In Virginia, several Loudoun County shelters are collaborating on a one-day adoption blowout. All fees will be waived, and there will be many different animals to choose from.

“We’ll definitely have all sizes, ages, breeds of cats and dogs, puppies and senior dogs as well, which are 8 years and older. They’re all wonderful animals looking for their forever homes,” a spokesperson from a shelter said.

CLEAR THE SHELTERS

Clear the Shelters Aug 22

Untraditional pets available for adoption at local shelters

Clear the Shelters Aug 20

Pat's Prized Pets go for the gold

Clear the Shelters Aug 12

How to donate to the Clear The Shelters campaign

Anthony Beninca knows first-hand how important it is to give these pets a second chance.

“I think it’s great to adopt because you are giving these guys here a chance at a better home. It cannot be overstated the amount of joy that a pet will bring you,” Beninca said.

The event, sponsored by the organizations Friends of Homeless Animals (FOHA), Middleburg Humane Foundation, Humane Society of Loudoun County, and Homeward Trails, will be held in Segra Field on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Click here for more information.

In addition, the Humane Rescue Alliance in Washington D.C., will hold another Clear the Shelters adoption event from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Click here for more information.

Clear The Shelters is NBCUniversal Local’s nationwide pet adoption and donation campaign that encourages people to adopt from their local shelters. Each year, more than 100,000 animals are adopted from shelters and rescues that participate in our initiative. 

“Leash reactive” dogs are usually reacting in overexcitement, fear or aggression.

If your dog keeps lunging on their leash, they’re developing a habit. The more they do it, the harder it is to change that habit. So how do you prevent lunging?

Don’t punish dogs for lunging

The AKC says not to punish your dog for lunging on a leash because that will likely exacerbate the problem. Your dog will associate the punishment with the other person, dog, or object, which can strengthen their fear or reactive response.

Be proactive

Plan your walks for times when your dog is unlikely to encounter any lunging triggers. This might mean adjusting your schedule to walking when fewer people are out, like in the evening or early morning.

Change your dog’s emotional response

The AKC says desensitization and counterconditioning can help alter dogs’ behaviors by changing their emotional responses from negative to positive (in the case of fear-based or aggressive reactivity) or from out-of-control excitement to calm (in the case of frustration).

One way to do this is training with rewards or treats. The AKC says:

“Start the process with your dog on leash. Wait for them to notice a trigger then immediately present a reward. When they glance at the trigger again, offer another reward. Continue as long as the trigger is present. With enough repetition, your dog will eventually glance at the trigger then turn right back in your direction, as if to say, ‘I saw it, now where’s my treat?’ This tells you that your dog has realized the trigger makes the reward happen, so the positive association is being formed.

“Now you can move a tiny bit closer to the trigger and repeat the process. The goal is to slowly reduce the distance between your dog and the trigger until they are within a few feet or less, all while keeping your dog under threshold. Then duplicate the entire procedure again with a new dog or person. Continue to repeat with as many examples of the trigger as necessary to convince your dog that their trigger makes great things happen. As a result, when they see any trigger, they will look to you for a reward instead of lunging.”

After a few weeks, you can start playing it on walks at a comfortable distance from others. Be sure to reward your pup because they react — every negative experience will set them back. If they do react, add more distance next time and repeat the step.

Note that the best time to play the game is before mealtime when your dog is hungry.

But what is a “bonded pair”? According to Doreen Jakubbak, the executive director at Marty’s Place Senior Dog Sanctuary, a New Jersey-based animal shelter, it all boils down to the bond both animals have developed with each other.

“It is the term we use for when two dogs come from the same home or owner and we make a commitment to not separate them.”

Bonded pets come in all shapes and sizes. They could be a dog pair, a cat pair, or even a cat and dog pair. They may be littermates, come from the same household, or just developed a strong bond after being rescued.

When a shelter labels a pet pair as a “bonded pair,” it means both animals have a healthy relationship and usually sleep and play together so they want the pair to be adopted as a pair instead of separate.

“The one constant was them having each other so we believe that (separating them) would create unnecessary anxiety and further trauma to break that bond,” Jakubbak said.

What are the benefits of adopting a bonded pet pair?

Despite being a major commitment to adopt two pets, a bonded pair does come with its benefits, some experts say.

For starters, adopting bonded pairs has been proven to reduce separation anxiety, barking, destructive behavior and even potty accidents among some pets.

Similarly, bonded pairs might tend to learn quicker than single ones.

“Pets adopted together continue the learning cycle they experienced with their mother and siblings by watching what each other does,” said NOCO Humane, a Colorado-based nonprofit animal shelter. “As they socialize, play, and observe, they see how to behave along with associating the consequences of their actions.”

Lastly, if you’re in the market for two new pets, a bonded pair might be a better choice than adopting to separate animals since the pair is already comfortable together and no introduction is needed.

Visit ClearTheShelters.com between now and Sept. 30, 2024, to find out how you can adopt a pet virtually or donate online to help a shelter near you.

Not only did Giorgi adopt Chester, he also founded the sanctuary in the dog’s honor to ensure that as many special needs senior dogs as possible receive love and care.

Nestled in Stamford, Connecticut, the sanctuary is managed by Giorgi and his wife Anna Giorgi. The family, which includes Anna and Todd’s daughter, Jagger, and son, Lennon, offers unwavering love and support to senior dogs in need.

“I just get to be engulfed in love on a daily basis,” Todd said.

Clear the Shelters Aug 27

Adopting a shelter dog? Celebrity trainer offers these 3 tips

Clear the Shelters Aug 12

How to donate to the Clear The Shelters campaign

At the sanctuary, neglected, senior, elderly, abandoned, sick, and hospice dogs can spend their remaining days in a secure and loving environment.

“We both had this passion to rescue senior dogs and make this their final home,” Anna said.

The organization’s operations depend on generous donations to meet expenses such as vet bills and medication.

With the help of social media campaigns, the sanctuary has received donations that help the Giorgi family continue rescuing and caring for senior dogs in need of a fur-ever home.

“The gift I give is I try to hold every single dog in my arms, kiss their head, and tell them that they’re a good boy or girl and that they’re gonna see all of our other dogs at the rainbow bridge,” Todd said. “What they give back in terms of gratitude is ten-fold.”

Of course a new dog owner will be beaming at the prospect of adding an adorable, fun-loving best friend to their everyday life. But that new bond requires responsibility and commitment, especially during the dog’s transition period from a shelter or foster to their forever home.

So what are the keys to making that transition go as smooth as possible for both the owner and dog? Celebrity dog trainer Brandon McMillan has three tips:

1. Do homework on your dog pre-adoption

Just like studying for a test, it’s important to find out as much as possible about a dog before bringing them home. Ask the shelter or foster questions that are pertinent to your situation. These could be questions like: How does the dog interact with cats and other dogs? What about with kids and other humans? How are they on walks? Are they chewers?

McMillan says gaining this knowledge ahead of time, rather than on the fly, will lead to a safer transition period.

Clear the Shelters Aug 13

Dozens of pets board flights to find forever homes

Clear the Shelters Aug 12

How to donate to the Clear The Shelters campaign

2. Help your dog adapt to their new home

Yes, an owner will eventually have to leave their dog alone for an extended period. But the first time doing so shouldn’t be immediately after bringing the dog home.

“Don’t get a dog from a shelter, put them in your house and then go out and party all night,” McMillan said.

Instead, McMillan suggests spending time with the dog to help them get comfortable in the new environment. And it probably isn’t wise to give a dog free rein of the house right away when they are left alone, especially if they’re a puppy.

3. Build trust with your dog through training

Once the dog is home, it’s time to start building that special bond. And McMillan says one of the best ways to do so is through training.

“[Dogs] naturally look for leadership,” McMillan said. “So, you being the mommy or daddy, you want to be the teacher, but you also want to be the parent.

“Training, it will not only build trust, it forms a friendship. And the one thing you can guarantee with a dog, they will not learn off you if they don’t trust you…You always have to make sure you form that bond, form trust with a dog and they’re gonna learn whatever you throw at them.”

McMillian cautions owners that dog training is like the stock market, “it doesn’t always go up” and “it’s going to have little crashes, little bumps in the road.” But if an owner does it right and forms that trust with a dog, they should eventually see a big return on investment.

But despite how intimidating they may look, behind the façade they are known to be lovable and well-behaved dogs.

That is exactly what celebrity dog trainer Tom Davis thinks.

“My absolute favorite breed to train is the pit bull,” Davis said.

For years, Davis, who founded the New York-based Upstate Canine Academy, has specialized in behavior-based dog training aimed at tackling challenging pet behavior.

According to Davis, pit bulls are so easy to train because they are bred to do anything for the humans they work with, which makes them naturally obedient and disciplined.

“In my experience pit bulls are some of the most loyal, trainable, and fun dogs to work with,” Davis said. “They also have a really good working drive and an off switch.”

The history of the American Pit Bull Terrier lineage is over 200 years old and can be traced back to 19th-century British bulls and terriers, according to the American Kennel Club.

Though they were initially bred to hunt, protect and drive livestock, the breed eventually turned into a family dog due to its loyal and enthusiastic nature.

“They like to go out and work with you, have fun and train but they also like to go home, cuddle and be a couch potato,” Davis said. “They are a really diverse dog.”

Why do pit bulls have a bad reputation?

According to Davis, it all boils down to the breed’s bond with its owner.

“The pit bull breed is so loyal and extraordinary that unfortunately it has given them a bad rep because of how loyal they are for their owners,” Davis explained.

“If the pit bull ends up in the wrong hands, that person can ultimately tell that dog to do anything they want. It’s one of the only breeds in the world that I’ve ever worked with that would literally die and do anything for their owner.”

Similarly, the AKC said pit bulls are “confident” and “strong” dogs, but “require an owner who will carefully socialize and obedience train the dog.”

Ultimately, any dog is what the owner makes of it, Davis explains. If the dog is not appropriately trained or disciplined, any good breed can turn into a bad pet.

“It always comes back down to training, whatever hands the dog is in is ultimately what the dog is going to act like,” Davis said. “It’s very important for dog owners out there to understand that if your dog is mean or aggressive or not listening when pulling on the leash, it’s a good chance that it’s because of you as the owner,.”

“There are no bad dogs,” Davis concluded.

Clear the Shelters Aug 15

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Expert dog trainer Tom Davis says it is ok to let your dog sleep on the bed, but there is a potential problem that owners need to make sure to avoid.

“My answer is, it doesn’t really matter as long as you can get your dog off (the bed) when they are older,” Davis told NBC Local.

Dogs who become accustomed to sleeping on the bed as puppies will want to do the same when they are fully grown, which could be as big as 100 pounds or more.

“Making sure that you can (say) ‘get off,’ or ‘down,’ and that your dog will actually do that so that you don’t have a fight when they are 100-plus pounds,” Davis added.

Clear the Shelters Aug 15

2-time Super Bowl champ George Karlaftis' dog, Ralph, ‘is family'

Clear the Shelters Aug 8

Thinking of adopting a dog? Here's some advice from an animal communicator on what to consider

Do you want to spend five hours or more in the kitchen cooking for your pets? That is about the average amount of time a pet owner might spend making homemade pet food.

Many pet owners believe cooking their pets’ food will be easier and cheaper than buying commercial food. But according to Dr. Lindsey E. Bullen, a veterinary nutritionist, that’s not the case.

There is a “misconception about one being able to create nutritiously balanced pet meals from human ingredients. That is just not possible,” she said.

