New Orleans is a Louisiana city on the Mississippi River, near the Gulf of Mexico. Nicknamed the "Big Easy," it's known for its round-the-clock nightlife, vibrant live-music scene, and spicy, singular cuisine reflecting its history as a melting pot of French, African and American cultures. Embodying its festive spirit is Mardi Gras, the late-winter carnival famed for raucous costumed parades and street parties.
Pet Laws in New Orleans
Chapter 18, Division 5 of the City of New Orleans Animal Ordinances requires that all dogs older than 6 months in Orleans Parish be spayed/neutered or obtain an Intact Permit. This law was created to help reduce the number of homeless animals in our city. If your dog resides in Orleans Parish and is older than 6 months he or she should be spayed/neutered or you may choose to apply for an Intact Permit. Learn more here.
You can find a more in-depth breakdown of laws and orders for pet ownership here.
Pet Friendly Activities in New Orleans
NOLA City Bark NOLA City Bark dog park is a 4.6-acre plot of land located in beautiful City Park.
The Dog Levee While this park is not an official "dog park" with fences, many local dog owners frequent this area because of the big, grassy area with lots of room to walk and play.
New Orleans City Park Open from sunrise to sunset, City Park allows leashed pets on park property.
Wisner Dog Run Located on Laurel Street, this fenced dog run allows large and small dogs and has a playground and sports field nearby.
Crescent Park Crescent Park is a 20-acre urban park that provides great views of the city, bike paths, and a dog run. All dogs must be leashed when outside of the dog run.
Bonnabel Boat Launch Bark Park The Bonnabel Boat Launch Dog Park is a great place to bring your dog for some off-leash fun. The park boasts gorgeous views of the lake, ample parking and agility equipment for your pets.
Pontiff Dog Park Located in Old Metairie, the Pontiff Dog Park provides a safe place to exercise and socialize your dogs. The park is open daily from 8am to dusk.
Lafreniere Dog Park This 5-acre dog park is located on the north side of Lafreniere park has separate areas for large and small dogs. The fenced area has water fountains and agility equipment for your pets.
Kenner Dog Park The Kenner Dog Park is located inside Kenner City Park on Loyola Avenue. The dog park features watering stations, benches and expertly placed fire hydrants.
Pet Friendly Restaurants in New Orleans
Café Amelie Dogs are welcome in the courtyard.
Backyard Grill & Bar Dogs are welcome in their spacious backyard.
Cafe Lafitte in Exile Dogs welcome on the balcony.
Parkway Tavern Dogs welcome in the outside seating area.
Herbsaint Dogs welcome in outdoor seating.
The Bulldog Dogs are welcome in the patio area.
Fresco Cafe & Pizzeria Dogs are welcome in the outdoor dining area.
Claire's Pour House Dogs are welcome inside and outside.
Lucy's Retired Surfers Bar & Restaurant Dogs are welcome inside and outside. Special dog-friendly menus and weekly specials, such as Lucy's Puppy Popsicle on Waggin' Wednesday.
The Joint Dog-friendly patio area with water bowls.
Pet Friendly Accommodations in New Orleans
Ace Hotel New Orleans Location: 600 Carondelet St, New Orleans, LA 70130 They welcome two pets up to 50 lbs for an additional fee per pet, per night.
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham New Orleans Downtown Location: 301 Camp St, New Orleans, LA 70130 Two pets of any size are welcome for an additional fee per stay.
Royal Sonesta Hotel New Orleans Location: 300 Bourbon St, New Orleans, LA 70130 They welcomes two pets up to 30 lbs for an additional fee per stay.
Creole Gardens Guesthouse & Inn Location: 1415 Prytania St, New Orleans, LA 70130 They welcome pets of any size for an additional fee per pet, per stay.
Omni Royal Orleans Location: 621 Saint Louis St, New Orleans, LA 70140 They welcome one pet up to 25 pounds for an additional fee per stay.
Loews New Orleans Hotel Location: 300 Poydras St, New Orleans, LA 70130 They allow pets of any size for an additional fee of $100 per stay.
Hotel Indigo New Orleans Garden District Location: 2203 Saint Charles Ave, New Orleans, LA 70130-5821 They welcome two pets up to 80 lbs for an additional fee per pet, per stay.
Hotel Monteleone Location: 214 Royal St, New Orleans, LA 70130 They welcome two pets of any size for an additional fee per stay, per pet, per night.
Bienville House Hotel Location: 320 Decatur St, New Orleans, LA 70130 They welcome two pets of any size for an additional fee per stay, per pet, per night.
