NEW ORLEANS – The Louisiana SPCA, in partnership with the New Orleans Health Department and other community organizations, will host One Health New Orleans on Saturday, Nov. 7, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at its New Orleans campus, 1700 Mardi Gras Blvd. in Algiers.
Held in recognition of National One Health Week, the annual community wellness event brings free and affordable preventive health services for people and pets together in one location. By connecting families with essential care and community resources, the event aims to reduce financial and logistical barriers that can prevent people and their animals from receiving routine health services.
Walgreens is expected to provide free human vaccinations, while the Louisiana SPCA will offer free rabies, DHPP and Bordetella vaccinations for dogs and rabies and FVRCP vaccinations for cats. Pet owners residing outside Orleans and Plaquemines parishes will need to purchase rabies licensing through their respective parishes. Attendees can also connect with community partners offering additional health and wellness resources.
“At the Louisiana SPCA, we recognize that caring for animals also means supporting the people who love them,” said Ana Zorrilla, CEO of the Louisiana SPCA. “One Health reflects our commitment to making preventive care more accessible and ensuring families have the resources they need to keep their pets healthy and at home. When we invest in the well-being of people and animals together, we strengthen our entire community.”
The event builds on the success of the Louisiana SPCA’s 2025 One Health New Orleans event, its largest single-site event of its kind. Last year, 561 pets received vaccinations, 414 pet owners received support, and 459 rabies tags were distributed. The New Orleans Health Department also administered vaccinations to 111 people. Families traveled from across south Louisiana to access services, highlighting the regional demand for affordable preventive care.
For many households, the cost of routine veterinary care can be challenging, particularly when families are balancing other essential expenses. One Health helps address those challenges by providing preventive services and connecting pet owners with resources to support their animals’ long-term health.
“Through our community initiatives, we see firsthand how financial challenges can make accessing routine veterinary care difficult for families,” said Shana Hayward, director of community initiatives at the Louisiana SPCA. “By bringing these services directly into the community, we’re helping pet owners overcome those barriers and take proactive steps to protect their animals’ health. Just as importantly, we’re connecting families with resources and support they can turn to beyond this event.”
Food and refreshments will be available for purchase from on-site food trucks, and parking is free. Pre-registration is strongly encouraged, as pre-registered guests receive priority over walk-ins. Pre-registered guests must arrive from 9 to 11 a.m. Walk-ins are welcome, but all attendees should expect wait times, including those who pre-register.
To help ensure a safe and comfortable experience, attendees are encouraged to arrive early, bring folding chairs and prepare to spend time outdoors while waiting for services. For the safety of all attendees and pets, dogs must remain on leashes, and cats must be secured in carriers.
For event details and pre-registration information, visit www.louisianaspca.org/events.