Now that school has started and your family has settled into a routine, it’s a great time to consider adding a shelter pet to your household.

Iberia Parish Animal Control has dozens of adoptable dogs and cats. Every week, we feature one or more – usually four – dogs that the shelter staff has chosen to spotlight. IPAC’s greatest need is moving dogs due to the rampant number of strays and owner surrenders.

This week’s shelter pets of the week are Lucy, Deno, Pepper and Moose. Lucy is a 2.5 year-old lab mix who is heartworm negative and dog friendly. She was picked up as a stray in April.

“She is a laid-back girl but likes to play,” IPAC manager Amanda Istre said.

Deno is a classic comeback story. The two-year-old pit bull, who weighs 36 lbs., came into the shelter as a stray with a wound that has been treated. He has made a full recovery and is ready to inspire a new family with his fortitude.

Pepper is a two-year-old lab mix with a bright coat who literally lights up the room when he walks in. He is 50 lbs., heartworm negative and has “the goofiest smile” and “personality to match,” Istre said.

Moose is a 1.5 year-old hound/lab mix who is fully grown at 35 lbs. and is heartworm negative. He has a handsome face with a vivid color pattern and has never met a dog he didn’t like. Moose would be ideal for a family with children.

“He wants to play all the time,” Istre said.

Adoption fees are $100 and include spay/neuter, rabies vaccination and microchip. Interested in adopting? You can set up a meet and greet with a dog or cat from 12 PM to 3 PM on weekdays. IPAC is located at 2017 Seaway Access Rd. in New Iberia. (337) 364-6311