Best Western Plus St. Charles Inn Location: 3636 Saint Charles Ave, New Orleans, LA 70115-4690 They welcome three pets of any size for an additional fee per night.
Recommended Pet Services in New Orleans
Metairie Small Animal Hospital Address:
Metairie Small Animal Hospital Grooming MSAHs' groomers are available to do standard or breed-specific clips as well as sanitary clips, summer “shave downs,” or any other special clip you may be interested in for your dog or cat. Simply ask to speak to our groomer when you drop off your pet to discuss your preferences. Call ahead for an appointment.
Heaven's Pets at Lake Lawn Metairie Address:5100 Pontchartrain Blvd, New Orleans, LA 70124 Offering pet cremation, complimentary grief resources, options for urns, keepsakes, and permanent memorialization.
Pet Stores and Supplies in New Orleans
Silver Collar Boutique Address:101 Metairie Rd, Metairie, LA 70005 The Silver Collar Pet Boutique, located just inside Metairie Small Animal Hospital, has been a one-stop-shop in New Orleans since 2003, where pet owners can find pet food, collars & leashes, carriers, toys, bedding, bowls, and more!
Pet Related Groups in New Orleans
Humane Society of Louisiana Email:info@humanela.org They provide animal care and protection programs, and promote compassion for all animals. They work to prevent animal abuse and neglect in all its forms.
Jefferson Parish Animal Shelter Location:1 Humane Way, Harahan, LA 70123 They offer adoptions and investigate complaints of cruelty or neglect of animals.
Louisiana SPCA Location:1700 Mardi Gras Blvd., New Orleans, LA 70114 A nonprofit organization that provides animal control, lost and found, adoptions, obiedience & training, and a community clinic.
Friends of the Jefferson Parish Animal Shelter Location:P.O. Box 1079, Metairie, LA 70004-1079 They facilitate fostering, behavioral training and socialization, adoptions, and spay/neuter assistance.
Important Organizations in New Orleans
New Orleans Chamber of Commerce A resource to find trusted businesses in New Orleans.
New Orleans Tourism A site listing local events, restaurants, and attractions.
City of New Orleans A resource for all things having to do with the city of New Orleans.
Jefferson Chamber of Commerce A resource to find trusted businesses in Jefferson Parish.
Jefferson Parish A resource for all things having to do with Jefferson Parish.
City Demographics & Economic Data
New Orleans's estimated population as of 2017 is 393,292 according to the most recent United States census estimates. The population density is 2,178 people per square mile with a land area of 180.6 square miles and 11 feet of elevation. Residents of New Orleans have a median age of 36.7 years. You can find more in-depth demographics and economic data here
Zip Codes: 70112, 70113, 70114, 70115, 70116, 70117, 70118, 70119, 70122, 70124, 70125, 70126, 70127, 70128, 70129, 70130, 70131, 70139, 70163
March 2019 cost of living index in New Orleans: 98.4 Estimated per capita income in 2017: $28,297
Estimated median household income in 2017: $36,999 Estimated median house or condo value in 2017: $227,800 Mean prices in 2017: all housing units: $312,664; detached houses: $312,074; townhouses or other attached units: $343,904; in 2-unit structures: $318,173; in 3-to-4-unit structures: $371,859; in 5-or-more-unit structures: $316,068; mobile homes: $21,228 Median gross rent in 2017: $962
Schools in New Orleans
You can find information for both public and private schools within New Orleans here
All students receive a high-quality education that fosters their individual capabilities, while ensuring that they thrive and are prepared for civic, social, and economic success.. You can find more information here.
Learn more about early education and K-12 schools here.
Our Favorite Businesses in New Orleans
New Orleans Mom A resource for all things parenting and family life in New Orleans.
History New Orleans
Situated on a bend of the Mississippi River 100 miles from its mouth, New Orleans has been the chief city of Louisiana and the Gulf of Mexico’s busiest northern port since the early 1700s. Founded by the French, ruled for 40 years by the Spanish and bought by the United States in the 1803 Louisiana Purchase, New Orleans is known for its distinct Creole culture and vibrant history. Significant battles of the War of 1812 and the Civil War were fought over the city. You can learn more here
Since 1946, Metairie Small Animal Hospital has helped to strengthen and lengthen the lives of animals, thereby bettering the lives of their human companions, throughout New Orleans. They have grown into one of the largest and most respected animal hospital networks in Louisiana with locations throughout Metairie, New Orleans, and Kenner.