City of Opelousas Takes Bold Step Toward Establishing First-Ever Animal Shelter
Opelousas, LA – [June 25, 2025] – For the past 25 years, the City of Opelousas—like many
rural communities throughout the Acadiana region—has operated without a dedicated animal
shelter. Often relying on a single animal control officer to respond to the needs of stray and
abandoned animals, the city has long faced challenges in providing adequate care and safe
housing for its most vulnerable four-legged residents.
Now, that is about to change.
Mayor Julius Alsandor has made it his mission to transform the city’s approach to animal
welfare. With compassion, community, and fiscal responsibility at the forefront, the City of
Opelousas has granted the use of a vacant city-owned building on Cross Street to serve as
the town’s first-ever animal shelter.
“This isn’t just about building walls and kennels,” said Mayor Alsandor. “It’s about creating a
space where stray and abandoned animals have a real chance—not just to survive, but to
thrive.”
The mayor envisions more than a holding facility. His goal is to create an environment that
enriches the lives of animals while in the city’s care, making them healthier, happier, and more
adoptable. Plans for the shelter include volunteer-friendly areas for dog walking and
playtime, as well as welcoming spaces for potential adopters to meet their new best friends.
For the first time, community members will have the opportunity to volunteer and help
change the lives of Opelousas’ homeless pets.
This progressive approach would not be possible without the tireless efforts of Mr. Joey
Stelly, the city’s sole Animal Control Officer for the past 14 years. In the absence of a formal
facility, Mr. Stelly has operated a makeshift shelter at the city work yard, averaging 10 calls
per day and caring for countless animals with limited resources. His no-kill efforts and
impeccable disease-free record reflect a level of commitment rarely seen, especially under
such difficult circumstances.
Joining the cause in a major way is Tito’s Handmade Vodka, the Austin-based maker of award-
winning craft-distilled vodka. Known for their Vodka for Dog People program and
commitment to animal welfare, Tito’s has generously signed on as a major sponsor, funding
many of the enrichment areas at this first-of-its-kind facility.
Tito’s will sponsor two large play yards, and an enrichment trail designed to make the
dogs’ shelter stays more enjoyable and increase their chances of adoption. They have
also commissioned local artist Jerome Ford, of Colors of Culture, to transform the front
of the building with an artistic makeover—making the shelter a more appealing and
welcoming destination for the community.
In celebration of their involvement, Tito’s will host a Block to Block Day of Service on
Friday, August 22, 2025, where volunteers from across the state will gather in Opelousas to
help build and paint these transformative projects.
An important part of the story at Tito’s Handmade Vodka is the innate connection the
company has with its canine counterparts. Since the beginning, Tito’s has been committed
to supporting and protecting animals and, through its Vodka for Dog People program, has
helped better the lives of pets and their families. Tito’s amplifies the work of animal-based
nonprofits across the nation and beyond, with a focus on supporting low-cost spay/neuter
services and veterinary care. To learn more, visit www.vodkafordogpeople.com.
To bring the new facility to life, the City is partnering with Friends of the Opelousas Animal
Shelter—the city’s volunteer support arm—and animal welfare advocates Scott’s
Wish/Mardi Paws, to seek community and corporate sponsorships that will help fund the
transformation of the Cross Street property into a true shelter and adoption center.
If you or your business would like to support this historic project and help create a
brighter future for the stray animals of Opelousas, please contact Dupuis or Gutnisky
below.
Together, we can build a shelter that reflects the heart of our community—and gives every
animal the chance they deserve.
Lori Dupuis
Friends of Opelousas Animal Shelter
OpelousasAC24@gmail.com
Denise Gutnisky
Scott’s Wish x Mardi Paws
DeniseG1@bellsouth.net
