Go Tigers—and kittens, cats, dogs and puppies!

This Friday, Saturday and Sunday, all three local PetSmart stores host a National Adoption Weekend.

“PetSmart Charities’ goal is to adopt out 1,700 animals nationwide in three days,” says Siegen Lane Store Manager Lee Wakefield.

With approximately 4.7 million placements since its inception in 1994, PetSmart Charities is the largest facilitator of pet adoptions in North America.

Partnering with more than 2,000 shelters and rescue groups, PetSmart makes homeless pets available for adoption every day in every one of its stores. Rescues benefit the opportunity to introduce their adoptable pets to animal-loving shoppers. On average, one animal is adopted every 39 seconds a PetSmart store is open.

In addition, Wakefield says, “Petsmart always makes a donation to rescues for every in-store adoption during the week. That amount is increased for specials events, adding extra incentive.”

This year, the company’s efforts have already resulted in the placement of 297,000 pets.

Of the151 stores in the region, the Millerville Road PetSmart ranks No. 11 in adoption volume. Store Manager Gary McCarn is particularly passionate about supporting rescue organizations’ efforts.

“I’m so thankful PetSmart is a part of this,” McCarn says. “[Through events like this] People are starting to realize that a dog or cat adopted from a shelter is just as good as a pet from a pet store or breeder. It’s helping get the word out and helping save lives.”

In September 2010, the Millerville store first participated in the company-wide event with the goal of adopting 60 animals. By weekend’s end, 79 found new homes. This past September on an LSU home game weekend, rescue organizations adopted 97 pets—only three short of the goal.

Despite LSU homecoming on November 12, McCarn still aims for 100 adoptions. To that end, he and the rescues have formulated a new game plan. To accommodate football fans and other November night owls, they’re offering security and extended hours in a well-lit tent.

So, if you think watching the Tigers’ homecoming is exciting, imagine the fun of coming home to a new big cat (or dog) of your own everyday and visit the National Adoption event.

PetSmart’s three locations will be introducing adoptable pets from the following rescues.

Airline Highway store, 292-0479

Saturday and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Capital Area Animal Welfare Society (CAAWS)

Cat Haven

Northside Humane Society

Millerville Drive store, 275-4858

Friday and Saturday, 9 a.m. to at least 6 p.m.

Sunday, 10 a.m. to at least 4 p.m.

Companion Animal Alliance (CAA)

Feliciana Animal Welfare Society (FAWS)

SPCA of Livingston

Project Purr Baton Rouge

YelpBR!

Siegen Lane store, 929-9590

Saturday and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Animal Protection and Welfare Society (APAWS)

CAAWS

Cat Haven

Point Coupee Animal Shelter

SOS Rescue

For those who can’t make it out this weekend to find a best friend, PetSmart stores offer local rescues the chance to bring their pets to meet the public every weekend.

To preview some the pets expected at this weekend’s adoption, click here for this week’s Creature Feature.

Click here for this week’s City Lynx.