Every August, communities across the country come together for National Clear the Shelters Month, a movement dedicated to finding loving homes for pets in need. Shelters and rescues open their doors with special adoption events, waived or reduced fees, and extended hours to make it easier for families to adopt.
Why Clear the Shelters Matters
Animal shelters often operate at or beyond capacity, especially during the summer when kitten and puppy litters peak. Sadly, overcrowding can make it difficult for staff to provide the care each animal deserves. Clear the Shelters Month helps ease that burden by connecting pets with permanent homes.
Beyond space and resources, adoption changes lives. Every animal adopted makes room for another in need, giving them a second chance. And for families, bringing home a shelter pet means gaining a loyal companion who offers unconditional love.
The Impact of Adoption
Since its start in 2015, the Clear the Shelters initiative has helped more than 1 million pets find homes. Each adoption story reflects the heart of this mission—whether it’s a senior dog finding comfort with a retired couple, a shy kitten learning to trust with a new family, or a rescue pup becoming a child’s best friend.
Adopting from a shelter also:
- Saves lives by reducing euthanasia rates.
- Supports local communities by easing shelter overcrowding.
- Encourages responsible pet ownership through spay/neuter programs and education.
How You Can Get Involved
- Adopt: Visit your local shelter or rescue to meet the pets waiting for homes.
- Foster: Provide a temporary home to give animals a break from the shelter environment.
- Donate: Food, toys, blankets, and financial contributions make a big difference.
- Volunteer: Shelters always need extra hands to walk dogs, socialize cats, or help at adoption events.
- Spread the word: Share posts on social media to help connect pets with potential adopters.
A Perfect Time to Find Your New Best Friend
If you’ve been considering adding a furry friend to your family, August is the perfect time to adopt. Not only will you be giving a shelter pet like Church above the loving home they deserve, but you’ll also be part of a nationwide movement of kindness and compassion.
To adopt a pet in August where prices are lowered or eliminated, please visit your local shelter or rescue.