How to find the right recipe for your animal companion

Rather than finding a random recipe online, Bullen recommends working with a board certified vet to create the right recipe for your furry friend.

“Food preparation done incorrectly could cause long-term damage to be borderline lethal to your pet,” Bullen said.

How about feeding your pets kibble?

Kibble might not be so attractive, but it could be a better option for many.

Even though pet owners might think commercial food is less healthy, Bullen reminds them there is no equivalent in the human world.

If you want to make your own pet food, make sure to research and work with the right professionals.

Bullen said she doesn’t see the benefit of cooking over feeding pets commercial food because every pet is so unique and it’s humanly impossible to get every ingredient right.

Clear the Shelters Aug 12

How to donate to the Clear The Shelters campaign

Clear the Shelters Aug 8

What to know as Clear The Shelters kicks off its 10th annual adoption campaign

This year, he’ll bring his cat expertise to NBCUniversal Local’s 10th annual nationwide pet adoption and donation campaign as the “Clear The Shelters” advocate for Hill’s Pet Nutrition, the initiative’s national sponsor for the last seven years.

Galaxy, who was the host and executive producer of Animal Planet’s “My Cat from Hell” for nearly a decade, has worked with cats and their guardians for more than 25 years. Along with authoring two New York Times best-selling books, he posts educational content on his YouTube channel and social accounts. 

Prior to that, Galaxy worked at the Humane Society of Boulder Valley in Colorado 31 years ago — and believe it or not, he wasn’t naturally drawn to the cats. Galaxy, who was born and raised in New York City, grew up with dogs and didn’t have an “immediate bond” with cats.

His coworker at the shelter, however, quickly noticed the felines’ “immediate attachment” to Galaxy and started calling it out.

“Every time I walked into a room and I’d sit down, all the cats would come to me,” Galaxy said. “They picked me, and I went along for the ride. But then, of course, it was pretty quick that it became bigger than that.” 

Whether at animal shelters or in people’s homes, Galaxy has worked with thousands of cats to improve their behavior and wellness. Each one of them, no matter how short the time, is meaningful to him. 

Galaxy credits his work with his feline friends for helping him overcome his alcohol and drug addiction. 

“I got sober, in part, because I valued this work,” he said. “I could tell that I was only getting so far with the animals I was working with. But then it bled over to relationships with humans. Any time you shine a light back onto yourself in terms of your own pluses and minuses in a relationship, you get better.” 

This life-changing relationship between cats and humans informs Galaxy’s approach to teaching other guardians how to care for their animals. He says it’s not about “technique,” but rather, giving love to cats so that they can confidently accept humans and other animals into their lives.

Clear The Shelters

Clear the Shelters Aug 12

How to donate to the Clear The Shelters campaign

Clear the Shelters Aug 8

What to know as Clear The Shelters kicks off its 10th annual adoption campaign

Clear the Shelters Jun 25

Clear The Shelters campaign returns for 10th straight year

After working with countless animal rescues over the years, Galaxy has observed one of the greatest obstacles for shelters nationwide: “the public’s perception of what a shelter is.” 

“We’re communicating the message to the public that we’re not just there to put lost animals in cages,” Galaxy said. “We are a refuge of information and, oftentimes, supplies when times are tough for you.” 

Galaxy said he is “honored” to join this year’s Clear The Shelters campaign, which runs Aug. 10 to Sept. 10., in partnership with NBCUniversal Local and Hill’s Pet Nutrition. 

Since its inception in 2015, Clear The Shelters has worked with more than 1,400 shelters across the country to help over 1 million animals find their forever homes. Galaxy, who has worked in partnering shelters, has seen the impact of the annual campaign on individual rescues and homes.

“If you just look at Clear The Shelters as a phenomenon in itself, over 10 years, a million animals have gone home. A million families have been forever changed,” Galaxy said. “It takes campaigns like this, eye-on-the-prize campaigns to get us to the next place.”

The next place, according to the Cat Daddy? Clearing the shelters — and keeping them cleared.

“We’re giving new adopters and old adopters alike tools so that if an issue crops up … we’ll find ways to keep them in their homes,” Galaxy said. 

Galaxy encourages those interested in the campaign to support it in whatever way they can. 

“Help us out in adoption events. Come on in here and spend some time with the animals, getting to know them with no pressure whatsoever,” he said. “Can’t do that? Help us donate. Can’t do that? I mean, there’s this whole wonderful chain that you can participate in, and it doesn’t have to just begin and end with adopting.”

To learn more about Clear The Shelters 2024 and search for adoptable pets in your area, visit cleartheshelters.com. You can also donate to your local animal shelters and rescue groups by visiting clearthesheltersfund.org.

Check out Jackson Galaxy’s website to learn more about him. 

Follow Clear The Shelters on Facebook and Instagram to stay up to date on this year’s pet adoption and donation news:

Hashtags: #ClearTheShelters & #DesocuparLosAlbergues

The Kansas City Chiefs defensive end, who grew up in Greece before moving back to the U.S. when he was 13, said he always loved animals but could never have a dog growing up because his mom was allergic.

Fast forward to the present day, and he and his girlfriend have their very own flandoodle (a Bouvier des Flandres mixed with a poodle), Ralph, who the NFL star says is “amazing” and has “taken up the personality” of the couple.

“He’s big, you know, most of us are larger human beings,” Karlaftis told NBC Local. “He’s pretty lazy around the house — he likes to relax and just hang out. He’s awesome. Everyone loves him.”

“Ralph is family to me,” the 2021 All-American added. “You know, getting back home after a game, or after a long day of work, you know, to him, is awesome because you can’t be mad at him.”

The 30-minute show celebrates NBC and Telemundo stations’ 10th annual nationwide pet adoption and donation campaign, which began Aug. 10 and continues through Sept. 10. Since its 2015 inception, Clear The Shelters has led to more than one million pet adoptions and raised more than $4.5 million.

Who is hosting this year’s Clear The Shelters special?

This year’s Clear The Shelters special is hosted by actor, producer and singer-songwriter Amanda Seyfried.

Seyfried has earned more than 70 acting credits since 2004, including the films “Mank,” “Mamma Mia!” and “Les Miserables” and series “The Dropout” and “The Crowded Room.” She is starring in and executive producing the upcoming Peacock series “Long Bright River,” based on the Liz Moore book, in which she plays Mickey, a police officer who patrols a Philadelphia neighborhood hard-hit by the opioid crisis.

What are some highlights of this year’s special?

This year’s show marks the 10^th anniversary of Clear The Shelters with a look back at some of the adoption stories the initiative helped establish throughout the years. A feature from The Dodo, the animal and pet brand and longtime Clear The Shelters media partner, will highlight one of their “Dodo Dream Dates” featuring actor Maggie Q and a shelter dog. 

The program will also highlight Little Shelter’s “Silver Seniors” program, which pairs older pets with loving homes, and the Niagara SPCA’s pizza box and field trip initiative, which “thinks outside the box” to find their shelter pets new homes. Plus, NBC 4 New York’s Lauren Scala details how fostering a shelter pet can be a life-changing experience. 

As part of the monthlong milestone campaign, NBC and Telemundo stations nationwide are partnering with more than 1,400 animal shelters and rescues in their communities to promote pet adoption and raise critical funds to support their operations. The 2023 campaign resulted in more than 158,000 adoptions – lifting the all-time adoption total past one million – and raised over $575,000.

Clear the Shelters Aug 12

How to donate to the Clear The Shelters campaign

Clear the Shelters Aug 8

What to know as Clear The Shelters kicks off its 10th annual adoption campaign

How to watch this year’s Clear The Shelters special

The special will air on NBC-owned and affiliated stations nationwide and on stations’ streaming platforms. Check local listings for dates and times in your area.

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To celebrate this year’s campaign, we’re coming back with a new Pat’s Prized Pets challenge. In 2024, we want to see your pet’s gold medal-worthy trick!

After watching the Paris Olympics, News4’s Tommy McFly and legendary reporter Pat Collins thought it was time for our pets to get their moment on the podium. After all… they sit, they shake and they fetch our hearts.

It’s easy to join the challenge. Take a photo or video of your pet doing their very best trick, then send it to us!

We’ll have a panel of judges review the entries and decide which good boys and girls score perfect 10s.

The gold medalist won’t just get bragging rights. They’ll have a shot at a coveted Pat’s Prized Pets bowl.

To submit your photo, you can:

• Post your photo or video to Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, X (formerly known as Twitter) or Threads and tag @nbcwashington, #CleartheShelters and #PatsPrizedPets.
• Email us at isee@nbcwashington.com with your name and your pet’s name, plus your contact info
• Upload it at nbcwashington.com/ugc with your name and your pet’s name, plus your contact info

Remember to include your pet’s name, your name and your city or county with every entry.

There are a few rules: The images can’t be filtered or altered, and never put a pet in any danger. Finalists must be in the Washington, D.C., area. Also, employees of NBCUniversal cannot take home the prize.

Clear the Shelters Aug 25, 2020

Pat's Prized Pets Look-Alike Challenge Submissions

Clear the Shelters Aug 31, 2023

Pat's Prized Pets: Relaxed to the Max Challenge winner revealed

Entries will be accepted until Thursday, Sept. 5 at noon.

We can’t wait to see your pics! Sign up for The Weekend Scene newsletter to see featured entries throughout the challenge.

If you have room in your heart and home for a new pet, NBC4 and Telemundo 44 are joining stations across the U.S. and Puerto Rico to promote adoption and raise funds for animal welfare.

Dozens of local shelters will be waiving their adoption fees to find forever homes for pets. Enter your zip code to find one near you.

You can also help local animals by donating here.

Want to know what’s up for your weekend? Sign up for The Weekend Scene, our newsletter about events, experiences and adventures for you and for your family around the DMV.

The “Good Flights” airlift, which was conducted by Greater Good Charities in partnership with Clear The Shelters, Hill’s Pet Nutrition and The Animal Rescue Site, involved dogs and cats from overcrowded shelters in Alabama and Louisiana. Some of the rescued pets are considered to be harder-to-place or vulnerable, such as large dogs, homeless cats and asymptomatic heartworm-positive dogs.

The 100-plus pets traveled on a flight from New Orleans to Morristown in northern New Jersey, where representatives from new shelters were there to take them in.

The receiving shelters — based across New Jersey, New York, Delaware, New Hampshire and Rhode Island — will provide the pets with any needed medical care before placing them for adoption.

“Good Flights is so important because they’re able to provide transportation for pets in need from areas of the country [where shelters] are at crisis-level capacity and bring them to areas where the pets have a better chance of getting adopted,” said Yvonne Hsu, president of Hill’s Pet Nutrition U.S. “And that’s really critical, because we want to make sure we find a forever home for every pet.”

This was the fifth airlift from Clear The Shelters, NBCUniversal Local’s pet adoption and donation initiative. More than 600 dogs and cats have been transported since the first airlift in 2021.

The latest iteration came days after Clear The Shelters kicked off its 10th annual adoption campaign.

“This flight and this campaign we hope will bring more eyes on these pets and these people that care for them,” said Erin Robbins, VP of Pet Programs for Greater Good Charities.

“If we can get the word out to more people: Go to your shelters…Whatever you can open your home and your heart to is there waiting for you and all they want is love.”

Hill’s Pet Nutrition and The Animal Rescue Site funded the airlift and each presented Greater Good Charities with a donation to the Clear The Shelters Fund. Greater Good Charities is the fundraising partner of Clear The Shelters.

