SOS Pets of Ouachita is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advocating for pets in Ouachita Parish and beyond. Founded in 2017, we successfully led efforts to fund a new public animal shelter for Ouachita Parish, now under construction as of 2026!
In 2025, we launched Spay Or Snip Our Pets of Ouachita, a free spay/neuter program for owned animals across northeast Louisiana, in partnership with local veterinary clinics. This program has played a key role in reducing pet overpopulation in our region.
SOS Pets of Ouachita is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization located in West Monroe, Louisiana. Tax-exempt status was granted in February 2017, marking the official commitment to animal welfare in the community.
Mission: Our mission is to improve the quality of life of displaced animals in Ouachita Parish by providing a modern shelter that encourages active community involvement and support, while promoting education and actions aimed at reducing the population of displaced animals.
2017 – The beginning
Our Story : The “Why” Behind the Dream
SOS Pets of Ouachita began in 2017 with just one dollar in the bank and a vision: to fund a new animal shelter that would replace an aging facility that was in a state of disrepair. From those humble beginnings grew a multi-million-dollar community effort, culminating in an all-new Ouachita Parish Animal Shelter.
Every grassroots organization is driven by a purpose – We call it our “why.” While each of our devoted volunteers has had their own personal motivation for investing countless hours into this mission, my “why” has always been Bo.
Bo arrived at Ouachita Parish Animal Shelter as a discarded, five-week-old puppy, separated from his mother before he was even weaned. My son took one look at him and decided he had to be part of our family. From the very beginning, Bo faced extraordinary challenges. He battled rickets that left him crippled, survived a severe case of parvo that nearly claimed his life, and endured a lifetime of relentless allergies. More than simply surviving, Bo thrived and found joy in every day. His spirit inspired the movement to fund and build our new shelter.
Because of Bo—as well as the collective efforts of so many compassionate supporters—thousands of future animals will now have a safe, comfortable place to land on their journey to find their happy homes.
This labor of love reflects countless hours devoted by our exceptionally dedicated and talented volunteers. We are immensely proud to share this long-awaited gift with our community and deeply honored to serve the innocent, voiceless pets of our parish. Thank you for believing in our dream and helping make it a reality.
"Would like to say THANK YOU to SOS Pets of Ouachita and their program Spay Or Snip Our Pets of Ouachita for sponsoring my Zeus' neuter surgery!"
"The team truly cares for both animals and the people who love them. From community outreach to securing funding, every step they take is thoughtful and impactful. They have a strong vision and the unwavering commitment to make it happen. Their transparency builds trust and motivates others to get involved. Supporting them feels deeply rewarding and meaningful."
"Being part of this cause and witnessing the positive change they’re creating is a privilege. My support directly contributes to building a safe, modern shelter for animals in need. Their persistence and compassion are unmatched, and their work inspires everyone around them. It’s rare to see such a focused and driven organization. I’m excited to see their dream come to life and benefit countless animals."
"The dedication of this team to animal welfare and community service is truly inspiring. They work tirelessly, not just to rescue animals, but to create a better future for them. Their compassion, organization, and transparency stand out in everything they do. They’ve shown that great change is possible when the community comes together. This is a mission worth standing behind and supporting wholeheartedly."
