As the animal shelter crisis continues in the U.S., with 5.8 million cats and dogs entering shelters and rescues in 2025, adoption is one of the biggest ways to combat the issue. For prospective first-time pet parents, the idea of bringing home a dog or cat can feel overwhelming.
Adoption Advice from Hannah Shaw
Hannah Shaw, an award-winning kitten rescuer and humane advocate, suggests taking the first step of simply heading out to a shelter or an adoption event with an open mind. “See who you might meet — you might be surprised by who you fall in love with,” Shaw said. Her project, Kitten Lady, teaches individuals and rescues how to save the lives of kittens through educational videos, instructional workshops, and more.
Shaw stressed that you don’t need to be an expert to give a pet a forever home. “You really just have to have an open mind and an open heart and have love to give,” she said. If you’re not ready to adopt, there are other ways to help shelter animals, such as fostering pets or volunteering at a local shelter.
The 2026 Clear The Shelters adoption campaign is being held throughout August, with a donation initiative running through September 15. For more information, visit ClearTheShelters.com.
Original reporting: NBC10 Boston — read the source article.