Hill’s Pet Nutrition, the national sponsor and partner of Clear The Shelters, made a $50,000 donation, while The Animal Rescue Site donated $25,000. Hill’s Pet Nutrition is also donating 5,000 pounds of food to the shelters in Alabama and Louisiana where the pets were sent from.

For more information on Clear The Shelters, visit ClearTheShelters.com and the Spanish-language site DesocuparlosAlbergues.com.

Follow Clear The Shelters on social media:

• X: @ClearTheShelter
• Instagram: cleartheshelters
• TikTok: @cleartheshelters
• Hashtags: #ClearTheShelters & #DesocuparLosAlbergues

This year’s campaign is a month-long event from Aug. 10 to Sept. 10 and culminates in crescendo events the weekend of Sept. 7. 

Leading up to and during the campaign period, Clear The Shelters, in partnership with Greater Good, will host digital fundraisers to raise money for participating animal shelters. 

Hill’s Pet Nutrition is once again the lead national sponsor of Clear The Shelters.

Here’s how to donate through Clear The Shelters’ social platforms, including Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.

Clear the Shelters Aug 8

What to know as Clear The Shelters kicks off its 10th annual adoption campaign

Clear the Shelters Jun 25

Clear The Shelters campaign returns for 10th straight year

How to donate on Facebook

Click to donate on Facebook or follow the steps below.

1. Find the fundraiser you want to donate to through a Facebook post or by visiting the Clear The Shelters page.
2. Click “donate to nonprofit.”
3. Type the dollar amount you want to donate.
4. If you agree, check the “cover donation processing fees.”
   1. Note: The processing fee is no longer paid by Meta. The fee will be deducted from your donation.
5. Click “continue.”
6. Fill out the donation form, include your contact information, credit or debit card number, expiration date, CVV and zip code.
7. You also have the option to donate through PayPal.
8. Confirm your donation.
9. You can also set up a PIN for additional security when making donations on Facebook.
10. Troubleshooting instructions from Facebook.

How to donate on Instagram

Click to donate on Instagram or follow the steps below.

From Aug. 10 through Sept. 10, the Greater Good Charities Instagram donation fund will be delegated/directed to Clear The Shelters. 

There are several ways to donate on Instagram, including to a nonprofit fundraiser in a post, during an Instagram Live video, or through a donation sticker in a Story:

• Donate to a nonprofit fundraiser in a post
  • Open the post, tap the banner on the right, tap Donate on the fundraiser details page, enter the amount, tap Continue, and then tap Donation visibility.
• Donate during an Instagram Live video
  • Tap Donate in the bottom left, enter the amount, tap Next, select a payment method, and then tap Donate at the bottom.
• Donate through a donation sticker in a Story
  • Eligible nonprofits can create a Story, add the donation sticker, and supporters can donate without leaving Instagram.

How to donate on TikTok

1. Click the + button.
2. Record a video, go live or post an existing video.
3. Tap the stickers icon on the right rail.
4. Select the “Donation” sticker.
5. Search for “Greater Good Charities” and select it.
6. Place the sticker on your video.
7. Add a caption and post, or continue live streaming.

To learn more about Clear The Shelters 2024 and search for adoptable pets in your area, visit cleartheshelters.com. You can also donate to your local animal shelters and rescue groups by visiting clearthesheltersfund.org.

Follow Clear The Shelters on Facebook and Instagram to stay up to date on this year’s pet adoption and donation news:

Hashtags: #ClearTheShelters & #DesocuparLosAlbergues

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Embracing imperfection

As the saying goes, good things take time, and building a lifelong bond with a new furry friend is no different.  Pet parents are often consumed with the initial excitement of bringing a new pet home, but that excitement can fade as a pet experiences the normal challenges of adjusting to a new environment, sometimes leading adopters to return pets to the shelter.

However, the Hill’s Pet Nutrition 2024 State of Shelter Pet Adoption Report showed that 2 out of 3 people who did surrender a pet said intervention, like shelter support or pet food pantries, could have prevented the surrender. Consequently, many shelters and communities are responding with support that focuses on pet retention, however, the best strategy to reducing pet surrenders is through education and awareness: pet parents should approach adoption with knowledge and understanding that there will be bumps in the road. As you welcome a furry friend into your home, remember that your pet is experiencing a big change. And though adopted pets will come with varied backgrounds and temperaments, pet parents can use the handy 3-3-3 rule as a framework to set expectations and work towards realistic goals for a smooth transition: 3 days for adjusting, 3 weeks for training and bonding, and 3 months for routines and socialization.

The First 3 Days: a period of transition

The initial 72 hours in a new home are often the most stressful for a pet. Don’t be dismayed if your pet exhibits signs of anxiety, such as hiding, whimpering, or even refusing to eat. After having adopted three dogs from Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League, vet technician Rafael Valle Del Río knows exactly what to expect: “The first three days after being adopted, an animal is still decompressing. They may not want to eat their food or show signs of being lethargic. And that’s just basically him not being used to a new world.” Focus on factors you can control, and the measures you can take to create a sense of comfort for your new pet, like providing a quiet place to sleep and maintaining a consistent, science-led diet. “Keeping any consistency is really good for them,” says Dr. Alyssa Comroe, Director of Veterinary Medicine at Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League, which partners with Hill’s Food, Shelter & Love Program. The initiative provides science-led nutrition to feed pets in more than 900 animal shelters across the U.S. as well as free Adopter Bags to go home with all new dog and cat adopters at partner shelters.“ Every time a pet is adopted from our shelter, they go home with a bag of Hill’s food, and we recommend that they continue on that food–let’s keep some consistency with leaving a shelter and going to a home, which is so exciting, but it is still a big change.”

3 Day Tip: Stay consistent with the shelter’s food and feeding schedule.

The First 3 Weeks: establishing a routine

After the initial transition, pets begin adjusting to their new environment. As your new pet settles in, their personality traits and any training needs will become more apparent. “That’s when your pet is starting to learn your routine. They’re starting to become part of the family and figuring out what you are about and settling in,” asserts Dr. Comroe. Begin with basic training commands and continue to focus on consistency in feeding times, bathroom breaks, and exercise; the next three weeks are critical for establishing a routine that helps pets feel secure. “Keeping a consistent diet is definitely a big part of the adoption process; keeping the consistency of the food that was being fed at the shelter and going home with it,” says Valle Del Rio. In addition to maintaining a science-led diet like Hill’s Science Diet or Hill’s Prescription Diet, you can begin gradually socializing your pet with other family members and pets, along with positive reinforcement to aid in the transition. By the third week, the pet will feel more comfortable and confident, allowing for more focused training and routine building in the coming weeks. Throughout this period, patience, love, and attention are essential to help the pet feel at home and ensure a smooth transition into the family.

3 Week Tip: Habits are taking hold. Establishing a routine is key.

The First 3 Months: feeling at home

By the three-month mark, most pets begin to feel truly at home. Adopters can expect their pet to be more settled and comfortable in their new environment. This newfound comfort allows more time for building trust and understanding each other’s quirks and habits, enabling deeper bonds to form. “Three months, that’s when they’re a part of your family, and you’re going to see their true personality shining through, because that’s really who they are,” shares Dr. Comroe. Now that your pet feels safe and comfortable, you can advance their training and expose them to new experiences and environments like car rides or a park excursion where they can interact with other dogs and people. Overall, the adopter can expect a more harmonious and integrated relationship with their pet, marked by trust, affection, and mutual understanding.

3 Month Tip: The bond with your pet emerges now. Continued training and patience will strengthen it.

3 Months and Beyond

Throughout the first three months and beyond, persistence and patience will be rewarded in profound and lasting ways. “You got to focus on the positive, right?” says Valle Del Rio, “because nothing that’s great is going to come easy.” With some effort, not only will your pet feel safe, comfortable, and bonded with you as a parent, but you’ll have an integral new family member who offers unconditional love. “All four of my dogs are rescues. Being able to provide them a second chance and a home has been super fulfilling,” said Valle Del Rio. “A shelter animal will love you unconditionally. They have been through many things. They can’t speak, but they can definitely give you all of their heart.” 

If you’re big into exercise, you might want a furry friend who can keep up on some long trails. If you work in an office full-time, having a pet that doesn’t get separation anxiety is another aspect to consider.

Most importantly, when you enter an animal shelter, you should bring lots of positive energy, according to animal communicator Lydia Hiby.

Hiby, who has been working with pets for the past 38 years, says “positive affirmation” is important because even with the pets you don’t adopt, you’ll be able to project a positive aura that will influence their lives.

Here are a few things Hiby recommends considering before adoption:

How much exercise does my breed need?

Hiby says it’s important to know the potential temperaments of the dog breed you are adopting.

She says owners should ask themselves, “What’s going to work for me energetically, and what’s going to work for me physically?”

For instance, if your home has stairs and you adopt a senior dog, are you able to carry it up and down?

How often will my dog need someone to be at home?

This one is tricky.

Our furry friends have gotten used to having their owners home with them during the COVID-19 pandemic. Thankfully, many workplaces have switched over to a hybrid system instead of a full-time in-office policy,

Hiby recommends owners ask themselves how often they will actually be at home before choosing a pet, as some are better on their own than others.

The last thing owners want is for their lovable pets to feel increased separation anxiety.

Take time to reflect before entering the shelter

When it comes to actually selecting a dog to adopt, Hiby recommends that people search deeply within themselves to figure out which breed would be the best fit.

“I always suggest that you close your eyes for a minute and tell your higher self, ‘I want be able to go in and know confidently whose the best animal for me,'” Hiby said.

Clear The Shelters, NBCUniversal Local’s nationwide pet adoption and donation campaign, is kicking off its 10^th annual adoption initiative on Saturday. The adoption campaign will run for one month until Sept. 10.

The donation initiative, which began Aug. 1, is on an extended run until Sept. 30 in celebration of Clear The Shelters’ 10^th anniversary. But starting Saturday, donations can now be made to a participating shelter or rescue of your choice.

Here’s what to know as Clear The Shelters’ adoption initiative gets underway:

What is Clear The Shelters?

Clear The Shelters sees NBC and Telemundo stations nationwide partner with animal shelters and rescues in their local communities to promote pet adoptions and to fundraise.

Last year, over 150 NBC and Telemundo stations teamed up with 1,400-plus shelters and rescues located across 49 states and territories, including Puerto Rico and Guam.

How many Clear The Shelters pets have been adopted?

Clear The Shelters surpassed a landmark of 1 million all-time adoptions last year. The total currently sits at over 1.02 million.

Clear The Shelters helped over 150,000 pets find homes in 2023 while also raising more than $575,000. The campaign has raised millions of dollars for participating animal shelters and rescues.

What’s the closest Clear The Shelters location to me?

Clear The Shelters has hundreds of participating shelters and rescues across the nation. Check out the interactive map below to find the location nearest to you:

Virtual pet adoptions are also available through WeRescue, which allows prospective adopters to search for pets in their area, submit adoption applications and ask questions directly to shelters.

What are some of the special events during this year’s Clear The Shelters campaign?

Good Flight Pet Airlift: On Aug. 13, NBCU Local, Greater Good Charities, Hill’s Pet Nutrition and The Animal Rescue Site will conduct a pet airlift to transport more than 100 cats and dogs from overpopulated shelters in Louisiana and Alabama to New Jersey, where they will be received by several shelters, provided with any needed medical care and placed for adoption.

