Clear the Shelters, NBCUniversal Local’s nationwide pet adoption and donation campaign, recently wrapped up its 10th year! This anniversary highlights an incredible milestone - over one million adoptions since its inception in 2014.
Clear the Shelters has grown into one of the largest and most impactful shelter support events in the U.S., making it easier for families to adopt by waiving or reducing adoption fees and providing resources and financial support to shelters.
As part of this special event, Greater Good Charities, in partnership with Hill's Pet Nutrition, conducted a pet transport to fly over 100 vulnerable pets to new homes from overcrowded shelters in the South to Northeast shelters with more space and potential adopters.
Another element of the month-long campaign is the Clear the Shelters Fund. This initiative, supported by Hill’s Pet Nutrition, The Animal Rescue Site and iHeartMedia, is a donation campaign for shelters across the U.S. The campaign provides visibility to shelters and offers opportunities for animal welfare organizations' donors to unlock matching gifts. Hill's Pet Nutrition and IHeartMedia generously donated $115,000 to the fund and flight.
Clear the Shelters provides invaluable support that helps shelters reach more communities, saves the lives of vulnerable pets, and gives shelters the resources to say “yes” to more pets in need. The campaign’s impact goes beyond adoptions—creating connections that change lives, raising awareness about the importance of pet adoption, and making a difference for shelter pets year-round.
Each year, Clear the Shelters continues to transform lives—of shelter pets and adopters alike. Here are just a few inspiring stories of pets who found loving homes, thanks to the Clear the Shelters campaign and fund.
Scooter’s Journey to a Happy Home
Scooter was first spotted alongside a busy highway, dodging cars and scavenging for food in a gas station parking lot. A volunteer foster took him in, quickly realizing that this year-old pup had never known the comfort of a home. Malnourished and heartworm-positive, Scooter had no experience with basic pet skills like walking on a leash or climbing stairs.
During his stay with his foster, Scooter received neuter surgery, began heartworm treatment, and grew to love the warmth and safety of a loving home, with Hill’s Pet Nutrition providing him nourishing meals. On the final day of the Clear the Shelters Adoption Event, Scooter found a forever family that included an adult with special needs who lovingly promised him daily cuddles. Thanks to Clear the Shelters supporters, Scooter could continue his heartworm treatments post-adoption, ensuring he has a happy, healthy future.
Ty’s Second Chance
Roller Coaster Tycoon—affectionately known as “Ty”—is a small dog with a big spirit. After developing serious health issues affecting his hind legs, Ty’s owners made the difficult decision to surrender him to Boone County Animal Care & Control. Boone County transferred him to SICSA, where his journey toward recovery began.
Diagnosed with intervertebral disc disease (IVDD), Ty adapted quickly despite his condition, zooming around without his wheelchair. SICSA’s veterinary team opted for foster care and pain management to aid his recovery, with SICSA’s CEO, Jack Omer, taking Ty in. Through physical therapy and dedicated care, Ty no longer needs his wheelchair and, on October 11th, was officially cleared for adoption. As it turned out, he found his forever home with none other than his foster dad, Jack! Thanks to donations from the Clear the Shelters Fund, SICSA can give dogs like Ty a fighting chance.
Missy’s New Life
Knight, a beautiful stray kitten, was brought to Tri-County Animal Rescue and quickly found her forever family during the Clear the Shelters campaign. Renamed Missy, she now spends her days lounging in her dog sibling’s bed, relishing her new life as a cherished house cat. Clear the Shelters donations allow shelters like Tri-County Animal Rescue to help more kittens like Missy find their perfect homes.
Koda’s Transformation
Koda, a five-year-old Great Dane, was rescued from unimaginable circumstances in rural North Carolina. After being thrown from a vehicle and later found starving in a confined box, a good Samaritan brought him to Team Rocky. Within two weeks of foster care, Koda was well-fed, showered with love, and back to health. Donations through the Clear the Shelters Fund enabled Koda to receive the vet care he needed, preparing him for adoption. Soon, a family from Colorado spotted his photo online and decided to welcome Koda into their home, where he’ll finally know the comfort of a true forever family.
Thank You for Making Clear the Shelters Possible
A special thanks to NBCUniversal Local, Hill’s Pet Nutrition, the Animal Rescue Site and iHeartMedia for making Clear the Shelters possible. Together, we’re changing lives—one adoption at a time.
