• Compile comprehensive information of animal resources in Louisiana
• Disseminate it to the public and to all entities who work with animals
• Increase public awareness and knowledge of available services
• Teach and encourage the appropriate behavior and response
• Complement and support existing organizations with
information, education resources and cooperative programs
• Encourage volunteerism, collaboration, cooperation,
new organizations, and new legislation.

AFN does NOT work directly with animals. We are not a rescue organization. We are not a spay/neuter facility. We are not a foster care program. We do not find homes, adopt, board, treat or trap, although most of our members belong to at least one organization that does.

We DO research, network, guide, solve, teach, learn, and connect.

Founded by: Diana Thornton

My Vision: I see volunteers from all local organizations with different roles but shared goals converging to learn about each other, help each other, and create a stronger, more focused, organized, complementary system of animal advocacy, spay/neuter and public assistance. We can relieve many of the stresses and solve overwhelming issues by sharing the load in a structured manner that reduces public confusion and the overloading of a few organizations. I believe that by universally embracing a common mission through a network of partnerships we will ensure that no adoptable animal will be killed for lack of space or need of medical treatment. I see record spay/neuter and adoption numbers. I see the need for rescue organizations decline over the next 10 years to the point where we find ourselves in a maintenance mode rather than crisis mode. I see the public’s demand for companion animals outweigh the supply.

"Teamwork divides the task and doubles the success."

No single organization can handle the magnitude of the responsibilities facing us. We must work together, in a coordinated joint effort. If each organization can concentrate on their piece of the puzzle and share the load, success is possible.

“No, but I can tell you who can.”

There are dozens of internet “lists” of shelters and rescue groups, and of course many organizations have their own websites. But there is no “central information bureau” with descriptions of every area program to guide the public and organizations to the right place for the particular kind of help they need. Even organization websites and the Yellow Pages aren’t always up to date. Because of this, many people looking for help call organizations who can’t help them.

It occurred to me that if organizations who receive misdirected or excess calls had a comprehensive resource directory, they could refer these calls to someone who handles that specific need and stay focused on their own mission.
Better yet, if the public has access to this information on the web and in print, they would call the right place the first time.

And so AFN and the Animal Resource Directory were born.

I hope this directory will alleviate some of the burdens placed on overwhelmed organizations and shelters, and that it will also help identify the holes in our system. It can be a source for people to find the right volunteering opportunity. It will provide another stepping stone on the path to ...