MEGA Adoption Event: A Clear The Shelters adoption event will take place Aug. 17-18 in North Texas, the birthplace of Clear The Shelters, to help celebrate the campaign’s 10th anniversary. In partnership with NBC5 and Telemundo 39, dozens of area animal shelters will convene at the Amon G. Carter Jr. Exhibits Hall in Fort Worth, Texas, to help find new homes for more than 1,000 pets.

Clear The Shelters Television Special: Actor, producer and singer-songwriter Amanda Seyfried – who has starred in acclaimed films such as “Mank,” “Mama Mia!” and “Les Misérables,” and hit series “The Dropout” and “The Crowded Room” – joined this year’s campaign to serve as the host of the Clear The Shelters half-hour television special, which will premiere on NBC stations and COZI TV nationwide on Aug. 16.

“As a lifelong animal lover who has rescued and fostered pets, I know the life-changing impact of welcoming pets into your life and understand the growing challenges faced by animal shelters and rescues,” said Seyfried. “That’s why I’m so proud to participate in the 10th annual Clear The Shelters and support its mission of promoting pet adoption and raising funds that benefit animal welfare.”

More about Hill’s Pet Nutrition, national sponsor of Clear The Shelters

Hill’s Pet Nutrition, a global leader in science-based pet nutrition, is serving as the national sponsor and partner of Clear The Shelters for the seventh consecutive campaign. During the campaign, Hill’s Pet Nutrition will provide adoption kits to new pet parents. Available at participating shelters, the adopter kits include starter bags of Hill’s Science Diet, coupons, pet-parenting tips and other supplies.

For more information on Clear The Shelters, including participating animal shelters and rescues, along with details on local events, visit ClearTheShelters.com and the Spanish-language site DesocuparlosAlbergues.com. Follow Clear The Shelters on social media:

• X: @ClearTheShelter
• Instagram: cleartheshelters
• TikTok: @cleartheshelters
• Hashtags: #ClearTheShelters and #DesocuparLosAlbergues

Clear the Shelters Jun 25

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Clear the Shelters Jul 22

Hill's Pet Nutrition returns as lead national sponsor of Clear The Shelters

While people oftentimes turn to a puppy to take home, there are so many advantages to having an elder companion.

As a matter of fact, dogs aged seven and older are typically housebroken, less destructive, and calmer than younger dogs. The devastating reality, however, is senior dogs have a 25% adoption rate, compared to a 60% adoption rate for younger dogs and puppies, according to ASPCA.

“After about 12 years of volunteering in animal shelters, what I noticed was the older dogs that I fell in love with were getting passed over for puppies,” said founder and CEO of Muttville Senior Dog Rescue Sherri Franklin.

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Franklin vividly remembers when of her favorite dogs at the shelter — a cheerful 8-year-old Beagle Basset — was euthanized for space because she wasn’t considered adoptable.

“I knew I had to do something,” Franklin said. “I started taking home dogs one at a time, fixing them up, getting them to see my vets and finding them homes on my own.”

It was such a large mission, which led Frankin to start a nonprofit in 2007. In the past 16 years, Muttville Senior Dog Rescue has saved over 9,000 senior dogs.

“I like to say we made senior dogs sexy,” she said.

Did you know older dogs often end up in shelters after their owners pass away, get sick, or transition to assisted living?

“I know for me personally, one day I’m going to grow old, or older, and I hope at some point in time when I need it, there will be someone out there that’s going to provide the assistance that I need,” said Doreen Jakubcak of Marty’s Place Senior Dog Sanctuary.

While there are many benefits to adopting senior dogs, be prepared to accommodate semi-annual veterinary checkups, special diets and decreased mobility.

The key is to address any and all health issues as early on as possible, Jakubcak advises. Catching any health ailments before they worsen can oftentimes rectify the issue or at least save the dog before it becomes untreatable.

“People often ask us how do you do it when you have to say goodbye?” Jakubcak said. “We focus on that quality of time, we focus on knowing that we did our best and we gave that dog the best care we could during that period of time they were with us,” Jakubcak said.

So what are you waiting for? This is your sign to run to a shelter and take home a loyal senior dog today.

“Hill’s Pet Nutrition is an incredible, longstanding advocate for vulnerable pets and the shelters and rescues in communities across the nation that care for them,” said Bruce Kallner, SVP of Business Development, NBCUniversal Local. “Their sponsorship of Clear The Shelters has been a key driver of the campaign’s expanding impact and the milestones we’ve celebrated. As we embark on our 10th year, we’re again thankful for Hill’s Pet Nutrition’s contributions and remarkable collaboration.”

To support the 10th anniversary of Clear The Shelters, Hill’s Pet Nutrition will provide adoption kits to help new pet parents and their pets get a healthy start on their new life together. Kits containing starter bags of Hill’s science-led nutrition, coupons, pet-parenting tips and other supplies will be available at select shelters during the campaign.

“Tackling the growing challenge of the over capacity crisis happening in our nation’s shelters requires a team effort, which is why Hill’s Pet Nutrition is proud to continue our support of the Clear The Shelters campaign,” said Yvonne Hsu, US President and General Manager at Hill’s Pet Nutrition. “Supporting the significant work animal shelters do for the pets in their care is a priority for Hill’s as we work toward our collective goal of connecting more shelter pets with loving families.”

Clear the Shelters Sep 13, 2023

Clear The Shelters celebrates 1 million pet adoptions

Clear the Shelters Jun 25

Clear The Shelters campaign returns for 10th straight year

Clear The Shelters directly aligns with Hill’s Pet Nutrition’s mission to support shelter pets in need through the Hill’s Food, Shelter & Love program, which partners with shelters 365 days a year by providing science-led nutrition to feed the pets in their care, as well as financial support and other needed resources such as pet food for community food pantries. For more than 20 years, the Hill’s Food, Shelter & Love program has provided more than $300 million in food to shelters across North America, and has helped more than 14 million pets find new homes. To learn how Hill’s Pet Nutrition supports shelters and pets, visit Hill’s Food, Shelter and Love.

As part of the Clear The Shelters initiative, NBC and Telemundo owned and affiliated stations across the U.S. and Puerto Rico will partner with animal shelters and rescue services in their communities to promote pet adoption and raise needed funds. To mark the campaign’s 10th anniversary, donations to participating shelters and rescues can be made at ClearTheSheltersFund.org from Aug. 1 to Sept. 30.

The 2023 Clear The Shelters campaign led to more than 158,000 adoptions – lifting the all-time adoption total past one million – and raised over $575,000. More than 1,400 shelters and rescues representing 49 states and territories, including the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and Guam – along with 152 NBC and Telemundo stations – participated in last year’s campaign between Aug. 1 to 30.

For more information on Clear The Shelters, including participating animal shelters and rescues, along with details on local events, visit ClearTheShelters.com and the Spanish-language site DesocuparlosAlbergues.com.

Follow Clear The Shelters on social media:

X: @ClearTheShelter
Instagram: cleartheshelters
TikTok: @cleartheshelters
Hashtags: #ClearTheShelters & #DesocuparLosAlbergues

The nationwide pet adoption and donation campaign from NBCUniversal Local is returning for the 10th straight year this August, the company announced on Tuesday.

The monthlong adoption initiative will take place from Aug. 10 to Sept. 10; and in honor of the 10th anniversary, the donation initiative will have an extended run of Aug. 1 to Sept. 30.

Clear The Shelters’ landmark anniversary comes after the campaign surpassed 1 million all-time adoptions in 2023.

“Surpassing the one millionth all-time adoption last year and now celebrating our 10^th campaign are not just milestones, these numbers help quantify the incredible support Clear The Shelters has received from communities around the nation and the impact it’s had on vulnerable animals and the shelters that care for them,” said Meredith McGinn, NBCUniversal Local’s Executive Vice President of Diginets & Original Production, in a release.

Clear The Shelters sees NBC and Telemundo stations nationwide partner with animal shelters and rescues in their local communities to promote pet adoptions and to fundraise. The campaign has raised millions of dollars for participating animal shelters and rescues since launching in 2015.

Last year, over 150 NBC and Telemundo stations teamed up with 1,400-plus shelters and rescues located across 49 states and territories, including Puerto Rico and Guam. The 2023 campaign helped over 150,000 pets find homes while raising more than $575,000.

Details on highlights, activations and initiatives for 2024 will be announced at a later date.

Clear The Shelters has multiple partnerships that will be extended for the 2024 campaign. For the seventh straight year, Hill’s Pet Nutrition will serve as the campaign’s national sponsor and partner.

Meanwhile, virtual pet adoptions will be available through WeRescue for a sixth consecutive year. WeRescue allows prospective adopters to search for pets in their area, submit adoption applications and ask questions directly to shelters.

Clear the Shelters Aug 12

How to donate to the Clear The Shelters campaign

Clear the Shelters Jul 22

Hill's Pet Nutrition returns as lead national sponsor of Clear The Shelters

The campaign’s fundraising efforts will continue to be led by longtime partner Greater Good Charities, while animal and pet brand The Dodo will return as a media partner for an eighth campaign.

“It’s a privilege to partner with participating shelters, affiliate stations, Hill’s Pet Nutrition and our employees, to continue to grow and expand this initiative,” McGinn said.

For more information on Clear The Shelters, including participating animal shelters and rescues, along with details on local events, visit ClearTheShelters.com and the Spanish-language site DesocuparlosAlbergues.com. Follow Clear The Shelters on social media:

• X: @ClearTheShelter
• Instagram: cleartheshelters
• TikTok: @cleartheshelters
• Hashtags: #ClearTheShelters and #DesocuparLosAlbergues

Anyone who has lost a beloved pet would understand the sorrow the Hinshaw-Gratin family in Murrieta, California felt. They have been carrying a hole in their hearts after losing three beloved pets within a year. 

Then last week, Dee Hinshaw-Gratin and her husband saw the story of Angel, a 1-and-a-half-year-old Siberian Husky and German Shepherd mix, on NBC Los Angeles, they felt an immediate connection. 

“We looked at each other and said, “Yeah, we’re ready,” Hinshaw-Gratin recalled. 

The family was heartbroken and motivated to bring Angel home after hearing her harrowing tale. 

Angel had been under the care of the Mission Viejo Animal Services Center since she was found abandoned at Iglesia Park in Aliso Viejo at around 9 p.m. on Jan. 28. Officials said Angel was tied to a tree with her seven puppies in a box next to her.

“Can you imagine what happened to her? Tied to a tree at a park with her puppies. No food or water with her puppies, so she couldn’t even feed her puppies,” Hinshaw-Gratin said. 

Mission Viejo officials said just hours after NBC Los Angeles aired and published Angel’s story, there was a “surge” in adoption applications. But they decided not to look far and go with the Hinshaw-Gratin family, moved by their love of animals.

“The family members believed Angel would be their beacon of hope,” Kelly Tokarski, a public information specialist with the city of Mission Viejo, said in a statement. “This sweet young pup found her forever home with the caring family, residing on a spacious property, surrounded by love for the rest of her days.”

Tokarski also credited the Mission Viejo Animal Services Center’s nonprofit, DAWG, for saving Angel and her seven puppies.

Hinshaw-Gratin said she feels the family is complete once again.

“You’re a true angel girl,” Hinshaw-Gratin told the pup. “We lucked out, didn’t we?”

For the first time in 47 years, the Adams County SPCA kennels are empty because all of its animals have been adopted and strays have been reunited with their families, the organization shared in a Facebook post.

The kennels were nearly full two weeks ago, but now there are no dogs remaining and only one cat that came as a stray, according to the animal shelter.

The Adams County SPCA shared a joyous photo of its employees smiling in a hallway filled with empty kennels.

