The Capital Area Animal Welfare Society hosted their annual Mystic Krewe of Mutts Parade on Sunday, February 22, 2026.

All benefits CAAWS makes from their Bark in the Park event followed by the rolling of the Krewe goes to the shelter’s spay and neuter program. President of CAAWS Libby Haydel stresses the importance as funds go not only to the animals in the shelter, but also residents of Baton Rouge who choose CAAWS to spay and neuter, as they get assistance and discounts.

With vendors galore, the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine had a booth to educate the community on the fantastic resource they are for pet owners and future Veterinary medicine students.

LSU Veterinary School of Medicine Marketing Coordinator Sara Hamilton, stresses that Baton Rouge houses the only “veterinary school in Louisiana” and their impact on residents being an animal hospital, along with “teaching the next generation” of students at their school.

Spay and neutering awareness brought so many together on Sunday, as highlighted by CAAWS volunteer Cori Mendoza.

“I do believe it’s good for Baton Rouge’s community. Look at the different walks of life that you see here today, it’s absolutely amazing. And everybody is here for one purpose and that’s for the animals.”

To donate or volunteer with CAAWS more information can be found on their website at ‘CAAWS.org’