance proposal amending Chapter 18 of the City Code describes a licensed veterinarian issuing the annual municipal dog or cat license tag after administering the rabies vaccination. The Louisiana SPCA FAQ says the Louisiana SPCA holds a contract with the city to provide animal control services in Orleans Parish and serves as the city's shelter.
Intact dog permit
The Louisiana SPCA intact permit page lists city penalties for not holding the permit required for an unaltered dog: $100 for a first offense, $250 for a second, and $500 plus impoundment for a third.
| Item | What the sources say | Source |
|---|---|---|
| State license tax | Due on rabies anniversary | R.S. 3:2776 |
| City license tag | Annual, through a veterinarian | City Code Ch. 18 |
| Animal control | Louisiana SPCA under contract | LA/SPCA |
| Intact permit penalty | $100, $250, then $500 plus impound | LA/SPCA |
Elsewhere in Louisiana
Jefferson, East Baton Rouge and other parishes run their own programs. Phone the animal control office that covers your address.
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