LAFAYETTE ANIMAL SHELTER & CARE CENTER
Shelley Delahoussaye, Shelter & Care Center Supervisor

A graduate of University of Louisiana at Lafayette, Shelley Delahoussaye obtained a bachelor’s degree in Animal Science in 2007.  Shelley went on to work as a veterinarian technician for private veterinary offices serving small and large animals. In 2017, she was hired at the Lafayette Animal Shelter & Care Center (LASCC) as an Adoption, Foster, and Rescue Coordinator where her hard work and dedication to finding pets their forever home turned into a promotion to Shelter Supervisor one year later in 2018.  

Prior to Shelley’s leadership, LASCC’s save rate for dogs was 47% and cats was at a low 9%. Shelley forged partnerships with local and national animal welfare organizations, implemented strategic policies and procedures, and eagerly and effectively implemented change to lead the LASCC team in achieving a 90.3% save rate by 2020. Through her leadership, LASCC has maintained a 90% and higher save rate since 2020. 

Shelley was instrumental in the design of LASCC’s new state-of-the-art shelter that was built and opened in 2021. She collaborated with architects and shared her extensive knowledge of shelter operations and the tools and resources needed to improve animal care.   

In 2022, Shelley was recognized and chosen by Best Friends Animal Society to complete the Executive Leadership Certification Program. She also participated in their Shelter Collaborative Program, where she mentored Vernon Parish Animal Shelter and helped them reach a 96% save rate for the first time ever. Shelley enjoys helping other shelters and hopes to implement lifesaving strategies at many more shelters for years to come. 

Shelley is married with four children. She enjoys spending time with her family, riding horses, and camping.