St. Tammany Animal Resource Team

Founded in 1997, the St. Tammany Animal Resource Team (START) is a volunteer-run foster network dedicated to rescuing stray and abandoned animals in our community. We rely on donations to provide veterinary care, spay/neuter services, and safe, loving foster homes where animals can heal and thrive. Every adoption brings us closer to our vision: a future where no animal is euthanized simply for being homeless. When you support START, you become part of the TEAM-because saving lives takes a village, and every helping hand makes a difference.

The St. Tammany Animal Resource Team (START) is a volunteer-run rescue network providing a wide range of animal welfare services across our community. Our top priority is our TNR (Trap-Neuter-Return) program, which plays a key role in the community cat initiative throughout St. Tammany Parish. We humanely trap, spay/neuter, and return feral cats to their colonies, which our volunteers manage and monitor daily-feeding, caring for, and watching over them.

Beyond TNR, we rescue, rehabilitate, and rehome stray and abandoned pets through our foster network. Each week, our fosters use over 100 pounds of dry cat food, 100+ cans of wet food, and nearly 180 pounds of dry dog food. Veterinary care averages $143 per cat and $198 per dog, covering spay/neuter surgeries and essential health treatments.

Our work is powered entirely by community support. With every donation, you become part of the TEAM helping us create a safer, more compassionate parish for animals in need.

Testimonials

I spent months searching for my first rescue pet until I found Charlotte, a stunning tabby whose story captured my heart. After a screening, I was chosen to adopt her. Now renamed Jewel, she has surpassed all my expectations. Thank you, START.

Lizzo was a timid stray living in the woods until our daily care helped her trust us. START provided essential vet care and found her a perfect home. Their dedication transforms frightened animals into cherished family members.

Sweet Finley was rescued from neglect and blossomed under loving foster care. Likewise, START saved my fur babies, Rascal and Lilly, with free vet care and rehoming support. They make all the difference.