“This is the first time in 47 YEARS that the Adams County SPCA is empty let alone at Christmas time, it is a true miracle!” the organization wrote. “To say that we are beyond excited is an understatement! The staff and volunteers have worked VERY hard to take care of the animals in our care and to make sure they got adopted to the right home!”

Adams County SPCA kennel technician Tonya Hays tells TODAY.com the organization moved between 15 and 20 animals either as adoptions or strays returned to owners in the last two weeks to empty the kennels.

“We had to get all them spayed and neutered, vaccinated, and tested for heart worms and tick-borne illness while also processing a lot of (adoption) applications, so the staff worked really hard,” Hays says. “It was pretty cool. It was quite a feat.”

The Adams County SPCA adopted out 94 animals and returned 26 strays to their owners since Nov. 1 and not one of them has been returned, officials told TODAY.com.

Shelter officials wrote on Facebook that the organization has adopted 598 animals this year and reunited 120 pets with their owners. It’s now pitching in to help other shelters in Pennsylvania that are filled.

While it may seem like the holiday spirit motivated more adoptions to help empty the shelters, Hays said they actually discourage people from giving pets as gifts because of the years-long commitment it requires.

Many of the owners who adopted pets from the shelter responded in the comments with photos of their lovable pooches and felines.

The organization also shared “happy tails” on Facebook sent by owners who have recently adopted pets from the shelter, including an adorable cat named Bootsie.

“All of our children adore him but he has been the biggest game changer for my four-year-old autistic daughter,” the owner wrote to the SPCA. “Hope cuddles Bootsie when she’s upset instead of having full-blown meltdowns, cuddles him and practices her verbal expressions of compassion, love and affection. Thank you so much for all you do!”

The Adams County SPCA wrote in a follow-up Facebook post on Dec. 26 that it has “received an overwhelming response” from shelters across the country and in Canada and Mexico, as well as members of the public, asking them to take in animals to shelter.

“Even though our hearts break from them and the situation they are in we need to help our members of OUR community members first,” the organization wrote.

The shelter is only taking animals surrendered by residents within the county as well as surrounding counties and any “overwhelmed shelters” in Pennsylvania.

“We are going to do the best we can to help as many animals and people we can,” the Adams County SPCA wrote.

The ASPCA estimates that 6.3 million animals enter shelters every year, split almost evenly between cats and dogs, and about 4.1 million of them are adopted each year. Approximately 920,000 shelter animals are euthanized each year, the majority of them cats, according to the ASPCA.

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The announcement was made today in collaboration with Clear The Shelters partners Hill’s Pet Nutrition, Greater Good Charities and WeRescue.

“It’s been an immense privilege to witness the growth of Clear The Shelters from a local initiative led by our stations in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, NBC 5 and Telemundo 39, to a nationwide cause that has helped a million pets find new homes,” said NBCUniversal Local Chairman Valari Staab.

One highlight of this year’s campaign came in the form of a life-saving flight. Along with partners Greater Good Charities, Hill’s Pet Nutrition and The Animal Rescue Site, Clear The Shelters participated in a pet airlift, transporting 193 dogs and 76 cats from overcrowded shelters in the South to shelters across the Northeast, where they were made available for adoption.

Clear The Shelters this year was also proud to announce award-winning entrepreneur and shelter pet advocate Sir Darius Brown as its campaign ambassador. Brown, 16, is the founder and CEO of Beaux & Paws, a pet accessories and lifestyle brand. As part of his ambassadorial role, Brown designed a special Clear The Shelters edition of his signature pet bow ties, which were sold at Beaux & Paws and The Shop at NBC Studios.

And even that’s not all — so far this year, more than $575,000 has been donated to participating animal shelters and rescues as part of Clear The Shelters’ fundraising effort, which has been extended in recognition of reaching the one million all-time adoption milestone.

Donations can still be made through Sept. 30, 2023, at ClearTheSheltersFund.org.

Meredith McGinn, NBCUniversal Local’s EVP of Diginets & Original Production and Clear The Shelters leader, says the million-adoption milestone shows how essential Clear The Shelters’ mission has been since it began.

“This remarkable milestone helps quantify Clear The Shelters’ impact over its nine campaigns, but also illustrates the number of pets in need and the challenges facing animal shelters and rescues in our communities year-round,” said McGinn. “We are very proud this community-driven initiative continues to grow and succeed in helping pets and the wonderful shelters and people who care for them.”

In celebrating Clear The Shelters’ achievement, Staab thanked everyone involved.

“This campaign’s driving force has always been the employees, partners, stations and sponsors who generously contribute time, effort and resources each year. We thank them and all those who’ve adopted and donated over the last nine years,” she said.

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News4’s Tommy McFLY asked you to submit pictures of your pets living a retiree lifestyle this summer, inspired by the retirement of legendary reporter and our challenge’s namesake, Pat Collins.

Thank you to everyone who shared shots of their pets. We want to give everyone a treat, but only one fur-tunate pet can take home a coveted Pat’s Prized Pets bowl.

The competition this year was intense! To pick a winner, we looked at all your submissions and found 10 entries that really got our tails wagging.

News4’s Erika Gonzalez, Chuck Bell and Jummy Olabanji rated each finalist out of 10.

Snuggly cat Hunter and lake lounging pup Boudreaux each got one perfect 10 score and tied for a very close second-place finish. But in the end…

And the Pat’s Prized Pets 2023 winner is…

Put your paws together for Jake, Benny and Elwood! These three sleeping beagles stole the hearts of the News4 team.

“I love that the one on top is piled up on everybody,” Erika said.

Chuck, who has two “knucklehead” dogs at home, was charmed.

“That to me is the ultimate relaxation. That’s three dogs behaving perfectly at the same time!” Chuck said.

These puppies will be drinking from the Pat’s Prized Pets bowl for years to come.

Congrats to all the lovely pets and their owners! We can’t wait for next year.

Want to know what’s up for your weekend? Sign up for The Weekend Scene, our newsletter about events, experiences and adventures for you and for your family around the DMV.

Whether it’s a loyal companion or pet, a service animal, a police dog, or a rescue dog, these amazing creatures have been playing a crucial part in humans’ lives. They offer unconditional love to us humans and make our lives fuller and more joyful.

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International Dog Day: History

International Dog Day has been observed since 2004, when a pet lover, Colleen Paige, celebrated the day as a way to raise awareness about dog shelters. Since then, International Dog Day has become a global celebration for all pet lovers who participate in events and activities to honor their pets and also to raise awareness about humans’ best friends. Paige is also the founder of National Cat Day and National Pet Day.

International Dog Day: Significance

International Dog Day is observed to highlight the conditions of hundreds of dogs who are in need of being rescued as they are deprived of proper care. The main aim of International Dog Day is to encourage people to take care of these needy animals.

On this day, people are encouraged to adopt stray dogs and also raise awareness about the problems facing them. Additionally, the message that this day conveys is to tell people to provide a safe, loving and caring environment for all dogs.

If you’re an animal lover who wants to adopt a furry friend, you should understand some key points prior to making such a crucial decision.

Here are some of the necessary considerations that one needs to make before adopting a dog:

• Make sure that you will be able to handle the financial expenses of keeping a dog.
• Take your time with the pet, as they will become a part of the family after the adoption.
• No more last-minute weekend getaways, as you will have a pet to take care of. Otherwise, you’ll need to plan and find a dog sitter or dog boarder in your vicinity.
• Dogs need to get outdoors and in the backyard, so you will need to take care of your pet’s walk every day for the betterment of their health.
• You’ll likely have to bear with dog hair everywhere in your house when you adopt a dog. If you are a cleanliness freak, then you might find it irritating.
• Visit cleartheshelters.com if you are interested in adopting a new furry friend!

Beyond the notorious chocolate threat, there are a handful of foods that can seriously compromise your dog’s health. 

Here’s a list of foods you should keep out of reach from your dog’s plate to ensure their well-being:

1. Citrus Fruit

Large doses of citric acid can lead to irritation and, in severe cases, may even cause nervous system depression.

2. Coconut oil

Coconut oil may have its benefits, but consuming too much can result in an upset stomach for dogs.

3. Dairy products

Dogs do not have a significant amount of lactase, which prevents them from effectively digesting lactose.

Dogs lack a significant amount of lactase, the enzyme needed to digest lactose. Consuming dairy products can lead to digestive upset. 

4. Raw meat

Raw meat can contain harmful bacteria, such as salmonella and E. coli, which are detrimental to both humans and dogs. 

Steer clear of this potential health hazard by ensuring your dog’s meat is thoroughly cooked. 

5. Cinnamon

As surprising as it sounds, cinnamon can cause various issues for dogs. It has the potential to irritate their mouths and make them sick. 

In more severe cases, it might lead to breathing difficulties, coughing, choking, liver disease, and even low blood sugar levels.

6. Onion

Onion consumption can lead to gastrointestinal irritation and blood cell damage.

While cats are more susceptible, dogs are also at risk if large amounts are consumed. 

7. Avocado

Though a popular superfood for humans, avocados can pose a serious risk to dogs.

Avocado consumption can lead to cardiovascular problems for dogs. 

While it can be tempting to share our favorite foods with our furry companions, it’s crucial to prioritize their health and safety by being mindful of what they consume. 

With a multitude of options available, choosing the right day care for your four-legged friend can seem overwhelming. Not only that, but suitable day care has to also provide a proper diet and appropriate regular exercise for your dog, which the American Kennel Club said, along with grooming and routine checkups, are necessary for your dog’s health.

How to make sure which day care is a good fit for your dog? Read on for tips on choosing the right day care for your furry companions.

What is dog day care?

Dog day care offers a multitude of services that share some similarities with day care for children, except it is for canines. Day care facilities provide short-term, daytime care for dogs when owners are busy at work or otherwise occupied. A typical day care usually has designated play areas, either indoor or outdoor, that help stimulate social engagement and physical activities for pups. Owners have the options to choose between a full day and a half day for their dogs.

While dog day care doesn’t come cheap — at $12-38 per full day and $6-25 per half day, according to DaySmart Pet — it comes with many benefits such as socialization, physical and mental stimulation, and in some cases, relieves separation anxiety.

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What to look for when selecting a dog day care

According to the Professional Animal Care Certification Council, some things to look for when selecting a dog day care include the facility’s cleanliness, whether it has secure fencing, if the area is hazard-free, and the staff-to-dog ratio.

The AKC provided a list of questions about day care centers that owners may find useful in their quest for the perfect facility. For instance, “What kind of training does the staff have?”

Staff qualification is an important factor to keep in mind, since the employees should have been trained in animal behavior, basic care, and safety procedures, according to the AKC. Trained professionals are crucial as they are also responsible for the well-being and safety of the pups while providing them with the necessary mental and physical stimulation throughout the day.

Similarly, the staff-to-dog ratio affects whether your pet gets sufficient attention and care. A high staff-to-dog ratio means each dog receives personalized supervision, proper attention, and a tailored experience that can contribute to their well-being while they’re away from home.

Alternatives to dog day care

If dog day care doesn’t seem like the best fit for you and your pup, there are other alternatives to meet your pet’s needs such as dog walking, in-home pet services, or dog boarding. Choosing the “paw-fect” option helps ensure your dog’s safety and well-being in your absence.

Employees and doggos at the Homeward Trails Animal Rescue and Adoption Center in Fairfax County, Virginia, gathered on the front porch of the shelter in the morning to celebrate a big donation of pet supplies.

