Louisiana Stories

The governor of Utah, Gov. Spencer Cox, holding the written declaration as well as a kitten with Best Friends CEO Julie Castle behind him

Proclamations push no-kill progress for pets

More state and city leaders are joining the push to end the killing of pets in shelters, energizing their communities and saving lives.
These are a catalyst for change
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A group of human hands wearing Best Friends logo temporary tattoos all together in a circle

Sailing through 2025: The Pelican State on no-kill

Louisiana continues to honor its legacy as the Pelican State by protecting its animals with a no-kill proclamation.
Have your representatives made a proclamation yet?
Julie Castle Blog
Mama cat nursing kittens

Small but mighty: How 3 rural shelters save cats

Three Southern, rural shelters are no-kill today because of their programs that save cats rather than kill them.
Saving lives together
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Person kissing a small dog, both in the front seat of a vehicle

Affordable vet care helps Louisiana pets

Rachael Ray Save Them All Grant supports The Inner Pup’s low-cost veterinary services to help pets stay in their homes with their families.
Helping people and their pets
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Pocket the dog in a yard with a toy ball

Busting myths about fostering dogs

If you’re on the fence about fostering, let us dispel some of the misperceptions.
Help get dogs into homes
Best Friends Magazine
Person reaching out to touch a smiling red heeler type dog

11 happy pet tales from national adoption weekend

Best Friends’ first national adoption weekend of 2023 finds loving homes for thousands of pets.
Meet some happy new families
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Group of people surrounding a dog outside a wire crate

How animal services officers are saving more pets

Best Friends works with animal services officers to reduce shelter intake and reunite more pets with their families.
See how their work affects no-kill 2025
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Person wearing an animal services officer shirt holding a small dog or puppy backwards over his shoulder in a kennel area

Helping small animal shelters has a big impact

Best Friends is leveraging the power of networking and peer mentoring to engage organizations and help save lives.
See how mentorships help save cats and dogs
Best Friends Magazine
Volunteer Bill Splitter, smiling, between his two daughters Trischa and Elizabeth

Air Force vet to full-time volunteer with dogs

Volunteering changed veteran, dog lover, logistics legend, and epic animal transporter Bill Splitter’s life.
Remembering Bill's legacy
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Gray and white cat in a kennel

5 animal stories that prove kindness goes a long way

These good Samaritans, including one cat, pulled out all the stops to help when it was needed the most.
Read their praiseworthy efforts
Best Friends Magazine
Yogi the dog with is smiling person

7 happy stories from national pet adoption weekend

Best Friends-sponsored National Adoption Weekend results in thousands of adoptions.
Meet the happy families
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Smiling person holding a small black kitten, next to a mobile home

Community conversations help cats in a Louisiana parish

With guidance from the Best Friends national embed program, staff at St. Tammany Animal Shelter talked with neighbors to get them on board to help save cats.
Read about their lifesaving programs
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Smiling person getting kissed on the face by a dog

Matchmaking, animal shelter style

Shelter collaborative program may be the last piece of the no-kill puzzle.
See our matchmaking in action
Best Friends Magazine