Communities across the United States rallied together this summer for the 12th annual Clear The Shelters campaign, a nationwide pet‑adoption and donation effort organized by NBCUniversal Local. From August 1‑31, the adoption push and a parallel fundraising drive (July 15‑Sept 15) produced a remarkable 135,000+ adoptions and generated $480,000 in donations for participating shelters and rescues.
National reach and local impact
More than 100 NBC and Telemundo stations – owned and affiliated – partnered with over 1,200 animal shelters. Those shelters span 47 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and Guam, illustrating how the campaign taps into the deep‑rooted American love for family pets and the desire to protect vulnerable animals.
Since its launch in 2015, Clear The Shelters has facilitated nearly 1.5 million adoptions and raised over $6 million for shelters. This year’s totals continue that upward trajectory, underscoring the power of coordinated community action.
Highlights from the 2026 effort
Among the memorable moments, a group of shelter dogs from the program’s founding location attended the Texas Rangers’ “Bark at the Park” night, delighting fans and raising awareness for adoption. Actor Josh Hutcherson, known for “The Hunger Games,” visited a California shelter to advocate for pet adoption, drawing media attention to the cause.
In Louisiana, a life‑saving airlift rescued 60 at‑risk pets from shelters strained by recent weather events, demonstrating how rapid response can protect animals in crisis. Additionally, the nonprofit Stronger Shot Adoption Photos organized pet photo‑shoots at roughly a dozen shelters, improving each animal’s chance of finding a forever home.
Corporate partners keep the momentum going
The campaign’s success rests on long‑standing partnerships. Hill’s Pet Nutrition returned as a presenting sponsor for the ninth consecutive year, marking its first time in that role. Hill’s senior vice president of U.S. marketing, Carrick Massey, said, “As animal shelters across the country face unprecedented capacity pressures, programs like Clear The Shelters are more critical than ever in supporting pets and the organizations that care for them.”
Other returning partners include Greater Good Charities and WeRescue, both of which have helped amplify the campaign’s reach. The Black Dog also contributed a limited‑edition merchandise collection, with proceeds supporting the shelters.
How you can help
Anyone interested in supporting the cause can visit ClearTheShelters.com or the Spanish‑language site DesocuparlosAlbergues.com for information on participating shelters, local events, and television programming. Follow the initiative on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok to stay updated on adoption stories and upcoming fundraising opportunities.
Clear The Shelters exemplifies how faith‑based families, traditional values, and individual liberty converge when communities unite to protect vulnerable animals. By adopting, donating, or simply spreading the word, Americans can continue to make a tangible difference for pets in need.
Original reporting: Dallas TX News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