But they soon found out their shelter was gifted much more than supplies. Homeward Trails was one of three shelters in the country to be randomly chosen to receive a big check of $10,000. In all, there are 1,400 shelters participating in the ninth annual Clear The Shelters pet adoption and donation campaign.

“These funds and supplies will allow us to help so many pets and people in our community,” Homeward Trails said on its Facebook page.

Greater Good Charities and The Animal Rescue Site teamed up to surprise Homeward Trails with the money. The shelter also received much-needed blankets, bowls and toys.

“Shelters are at capacity. We need adopters. We need fosters. We need all kinds of different people stepping up. So that’s what Clear The Shelters is all about,” said Caroline Golon, who presented the check for Greater Good Charities.

During the month of August, Greater Good Charities and The Animal Rescue Site are working with NBCUniversal Local to help raise funds for registered animal welfare organizations across the country with weekly matching funds via ClearTheSheltersFund.org.

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“Despite the recent support in a campaign to have large dogs adopted, the overpopulation situation remains critical and has extended to all types of animals,” Montgomery County Animal Services and Adoption Center (MCASAC) said in a release.

The Derwood adoption center says it currently has dogs, cats, guinea pigs, rabbits, hamsters, turtles and birds waiting to be adopted.

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You can start the adoption process by filling out a web questionnaire or by visiting their Derwood adoption center at 7315 Muncaster Mill Road in Derwood, Maryland.

The center is open from noon to 7 p.m. on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays and noon to 5 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. The adoption center is closed on Wednesdays.

If you’re not ready to commit to an adoption, you can help by temporarily fostering a large dog. The agency says it’s in “desperate need” of homes that can accommodate dogs over 40 pounds. Here’s how to apply.

The shelter says it is taking steps to ease the dangerous crowding.

Anyone who finds a lost pet is asked to hold onto them for 48 hours.

To ensure proper care conditions, the adoption center will only accept animals who need immediate help (such as sick or injured pets) until there is enough room in the center.

MCASAC encourages owners who need to surrender their pets to use one of the rehoming portals listed on their website or check with local nonprofit rescues.

MCASAC says its policy is to prevent euthanasia, but shelter overpopulation increases the risk that surrendered pets will be put down.

Augus is Clear the Shelters month. NBC4 and Telemundo 44 are joining stations across the U.S. and Puerto Rico in partnering with local animal shelters and rescues. Our collective goal is to promote pet adoption and raise funds for animal welfare. Here’s more information.

“As soon as the phone rings, I take a call, I write up the order, and I get on the road,” he said. “I go as fast as possible. Sometimes it’s pretty urgent. Sometimes I have a little leeway, but I try to get it done because I don’t know when I’m going to get another call.”

Sanchez has worked as a veterinary technician for more than 30 years. In July 2021, he started his own veterinary ambulance service called Veterinary Ambulance of Southern California to transport pets in emergencies.

The idea behind his business came to Sanchez while working in veterinary emergency and critical care and witnessing pets not having reliable and affordable transportation. Another ambulance business existed, but over the years, Sanchez says the service became less available and more expensive.

He then became determined and eventually gathered the funding to get started. Step one was converting a Ford Transit Connect cargo van into a fully-functional ambulance.

The vehicle has installed noise-canceling panels and holds two oxygen tanks, bedding, cages and monitoring equipment.

Veterinary Ambulance of Southern California offers emergent, urgent and general transports for pets.

Sanchez says he often helps pets that are too heavy or too old to walk, pets that need oxygen and when owners do not own a vehicle or are unable to drive. He also receives calls from general practitioners who have ill pets that need to be taken to an overnight care facility or pets that require oxygen during a ride to a specialist.

No matter the situation, Sanchez is available 24 hours a day and provides services in San Diego, Orange and Los Angeles counties.

“I’ve gone as far as Victorville,” Sanchez said. “Anywhere somebody is struggling getting their pet either to the vet or is sick and needs to go from the vet to the specialist, that’s where my services come in.”

Sanchez says he’s done as many as five transports in one day — all by himself.

“It’s pretty much a one-man show,” he said. “Occasionally, when we have a critical pet that needs constant attention, I’ll bring somebody with me to drive, and I’ll usually take care of the pet during the transport.”

That’s why Sanchez wants to expand his business by adding more vehicles to cover both local and longer rides to places like Temecula and Lake Elsinore.

“I hate when I’m on a call, and then somebody calls in, and I’m like, ‘It’s going to be two hours before I can get there.’ That’s a huge bummer, but it happens,” he said. “It’s important to be available and prompt. People expect it.”

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Building community on social media

Sanchez shares photos and stories about the pets he transports on Instagram, @veterinaryambulance, attracting hundreds of animal lovers to his page to show support.

“People get on there and send their best wishes for the pets,” Sanchez said. “I really like having it and showing everybody what we do and how it’s helping.”

One pet that immediately came to Sanchez’s mind was Ewok, a shepherd husky mix. Ewok was overweight and had a leg injury that affected his ability to walk.

“He was going to rehab once a week, and I was taking him, and his weight was coming down,” Sanchez said. “I put some posts of him on Instagram, and people were cheering for him like, ‘Yes Ewok, you go.'”

Over a few weeks, Ewok lost more than 30 pounds and started walking again.

“Looks like a different dog. Keep it up,” one Instagram comment reads on a post of Ewok.

Early one morning, Ewok’s owners called Sanchez in a panic, saying the dog had stopped breathing and that they couldn’t hear his heart. He passed away.

“It was very unexpected, and it was very sad,” Sanchez said.

Sanchez said that moment describes the most challenging part of his job: knowing some pets will never reunite with their owners.

“I know some of my patients, when I take them to the vet, they’re probably not going home,” he said. “You never get used to that. It’s probably still the toughest thing. These people are passionate about their pets, and I hate to see them when they know they’re saying goodbye.”

But Sanchez pushes through by remembering he’s doing his best to help.

“I’ll do almost anything to help if I can, literally almost anything,” he said. “Some [owners] don’t have any choices. They don’t know how they would get the pet to the vet or get them safely from one vet to the other. I’m just super proud of this service and how it helps people.”

Most people reach Sanchez by calling him directly, but he also responds through text, email and the Yelp app.

For more information about Veterinary Ambulance of Southern California, visit their website or Instagram @veterinaryambulance.

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“We need help,” said Humane Rescue Alliance Vice President of Medicine Dr. Penny Coder.

Staff say the super contagious virus is moving through their kennels fast and they can’t keep up.

“It’s concerning because dogs in D.C. and in the United States have never been exposed to canine influenza, so it’s considered like a novel new virus,” Coder said. “So, they don’t have immunity and very few are vaccinated, so it can spread very rapidly.”

“It’s sad to see this many sick dogs in the shelter,” she said.

Coder said about 60% of the dogs in their shelters are showing symptoms and the medical team is overwhelmed. They need people to open up their homes. 

“By people taking in and fostering or adopting the sick dogs, we have a safe spot for our healthy strays that we need to hold on to,” Coder said.

The Humane Rescue Alliance says intake is up and there are about 200 dogs that need homes. 

They’ve waived adoption fees until Sunday to help speed things along and free up space.

“We try to make it very easy for people to help us,” Coder said.

Those who don’t want to adopt can help by fostering a dog for 28 days as quarantine, as long as they don’t have pets already.

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It all starts at the grooming table with shampooing, hairstyling, and sometimes hair coloring. Every dog groomed by Gabriel Feitosa gets a full makeover and they love it. He can tell in the affection they show post-spa treatment.

“I think it’s their way of saying thank you for spending time with me,” Feitosa said.

Feitosa has been specializing as a dog groomer for 20 years. His heart for the profession originated in Brazil, and over the years his artistic talent has reached different corners of the world. In San Diego, he’s merging his passion with purpose to give pups like Wonderland a paw-stive experience.

“We’re hoping that by giving them a good time and a spa treatment on top of it, making it more visible, that they would be more noticed,” Feitosa said. “We have a chance to give them hopefully a forever home.”

Wonderland has been at the shelter for five months waiting for a permanent place, and he’s not the only one seeking to join a San Diego family.

“We have more than 1,100 pets available for adoption and that’s just available for adoption,” Nina Thompson with the San Diego Humane Society said.

Clear the Shelters

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Feitosa is partnering with the San Diego Humane Society to help these sweet friends have a better chance of finding a new home.

“It’s very important that these animals find homes because a shelter environment is not a natural environment. We are here for them and we will take care of them as best as we can, we’re giving them food, medicine, walks, but there’s nothing like a family,” Thompson said.  

NBC 7 is partnering with several local animal shelters and rescues to promote pet adoption this month.

From Aug. 1- Aug. 31adoption fees for all dogs, cats, puppies and kittens at the San Diego Humane Society will be reduced by 50%.

To learn more about Clear The Shelters 2023 and search for adoptable pets in your area, visit NBC7.com/cleartheshelters or T20.com/DesocuparLosAlbergues.
You can also donate to your local animal shelters and rescue groups by visiting clearthesheltersfund.org.

Follow the latest updates on social media @NBCSanDiego and @Telemundo20 using #ClearTheShelters and #DesocuparLosAlbergues.

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Taking proactive measures to prepare your pets for emergencies can make all the difference in their safety and well-being.

Here are seven tips to help ensure the welfare of your pets during severe weather and other challenging situations:

1. Bring at least a one-week supply of food and water

If you need to evacuate, make sure to bring at least a one-week supply of food and fresh water for your pets. This will sustain them during the crisis and ensure they remain nourished and hydrated.

2. Take any pet medications

Make sure to pack any necessary medications your pet may need in case you are away from home for an extended period.

3. Keep medical records accessible 

Keep copies of your pet’s vaccination records and other medical records in an easy-to-find location. Having these records on hand can be valuable if you need to visit a new vet during an emergency.

4. Take pet insurance

If you have pet insurance, make sure to take a copy of the policy and relevant contact information. This will help you to make sure your pet’s medical needs are covered in case of an emergency.

5. Have photos of your pets

Having recent photos of your pets can be a lifesaver if you become separated from them during a disaster. Sharing their pictures will help others identify and reunite them with you.

6. Find a reliable neighbor

Identify a trustworthy, reliable neighbor who can help you with your pets in case you are separated from your home. This will give you peace of mind and ensure that your pets are taken care of.

7. Keep pets close

In emergencies, pets may display unexpected or uncharacteristic behaviors, so always keep a close eye on them. Make sure to bring a leash or carrier to ensure they remain safe and close to you at all times.

With adequate preparation by following these seven tips, you can ensure that your pets receive the care they need, even in challenging circumstances. 

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Nearly 270 at-risk pets were loaded onto a “Good Flights” plane early Tuesday morning at a Fort Lauderdale airport as part of NBCUniversal Local and Telemundo’s annual pet adoption and donation campaign, Clear the Shelters, that began on Tuesday.

The life-saving airlift rescued 193 cats and 76 dogs from overcrowded shelters in an effort to help increase their chances of being adopted.

“These shelters, especially the warmer places in the south, are just flooded with kittens,” said Greater Good Charities spokesperson Erin Robbins. “We make room that’s desperately needed right now so that they can continue to care for the pets that are literally waiting at their door.”

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The rescued animals aboard the flight included harder-to-place pets, dogs with asymptomatic heartworms, and homeless cats from overcrowded shelters in Florida, Alabama and Louisiana.

Captain Hook, a 17-week-old kitten that was rescued along with several other cats after being trapped in Miami Beach, was among the hundreds of pets on the flight.

