Frequently Asked Questions

What is LAPS? When did it start?

Ella and Jennie Devine, two concerned citizens, realized that Laredo
needed to care for hundreds of stray animals, so in October 1951
they formed an organization for that purpose. The Laredo Animal
Protective Society evolved from that organization.

What does LAPS do?

The LAPS shelter is the only site that provides care, control and
impoundment of stray, abandoned, or unwanted domestic animals
throughout Laredo and Webb County.

Why does Laredo need a animal pound?

Every dog or cat that is allowed to roam the streets is a potential
carrier of diseases that could become a severe problem to all citizens.

These animals may be brought to the shelter by Animal Control
officers who work for the City of Laredo Health Department, or by any
individual. There is no charge for this service.

What are the goals and objectives of LAPS?

1. Place adoptable animals in good homes.
2. Return lost pets to original owners.
3. Accept all domestic, unwanted animals.
4. Assist in investigations of and help with prosecuting animal abuse,
abandonment and animal cruelty reports.
5. To humanely euthanize any animal that is sick, contagious,
injured, aggressive, or unadaptable unwanted.
6. Provide continuous educational presentations and materials for
school children regarding: the necessary care of pets, the importance
of vaccinations and health, the benefits of spay/neuter surgeries, to
remind each child of the essential human relationship with and
responsibility for all living things, and puppies for one-on-one
experiences.


What does LAPS do for our town?

One vital program made available to area residents by LAPS is the
annual Rabies Vaccination campaign or Vacuna. This is held in
conjunction with area veterinarians and the City of Laredo Heath
Department personnel. The years of service by hundreds of volunteers
in this area alone has been the link to area containment of this deadly
disease.

The United Way of Laredo is a funding agency for one of the LAPS
activities. So far, these funds have supported the Spay/Neuter
Assistance Program (SNAP) that has helped hundreds of pet owners
to affordably alter their healthy pets.  You can find the SNAP
application by clicking here.

With volunteers, the Paws for Pets project involves taking puppies to
visit shut-ins at local hospitals and convalescing homes. This is a fun
activity for everyone concerned.

Where does LAPS get the money to operate?

The City of Laredo provides the funding that maintains the
impoundment facilities. Webb County contracts for these same
services. Without this support, the shelter could not function
adequately to serve the community, but the total expense of operating
the shelter has to be funded by donations. The LAPS shelter is
forever grateful to many individuals, various businesses and civic
organizations/clubs without whose concern, involvement and financial
support we would only be a "dog pound."

How much does it cost to adopt a pet? What do I get for
this fee?

That information is found on this page!

How can I help?

You can come volunteer your time for many activities, and donations
are always welcomed. Come by or call for volunteer information.
Please send checks to the Laredo Animal Protective Society, 2500
Gonzalez Street, Laredo, TX 78040

Where can I get forms for volunteering, spay/neuter
assistance or adoptions?

Follow this link!

How many animals do you regularly deal with?

In the last few years, we have taken in over 10 000 animals per year.
Of these, about 400 annually were returned to owners, about 800
annually were adopted out, and the remainder were euthanized.

At any given time, LAPS has at least 175 dogs/puppies and 85
cats/kittens, along with a mix of other creatures, most of them
eagerly awaiting adoptive parents.

Frequently Asked Questions