Today, Companion Animal Alliance (CAA) joins shelters across the country in showing its support for the No Kill movement and raising awareness about the importance of adopting animals at local shelters.

Sponsored nationally by the No Kill Advocacy Center, Animal Ark and Animal Wise Radio, the Just One Day campaign encourages shelters to sign a pledge not to kill any savable animals on June 11, 2012.

The date marks the 11th anniversary of Nathan J. Winograd's first day as executive director of the Tompkins County (New York) SPCA and the development of the philosophy that defines the No Kill Movement.

As a city-funded shelter, CAA is obligated to take in all stray animal plucked from parish streets as well as those dumped at its doorstep by owners unwilling or unable to keep their pets. On average, the shelter receives more than 100 animals a week.

Shelter staff would like every animal to find a new, loving home. However, the reality is that some animals are humanely euthanized due to their poor health, temperament or to prevent overcrowding.

To give the shelter animals a chance at a better life by finding a forever family, CAA has opened the shelter for today's special adoption event and challenged Baton Rougeans to adopt 100 shelter pets in just one day. “Every animal matters,” says CAA's Executive Director Kim Sherlaw, “and increasing adoptions is always a top priority.”

In fact, the staff has decided to use this opportunity to promote the adoption of animals who have been in the shelter the longest. A few weeks ago, CAA created the Homeward Bound Facebook page to highlight adoptable cats, kittens, puppies and dogs who have been confined to the shelter for up to six months.

“It's not the ideal environment to house an animal for that length of time,” explains Sherlaw. “We're very concerned [about] the possibilities for these animal to degenerate in our care: The stress level is high. They don't eat as well as they should. Although they go out to play, they are tired of being kenneled for a large part of the day. And, they don't get that socialization with humans—that human animal bond—that they desperately need.”

To encourage potential adopters to give serious consideration to Homeward Bound pets, their adoption fee has been waived for approved applicants.

“If you can take time to come out, you'll see we have such amazing animals,” Sherlaw says. “We have a variety of sizes, shapes, colors, breeds. We really just want people to open their minds, open their hearts, take a look and see if we can help you find your perfect match.”

All it takes is just one day.

CAA's regular hours of operation are Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 11a.m. to 5 p.m. On Thursdays, CAA remains open until 7 p.m. to potential adopters and owners looking for lost pets, who are available to come by after work.

For more information, visit our website at companionanimalsbr.org or call 225-774-7700.

Click here to see some of the fabulous furry friends available at the Just One Day adoption event.