“Thanks to this life-saving flight this one-eyed wonder will get to live his best life in a new home,” said Greater Good Charities, a nonprofit that also helps people and the planet during times of hardship and disaster.

Mercy, a 2-year-old boxer mix who was surrendered by an unhoused family after their home was destroyed by Hurricane Ida in 2021, was also on the flight.

The at-risk pets will receive any needed medical care and be placed up for adoption across shelters in New Jersey, New York, Delaware, Pennsylvania, and New Hampshire.

The life-saving “Good Flights” is the third airlift mission in the media company’s ninth annual Clear the Shelters campaign. The first mission transported 155 rescue pets from Florida to Massachusetts, and the second mission rescued more than 150 dogs and cats from Louisana and Alabama.

The airlift was funded by Greater Good Charities’ “Good Flights” program, Hill’s Pet Nutrition and The Animal Rescue Site.

Since 2015, Clear the Shelters has helped more than 860,000 pets find new homes. Last year’s campaign set a new record with more than 161,000 adoptions while raising more than $540,000.

For more information on Clear The Shelters, including participating shelters and rescues and details on local events, visit ClearTheShelters.com and the Spanish-language DesocuparlosAlbergues.com.

To celebrate this year’s campaign, we’re coming back with a new Pat’s Prized Pets challenge.

With the legendary Pat Collins enjoying retirement and passing the leash to Tommy McFly, we want to see your furry, feathery and scaly friends putting their paws up in ultimate summer relaxation mode.

Whoever brings the chill has a chance to get a coveted Pat’s Prized Pets Bowl.

It’s easy to join the challenge. Just take a picture of your pet enjoying a retiree lifestyle — relaxed to the max — and share it.

To submit your photo, you can:

• Post your photo to Threads, Instagram, Facebook or X (AKA Twitter) and tag @nbcwashington, #CleartheShelters and #PatsPrizedPets. You can also share a video on TikTok!
• Email us at isee@nbcwashington.com with your name and your pet’s name, plus a good way to contact you
• Upload it at nbcwashington.com/ugc with your name and your pet’s name, plus a good way to contact you
• Tap See It, Share It on the NBC Washington app menu. Find it for iOS and Android, and please include contact information.

Remember to include your pet’s name, your name plus your city and state with every entry.

There are a few rules: The images can’t be filtered or altered, and never put a pet in any danger. Also, employees of NBC4 and Telemundo 44 cannot take home the prize.

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Entries will be accepted until Aug. 28, at 11:59 p.m.

We can’t wait to see your pics! Sign up for The Weekend Scene newsletter to see featured entries every week.

If you have room in your heart and home for a new pet, NBC4 and Telemundo 44 are joining stations across the U.S. and Puerto Rico to promote adoption and raise funds for animal welfare. Check out more ways to support Clear the Shelters and animals.

Want to know what’s up for your weekend? Sign up for The Weekend Scene, our newsletter about events, experiences and adventures for you and for your family around the DMV.

There are over 700 house plant species that are potentially toxic to pets, leading to various health issues or even lethal consequences. If your pet ingests certain houseplants, they may experience symptoms like drooling, gagging, or vomiting.

However, Dr. Tina Wismer, the Senior Director of Toxicology at ASPCA, says you can’t tell if a plant is toxic by simply looking at them. Here are a few plants you should steer away from if you have dogs or cats, and some pet-safe alternatives to swap them out for:

Sago Palm

This plant can lead to vomiting within a few hours, and within 24 hours, may result in liver failure. It poses a significant threat to both cats and dogs.

Lilies

If you have a cat, you’ll want to avoid lilies. They can cause vomiting within hours and may lead to kidney failure within two days. 

Desert rose family plants (Adenium)

These plants can cause cardiac problems in dogs and cats and should be kept out of reach. 

Pet-safe plants

Thankfully, there are plenty of plants out there that are safe for your pets and can still bring some greenery to your home. 

Orchids and Bromeliads are non-toxic and safe for pets, making them excellent choices for pet-friendly households.

Christmas cactuses and their relatives, the Thanksgiving and Easter cactuses, are also non-toxic and provide colorful options that won’t harm your furry companions. 

If you prefer larger plants, parlor palms are an ideal choice. They thrive in low-light conditions, making them well-suited for indoor environments.

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To learn more about toxic and non-toxic plants for pets, visit ASPCA.org. You will find information on hundreds of plant species, as well as specific symptoms to watch out for.

If you do notice any unusual symptoms in your pets, contact your veterinarian care provider immediately. 

But for 16-year-old Sir Darius Brown, it’s become his life’s mission, or as he calls it, his PAW-SOME mission.

Sir Darius got his start after learning about hundreds of dogs displaced from their homes in Texas and Puerto Rico that were transferred to shelters in the northeast after hurricanes Harvey and Irma in 2017. He knew right then he needed to do something to help.

So he turned his passion for sewing, which he learned from his sister, to create bow ties for shelter pets. His creation quickly turned into a thriving company he founded called “Beaux & Paws,” where he is also CEO.

“Beaux & Paws” is the company where I handcraft bow ties for dogs and cats to help them be noticeable and adoptable and find everlasting homes,” Sir Darius said. “I believe a bow tie is a symbol. It gives them a form of importance. It’s going to attract people to want to adopt a dog or a cat.”

“What a wonderful young man,” said Liz Morgan, director of Montclair Township Animal Shelter in New Jersey. “People might walk past a dog that’s middle-aged, but with a bow tie, you have to look at her.”

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For every bow tie that is purchased, Sir Darius donates a bow tie to a shelter pet.

“Every single bow tie that I make is personal,” Sir Darius said. “It’s not just any bow tie you can buy at a local store. When it’s handmade, it creates that bond.”

This year, Sir Darius was selected as the Clear The Shelters ambassador and Hill’s Pet Nutrition shelter advocate to further his goal of finding loving, forever homes for every shelter pet. In fact, he’s so dedicated to his mission that he created a special bow tie just for Clear The Shelters.

“I created this bow tie for Clear the Shelters because not only is it really cute, but I wanted to spread the word,” he said.

Since its inception in 2015, Clear The Shelters has helped more than 860,000 pets find new homes. For 2023 Clear The Shelters, which runs Aug. 1 through Aug. 31, we want to reach a new milestone with the help of Sir Darius.

“For this year’s Clear the Shelters, we want to help adopt our one-millionth pet,” Sir Darius said. “People should want to come together to uplift and inspire others to adopt and to really help us reach our goal.”

To date, Sir Darius has donated over 5,000 bow ties and helped raise more than $800,000 for animal shelters.

“I don’t think any of us ever thought that it would get to the magnitude that it currently is,” sister and co-founder, Dazhai Brown said. “I’m so glad that it is Sir Darius that has been able to be an advocate for shelter animals and to promote adopting, not shopping.”

“My mom and my sister are very proud of me,” he said. “If it wasn’t for them, this initiative wouldn’t have come close to being possible.”

If you would like to purchase a “Clear The Shelters” bow tie, check out his website.

To learn more about Clear The Shelters 2023 and search for adoptable pets in your area, visit cleartheshelters.com. You can also donate to your local animal shelters and rescue groups by visiting clearthesheltersfund.org.

Follow Clear The Shelters on Twitter and Instagram to stay up to date on this year’s pet adoption and donation news:

• Twitter @ClearTheShelter
• Instagram: @cleartheshelters
• Hashtags: #ClearTheShelters & #DesocuparLosAlbergues

Denisse Cobain Tobler from Michelson Found Animals, an animal welfare nonprofit that provides a free pet microchip registry, shares some tips to help your pets stay cool and safe this summer:

Keep your pet hydrated

Just like humans, pets need to stay hydrated during the hot summer months. Tobler advises that pets consume about an ounce of water for every pound of weight they have every day. To ensure they have access to water throughout the day, pet owners should keep big, clean water bowls inside the house. When going for a walk, bring a water bottle and a collapsible dish to help keep them hydrated and cool while in the heat.

Use flea and tick prevention

Summertime is when fleas and ticks are the most active, so it’s important to make sure you are protecting your pets from fleas and ticks to avoid any diseases they may carry, like heartworm. It’s best to talk to your vet about the best prevention measures and stay up to date with the regimen.

Make sure your pet is microchipped and that your registry is up to date

The best way to keep your dog safe if they ever get out is to get them microchipped.

Microchips are tiny electronic devices about the size of a grain of rice that are placed right under your pet’s skin. The microchip contains a unique identification number that is linked to your contact information. In the case that your pet ever gets lost, a scan of the microchip will help make sure your pet is brought back home safely.

In addition to getting your pet microchipped, it’s also important to make sure your microchip registry is up-to-date with your current information such as your current phone number, email address, emergency contact, and even your vet information.

Those interested in getting a microchip for their pet should schedule an appointment at the vet or ask their vet at their pet’s next appointment.

Some other precautions you can take to help keep your pet cool during the summer are to not over-exercise them, stay indoors during extremely hot temperatures, and avoid leaving your pet in the car while out.

Taking these necessary precautions will help keep your pets safe and cool during the summer.

A little care and attention go a long way in keeping our furry friends healthy and happy during the summer heat.

To adopt, find a participating shelter near you using the map below. Virtual pet adoptions are also returning through WeRescue. The WeRescue app enables users to browse adoptable pets in their area by breed, gender, size and other factors, submit their adoption applications and ask questions directly to shelters through the app.

In addition, donations through Greater Good Charities can be made during the campaign at ClearTheSheltersFund.org. Donors have the option to cover transaction fees with their donation so that 100% goes directly to the shelter or rescue of their choice.

Local participating DC area participating shelters can be found using the map below. Use your zip code to find the closest location:

On Saturday, August 26th join NBC4 and Telemundo 44 at DC’s Humane Rescue Alliance at 71 Oglethorpe St NW, Washington, DC 20011. NBC4’s Chuck Bell will report live from the shelter during the morning newscast.

Finally, you can support Clear the Shelters by joining the Pat’s Prized Pets challenge. Share your photos of your pet relaxed to the max! Post your photo to Threads, Instagram or X (AKA Twitter) and tag @nbcwashington, #CleartheShelters and #PatsPrizedPets. Here are other ways to enter.

Since 2015, Clear The Shelters has helped more than 860,000 pets find new homes. Last year’s campaign set a new single-year record with more than 161,000 adoptions, while also raising more than $540,000.

Special thanks to our national partner, Hills Pet Nutrition and DC local partners, FH Furr and Your Local Honda Dealers.

For more on Clear The Shelters, including participating animal shelters and rescues, along with details on local events, visit ClearTheShelters.com and the Spanish-language site DesocuparlosAlbergues.com.

Follow Clear The Shelters on social media:
• Twitter @ClearTheShelter
• Instagram: @cleartheshelters
• Hashtags: #ClearTheShelters & #DesocuparLosAlbergues

The WeRescue app, which has a dedicated tab for Clear The Shelters, allows users to search by zip code to find participating rescue organizations near you. That way, you can see listings for all of the animals available for adoption.

There’s also a news feed feature in the app which now gives users the ability to upload pictures of their pets to share with the entire WeRescue community.

The WeRescue app can be downloaded for all iPhone and iPad devices running version iOS 15.0 and above here.

And new for 2023 — WeRescue is adding another service for would-be adopters: a WeRescue website that will launch Aug. 1, 2023 — just in time for this year’s Clear The Shelters campaign. You can search the WeRescue website for adoptable pets near your location — and the site will be accessible to iOS and Android users alike. Starting Aug. 1, visit https://WeRescue.pet to search the web for your new furr-ever friends.

