A National Movement That Turns Shelter Animals into Forever Pets
Every August through September, communities across the U.S. unite to Clear The Shelters, an annual pet adoption and donation campaign launched by NBCUniversal Local in 2015. This year marks its 11th edition.
Since its inception, Clear The Shelters has:
- Helped nearly 1.2 million pets find forever homes (NBCUNIVERSAL MEDIA, NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth)
- Raised more than $5 million in support of animal welfare organizations (NBCUNIVERSAL MEDIA)
- Garnered participation from over 1,600 shelters and rescues nationwide, amplifying its impact across communities (NBCUNIVERSAL MEDIA)
This is huge. Because, despite these successes, shelters across the country are still overflowing with animals, and the demand for space and resources has never been greater.
Shelter Capacity Crisis in the U.S.
Each year, 6.3 to 6.5 million cats and dogs enter shelters across the U.S., but only about 4.1 million find homes. That gap leaves millions still waiting and puts enormous strain on shelter capacities. In 2024, adoption rates averaged 57% for dogs and 64% for cats, which isn’t an unusually low figure, unfortunately. This means that many animals end up staying far longer than shelters can realistically manage. The result is a growing housing crisis for pets, where limited space and stretched resources make it harder for shelters to keep up with the constant influx of animals. (ASPCA, Shelter Animals Count, The Animal Rescue Site)
What Shelters—and Communities—Are Saying
From the perspective of shelters, the CTS movement leaves in its wake more than empty kennels; it brings energy, awareness, and renewed hope that compounds every year. As Shannon Wells, Executive Director of Lawrence Humane Society, shared:
- “People actually line up before the doors open…it gives people a meaningful way to connect with that passion on a local level”
- “Fee-waived adoptions let people redirect funds toward vet visits, supplies, and other startup costs.”
- “It provides much-needed relief by helping animals find loving homes quickly and responsibly.”
This sentiment is echoed across the nation. Adoption events like these alleviate shelter overcrowding, while also changing the culture of pet ownership by encouraging “adopt don’t shop”. Every pet adopted is a life saved, and another chance given to the next pet waiting their turn in line.
Handling the Hype and the Hurdles
Though the impact is undeniable, Clear The Shelters events aren’t without concerns. On discussion forums like r/Pets and r/AnimalShelterStories, community members raise thoughtful points:
- “Because it’s a fast-paced, single-day event, there’s a high likelihood of incompatible placements…”
- “The urgency sometimes leads to impulsive adoptions—people may adopt pets before they’re truly ready.”
That said, many shelters implement safeguards: selective placement, staged introductions for sensitive animals, and encouraging long-term commitments from adopters. As Wells described, sometimes shy or fearful pets like Roxy are held back until the right match is confirmed.
Ultimately, reduced or waived fees can be a valuable incentive, allowing families who are already interested in adopting to overcome any potential barriers to entry.
However, it goes without saying that, to lower rates that rescues typically rely on to sustain operations, external donations and help must be in place. That’s where you come in!
Three Ways You Can Make A Difference Through CUDDLY
Supporting pet welfare is a year-round endeavor. Here are some ways you can help ensure the CTS movement stays alive:
| What You Can Do | Why It Matters |
| 1. Make a One-Time Donation to a Rescue Animal ❤️🩹 | Supporting shelters by gifting items from their hand-selected wish list filled with essentials like care supplies, medication, and food, or, donating to their medical fund via CUDDLY, ensures that every animal we feature gets the help they need. |
| 2. Start Supporting Monthly 🐾 | Joining CUDDLY Club helps ensure at-risk animals always have food, safety, and urgent medical care when they need it most. |
| 3. Simply feed your pet CUDDLY food and treats! 🦴 | You read that right. When you feed your pet our high-quality food or our single-ingredient treats for both cats and dogs, you’re feeding a shelter pet in need. For every bag you buy, we donate a meal to an animal in the shelter system. |
(Bonus: when you donate to a CUDDLY fundraiser, we’ll send updates on the animal or cause you supported directly to your email!)
Last but not least, if you’re thinking of participating in this event as an adopter, we’ve got you covered. Read below, or follow the hyperlink to our extended blog on how best to bring home your newly adopted four-legged family member.
Four Tips for a Smooth Adoption Experience
- Reflect on Your Lifestyle — Consider your schedule, living setup, and the energy level of the pet. Is your family a good, long-term fit?
- Ask the Right Questions — Reach out to shelters or foster families about behavior, training, and medical history. What kind of savings plan should you have in place for surprise vet bills? Will you want to invest in continued training?
- Prepare Your Home — Pet-proof spaces, gather essential supplies, and plan a transition period to help your new friend settle in. Animals, just like humans, can be reluctant to change. Help them navigate their way through this amazing, albeit stressful, situation by being by their side.
- Have a Feeding Plan — A steady diet helps your new pet adjust smoothly. With CUDDLY Food, you can set up a subscription and have premium, balanced food delivered right to your door. Plus, every bag nourishes your pet while also providing meals to shelter animals still waiting for homes just like yours. ♥️
Final Thoughts: A Movement Fueled by Compassion
Clear The Shelters isn’t just about lowering prices; it’s about shining a spotlight on the animal welfare system, galvanizing communities, and creating real, lasting change. It reminds us that when organizations and grassroots rescuers unite, we create hope for thousands of pets every year.
By participating—whether adopting, gifting, or donating—you become part of a movement that brings pets home and keeps shelters ready to save the next one.
