Long Beach, Calif. – On Tuesday, actor Josh Hutcherson stopped by the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) Los Angeles location in Long Beach to lend his voice to the Clear The Shelters adoption campaign. Hutcherson, best known for his roles in “The Hunger Games” and “I Love LA,” spent several hours touring the facility, volunteering, walking dogs and playing with kittens.
Advocating for adoption and volunteerism
During the visit, Hutcherson told NBCUniversal Local, “I’ve always loved animals and there’s a lot of great animals out there that need to find some good homes.” He emphasized that adopting a pet can feel overwhelming, but added, “If you just lead with love and good intention, then it’s gonna work out.” He also encouraged those not ready to adopt to consider donating or volunteering, noting that “there’s a lot you can do to be involved with this.”
Personal experience with large dogs
Hutcherson is a proud shelter‑dog dad to two large pit bulls, Driver, now 14, and Manchi, 11. He adopted Driver at age 19 and brought Manchi home a few years later, describing the pair as “through thick and thin” companions. He called his 70‑pound dogs “lick‑you‑to‑the‑death kind of dogs,” a light‑hearted nod to their affectionate nature.
His personal story is part of a broader effort to highlight large dogs, which often face longer shelter stays. According to Hill’s State of Shelter Pet Adoption Report, large dogs spent 70 % more time in shelters than smaller breeds in 2025. Hutcherson said, “Large dogs can get a bad rap for being scary or too much to handle, but even a Great Dane can be a great apartment dog. Breaking down those stereotypes is important for me.”
Clear The Shelters campaign
The actor’s appearance aligns with his second‑year partnership with Hill’s Pet Nutrition to support Clear The Shelters, NBCU Local’s annual pet‑adoption and donation drive. The campaign runs throughout August, with a donation push extending through September 15. Information about participating shelters and local events is available at ClearTheShelters.com and its Spanish‑language site DesocuparLosAlbergues.com.
Local residents are encouraged to visit the Long Beach SPCA, consider adopting a pet, or contribute in other ways. The shelter’s staff noted that community involvement is critical to reducing the time animals spend awaiting homes, especially for larger breeds that often require more space and patience from owners.
Community impact
Hutcherson’s visit underscores the role of public figures in supporting nonprofit efforts that benefit families and neighborhoods. By promoting responsible pet ownership and encouraging volunteerism, the actor helps strengthen the bond between families and their local animal‑care organizations, reinforcing the community’s commitment to compassion and stewardship.
Original reporting: NBC10 Boston — read the source article.
