WHAT IS ST. FRANCIS ANIMAL SANCTUARY?

The origin of St. Francis Animal Sanctuary began in 1999 when mother and daughter, Pam Perez and Heidi Krupp, were caring for stray dogs and cats in their personal home sanctuary in Abita Springs, Louisiana. After attending a Best Friends Animal Sanctuary event in Utah, they returned to New Orleans obsessed with a passion and the knowledge to start and operate a formal sanctuary of their own that would serve the needs of their area.

 

Through their tireless efforts, and with help from a group of donors and passionate volunteers, they acquired 24 acres in nearby Tylertown, Mississippi. Construction soon began and their vision became a reality. Over the last 20 years houses and pens have been built to create a home for abandoned cats and dogs.

 

Sadly, Heidi passed away but through grit, determination and sacrifices of her mother, Pam, Heidi's dream lives on and St. Francis stands as an available home to stray dogs and cats. The St. Francis site has doubled in size and is now 48 acres. It is home to more than 400 animals, some of whom are adoptable and others who will remain permanent residents of the sanctuary.
Each day Pam and a committed team of workers feed and care for the resident population. Sick animals are looked after by dedicated veterinarians. Weekends present an opportunity for adoption events where forever homes can be found. If not adopted, a forever home is provided by St. Francis. A cat-room adoption center in Mandeville, LA is staffed six days a week for people looking to provide a good home to our cats. A few times a year, we embark on a journey to transport animals to loving homes in other states.

 

We rely on private contributions, grants, fundraising activities, and thrift store proceeds to support our programs. Our goal is to reduce the homeless pet population in the Southeastern part of the U.S. through a combination of adoption programs, aggressive spay and neuter campaigns, and education programs that promote responsible pet guardianship. In doing so we envision a time when every adoptable dog and cat will be guaranteed a permanent loving home.