Why Clear the Shelters Month Matters More Than Ever

Did you know that simply adopting a pet could save countless lives? According to Best Friends Animal Society, “If just 6% more of those families chose to adopt instead of purchase, we would end the killing of cats and dogs in our nation’s shelters. That's how solvable this issue is.” It’s a powerful reminder of how close we are to making America a no-kill country.

This August marks the 10th annual Clear the Shelters Month, a nationwide pet adoption event dedicated to finding every shelter pet a loving home. Launched in 2014, Clear the Shelters has grown into a powerful movement, bringing together animal lovers, rescue organizations, and animal shelters across the country. The mission? To make pet adoption more accessible and to give every pet a chance at a happy, loving life.

But this year, the stakes are higher than ever. Shelters across the nation are facing an unprecedented crisis. Over the past few years, the number of pets entering shelters has surged due to a combination of factors, including the pandemic’s aftermath, economic hardships, and a decrease in spay/neuter services. In 2023 alone, U.S. shelters saw an increase of nearly 20% in animal intakes compared to previous years. As a result, many shelters are overcrowded and struggling to provide care for the influx of homeless pets.

The situation is dire. According to recent data, over 100,000 more pets are at risk of being euthanized this year compared to last year, simply because shelters do not have the space or resources to care for them. This is why Clear the Shelters 2024 is so crucial. By adopting a pet this month, you can directly help reduce shelter overcrowding and save lives.

Over the past decade, Clear the Shelters has been instrumental in helping more than half a million pets find their forever families. Each year, shelters offer reduced or waived adoption fees, making it easier than ever for people to bring a new pet into their homes. The impact has been extraordinary, with communities nationwide rallying to support their local shelters and help clear them out—one adoption at a time.

But we’re not done yet. Despite the progress, thousands of pets are still waiting for their chance to be adopted. This year, we’re calling on all pet lovers to step up and be part of the solution by adopting a pet during Clear the Shelters 2024.

And if you’re in Austin, don’t miss out on the fun at Austin Pets Alive Clear The Shelters on August 31st! From Cats & Coffee in the morning to Dogs at Dusk in the evening, it’s the puuurfect opportunity to fetch your new best friend while supporting a great cause. Austin pet adoption has never been more urgent or more exciting!

What: Clear the Shelter by Austin Pets Alive
Where: 1156 W Cesar Chavez St, Austin, TX 78703
When: Saturday, August 31
10am-1pm for Cats & Coffee and
5-9pm for Dogs at Dusk!
Come meet your new best fur-iend, enjoy refreshments, and browse local vendors!

Let's work together to clear our shelters and make this dream a reality. Every adoption counts—could your family be part of that life-saving 6%?