Sailing through 2025: The Pelican State on no-kill
Grab your calendar because you’re going to want to write this down. Today, April 30, is Louisiana Loves Shelter Animals Day. And let me tell you, the Pelican State really does.
Gov. Jeff Landry has written the legacy of animal welfare into Louisiana state history by signing a no-kill proclamation on behalf of the people and pets of Louisiana. A true testament to its nickname, today Louisiana has firmly put its no-kill stake in the ground. The Pelican State nickname dates back to early European settlers, who were so moved by the pelicans’ devotion to their young that they named the state in their honor. Today, Louisiana’s leaders are showing that same commitment to their shelter pets.
Just ask Robert Bremer, director of St. Tammany Parish Animal Services in south Louisiana. A former soldier for the Louisiana National Guard, Robert has seen the best of people — and the worst. He's changing the game for his shelter as they've leaned fully into their no-kill commitment and increased lifesaving over the past few years.
“I have worked with so many people who loved animals, but they quit this job,” Robert says. “Some of the old staff — we don’t have much anymore — we remember what it used to be. I have staff here that have never become certified euthanasia technicians. I don’t need ’em! They’ll never have to worry about that. The only euthanasia they may see is for a medical purpose or to help an animal relieve its suffering.”
With his commitment to lifesaving, Robert created a workplace that’s accounting for the human toll too, not just the animal toll. And while St. Tammany Parish has fluctuated above and slightly below the 90% benchmark for no-kill, they remain a beacon of hope for the state in their steadfast commitment to lifesaving programs.
Robert and his team are not alone in their efforts. In 2018, Louisiana had a statewide save rate of 60%. Last year? That number jumped up to 77%. And with 34 of 70 shelters in Louisiana achieving no-kill in 2024, plus another 13 shelters that have fewer than 100 more animals left to save to reach no-kill, the state is making incredible strides in lifesaving.
Vernon Parish Animal Shelter was one of the first to join our shelter collaborative program, with support from Louiza Chan, Best Friends senior strategist for the South-Central region. When the partnership began in 2021, Vernon Parish was saving just about 32% of animals who entered their care with a staff of only three people, no formal budget, and limited access to spay/neuter resources. But by teaming up with two Lafayette-area shelters, they shared knowledge, built trust, and restructured operations — and within a year, Vernon Parish’s save rate soared to over 90%.
Of course, though, the numbers only tell part of the story. One of the most powerful moments for Vernon Parish came when they realized they no longer needed to reorder euthanasia drugs. "My Euthasol is expiring, and I don’t have to order anymore,” they shared. The euthanasia room was even repurposed into a spay-and-neuter facility. It’s a shift that’s life-changing, not only for the animals but for everyone involved.
The transformation in Vernon Parish didn’t stop there. Inspired by the support they received, they’ve committed to mentoring other shelters across Louisiana, helping them follow the same no-kill path.
By reaching out to individual shelters, we’re identifying the needs of each community and putting people and resources in place — bringing no-kill nationwide in focus. From hesitation to deep belief in no-kill and genuine partnership, states like Louisiana are coming together over a shared love of animals.
Thank you to Gov. Landry for taking this stance and inspiring others to do the same. The pelican is known for its generosity and care. Now, Louisiana’s leaders are setting the same nurturing example for their state’s beloved pets.
Proclamations like these are popping up all over the country. April 30 also marks No-Kill Awareness Day in Georgia, established earlier this year through resolutions passed by both the state House and Senate. Momentum is building — and every voice counts. So here’s the question: Where does your state stand on no-kill? Have your representatives made a proclamation yet? If not, now’s the time to speak up. Tell them you want to see more lives saved.
Louisiana is charting new waters — and your community can, too. Let’s set sail.
-Julie