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In addition, users of the app and the website will be able to see photos of other people’s rescued fur babies, read their adoption stories and comment on them. It’s a fun way to connect with other pet parents about the joys of animal adoption while also drumming up excitement about Clear The Shelters.

“The WeRescue app team is proud to support the Clear The Shelters event for the fourth year — working with dedicated rescue shelter volunteers, foster parents, and NBCUniversal Local staff across the country to find forever homes for these amazing pets,” said WeRescue CEO Mark Wade. “There’s no greater joy than seeing a happy family walk out with a new rescue pet which they will love and cherish for years to come.”

This year’s Clear The Shelters campaign runs from Aug. 1 through Aug. 31. Visit here for more information on how to adopt, donate or participate in 2023.

A lot of times, the aggression arises from feelings of frustration and fear, especially with dogs that are not properly socialized as puppies.

When a dog’s body is forced in a certain way on a leashed walk, it may try to create distance from the threat by lashing out, however, holding the leash tighter is not the solution, as this lets the dog know you are stressed.

No need to fret, though. There are behavioral training techniques that can help deal with this problem.

Train your pet with “Cookie Dog”

The American Kennel Club recommends playing a training game called “Cookie Dog” to deal with “leash aggression.”

The first step of the behavioral training game is to sit with your leashed dog in an area with a limited number of dogs roaming around.

When you see your dog notice another dog, say “Cookie dog!” and put a treat in front of their nose. Be sure to keep feeding them treats until the dog has gone by and then wait for the next dog to show up.

This technique will train your dog to expect a dream every time they see another dog, and you can even add “sit” or “stay” when your dog turns to you at this point.

After a few weeks, you can start playing it on walks at a comfortable distance from others. Be sure to reward your pup because they react — every negative experience will set them back. If they do react, add more distance next time and repeat the step.

Note that the best time to play the game is before mealtime when your dog is hungry.

NBC4 and Telemundo 44 announced its annual Clear The Shelters pet adoption and donation campaign will return for the ninth consecutive year from Aug. 1 to 31. As part of the monthlong event, NBC4 and Telemundo 44 are partnering with local animal shelters and rescues to promote pet adoption and help raise funds to support animal welfare in the community.

Since its inception in 2015, NBC4 and Telemundo 44’s local Clear The Shelters campaigns have helped thousands of pets find new homes. Nationally, more than 860,000 pets have been adopted over eight Clear The Shelters campaigns.

  The 2023 Clear The Shelters will again feature online donations through Greater Good Charities, a global nonprofit and longtime campaign partner, which will host the fundraising campaign, built courtesy of Fundraise Up, an online donation platform that helps nonprofits grow revenue. Donors have the option to cover transaction fees with their donation so that 100% goes directly to the shelter or rescue of their choice. Online donations can be made during the campaign at ClearTheSheltersFund.org.  

Virtual pet adoptions are also returning for the fifth consecutive campaign through WeRescue. The WeRescue app enables users to browse adoptable pets in their area by breed, gender, size and other factors, submit their adoption applications and ask questions directly to shelters through the app. 

 Special thanks to our Clear The Shelters DC local partners, FH Furr and Your Local Honda Dealers.

For more on Clear The Shelters, including participating animal shelters and rescues, along with details on local events, visit ClearTheShelters.com and the Spanish-language site DesocuparlosAlbergues.com. 

Follow Clear The Shelters on social media:

• Twitter @ClearTheShelter 
• Instagram: cleartheshelters 
• Hashtags: #ClearTheShelters & #DesocuparLosAlbergues

If you’re big into exercise, you might want a furry friend who can keep up on some long trails. If you work in an office full-time, having a pet that doesn’t get separation anxiety is another aspect to consider.

Most importantly, when you enter an animal shelter, you should bring lots of positive energy, according to animal communicator Lydia Hiby.

Hiby, who has been working with pets for the past 38 years, says “positive affirmation” is important because even with the pets you don’t adopt, you’ll be able to project a positive aura that will influence their lives.

Here are a few things Hiby recommends considering before adoption:

How much exercise does my breed need?

Hiby says it’s important to know the potential temperaments of the dog breed you are adopting.

She says owners should ask themselves, “What’s going to work for me energetically, and what’s going to work for me physically?”

For instance, if your home has stairs and you adopt a senior dog, are you able to carry it up and down?

How often will my dog need someone to be at home?

This one is tricky.

Our furry friends have gotten used to having their owners home with them during the COVID-19 pandemic. Thankfully, many workplaces have switched over to a hybrid system instead of a full-time in-office policy,

Hiby recommends owners ask themselves how often they will actually be at home before choosing a pet, as some are better on their own than others.

The last thing owners want is for their lovable pets to feel increased separation anxiety.

Take time to reflect before entering the shelter

When it comes to actually selecting a dog to adopt, Hiby recommends that people search deeply within themselves to figure out which breed would be the best fit.

“I always suggest that you close your eyes for a minute and tell your higher self, ‘I want be able to go in and know confidently whose the best animal for me,'” Hiby said.

Michael Evans immediately goes for his 11-month-old pit bull, Bear, his beloved companion living beneath the rumbling San Francisco Bay Area commuter trains.

“Focus. Sit. That’s my boy,” Evans instructs the high-energy puppy as he eagerly accepts Stewart’s offer.

A quick check of the dog reveals a moderate ear infection that could have made Bear so sick in a matter of weeks he might have required sedation. Instead, right there, Dr. Stewart applies a triple treatment drop of antibiotic, anti-fungal and steroids that should start the healing process.

“This is my son right here, my son. He’s my right-hand man,” an emotional Evans says of Bear, who shares the small RV in Oakland. “It’s a blessing, really.”

“The Street Vet,” as Stewart is known, has been supporting California’s homeless population and their pets for almost a decade, ever since he spontaneously helped a man with a flea-infested dog outside of a convenience store. Since then, Stewart regularly walks the heart of Los Angeles’ infamous Skid Row, giving him a glimpse into the state’s homelessness crisis — and also just how much these people cherish and depend on their pets.

After treating Bear, Stewart hands Evans, a Louisiana transplant, a list of the medicine he provided along with contact information in case the dog needs further treatment. Stewart always promises to cover all expenses.

“It was a good catch,” Stewart said before heading out on his way to the next stop, in West Oakland.

California is home to nearly a third of the nation’s homeless population, according to federal data. About two-thirds of California’s homeless population is unsheltered, meaning they live outside, often packed into encampments in major cities and along roadways. Nationally, up to 10% of homeless people have pets, according to an estimate from the advocacy group Pets of the Homeless. Stewart believes that number is greater.

Homeless shelters often don’t allow pets, forcing people to make heart-wrenching decisions. Stewart sees it as his mission to help as many of them as he can.

A 52-year-old former college hurdler at New Mexico now living in San Diego, Stewart is a lifelong animal lover who grew up in Texas and New Mexico trying to save strays — or at least feed and care for them. He founded Project Street Vet, a nonprofit charity dedicated to helping homeless pets. Stewart funded the group himself for years, saving a chunk of his paycheck before later gaining sponsors and donors.

Clear the Shelters Aug 5, 2022

Find adoptable pets in your area using the ‘WeRescue' app

Clear the Shelters Jun 22, 2023

Clear The Shelters pet adoption and donation campaign returns for its ninth straight year

There’s plenty of heartbreak in Stewart’s work, too. He once performed emergency surgery on a pregnant chihuahua and the two puppies didn’t make it. But more often than not these pet owners are beyond grateful for Stewart’s kindness. He guesses that maybe 1 in 25 times does someone turn down his help.

Stewart hollers “Hello?” outside tents, makeshift structures or campers. He can usually tell there’s a pet if he sees a dog bowl or animal toy. He purposely wears his navy scrub top with his name so nobody mistakes him for animal control or other authorities and feels threatened.

“People are reticent, they don’t always know why I’m coming up to them. If they’re going to you to beg or panhandle, it’s different but if you come up on them they don’t know if you’re law enforcement or you have an agenda,” he said, “so I do take it very slow and I’ll announce myself from afar.”

Approaching Misty Fancher to see if her pit bull, Addie – purchased at a nearby gas station for $200 — might need shots, Stewart offers, “Can she have treats so we can make friends?”

“Sometimes I pull over and just talk,” Stewart explained.

Addie is Fancher’s first pet as an adult, and provides the 42-year-old with some comfort that she is safe living in a relatively unstable neighborhood of Oakland.

“She’s a very good girl,” Fancher said. “She keeps a lot of trouble away. She protects me. She’ll bite someone if they act aggressive or anything toward me. She has before. But she just discourages them from even trying.”

Stewart notices a puncture on the dog’s paw to monitor and also gives her a rabies shot, writing out a certificate for Fancher to keep as proof her dog is vaccinated. He leaves her with tablets for de-worming, treatments for fleas and ticks and — as usual — his contact information.

A little while later, Stewart stops on the outskirts of a park nearby. He walks the perimeter and encounters an RV owned by Eric Clark, who has lived in the same downtown spot for seven years. He has a male bulldog, pregnant pit bull and another pregnant Doberman.

“It’s hard to get to the vet,” Clark said. “I appreciate you. They’re family.”

Stewart is happy he can make a small difference like this with a largely misunderstood community. He strives to treat every person on the streets with the same professionalism and care as he would a patient at his veterinary clinic. His mantra: no judgement, just help.

“They live in the shadows. They live amongst us but not with us,” he said. ” … It is really rewarding. It gets to you a little bit. When they tear up about the tough times they’ve had, you try to care for them, support them.”

“We are proud that Clear The Shelters supports the many outstanding shelters and rescues in our communities that perform the vital work of caring for vulnerable animals, so we are very excited for the campaign’s return this August to help them find new homes for animals in need and raise more money to fund their efforts,” said Meredith McGinn, NBCUniversal Local’s Executive Vice President of Diginets & Original Production.

Since 2015, Clear The Shelters has helped more than 860,000 pets find new homes. Last year’s campaign set a new single-year record with more than 161,000 adoptions, while also raising more than $540,000.

For more information, including participating animal shelters and rescues, along with details on local events, visit ClearTheShelters.com and the Spanish-language site DesocuparlosAlbergues.com. 

You can also keep up with this year’s Clear The Shelters news on social media:

• Twitter @ClearTheShelter 
• Instagram: cleartheshelters 
• TikTok: @cleartheshelters 
• Hashtags: #ClearTheShelters & #DesocuparLosAlbergues

Clear the Shelters Aug 5, 2022

Find adoptable pets in your area using the ‘WeRescue' app

Pets May 13, 2023

How to make your pet an emotional support animal

Clear The Shelters will again feature online donations through Greater Good Charities, a global nonprofit and longtime campaign partner. Donors have the option to cover transaction fees with their donation so that 100% goes directly to the shelter or rescue of their choice. Online donations can be made during the campaign at ClearTheSheltersFund.org.  

Virtual pet adoptions are also returning for the fifth consecutive campaign through WeRescue. The WeRescue app enables users to browse adoptable pets in their area by breed, gender, size and other factors, submit their adoption applications and ask questions directly to shelters through the app.

While people oftentimes turn to a puppy to take home, there are so many advantages to having an elder companion.

As a matter of fact, dogs aged seven and older are typically housebroken, less destructive, and calmer than younger dogs. The devastating reality, however, is senior dogs have a 25% adoption rate, compared to a 60% adoption rate for younger dogs and puppies, according to ASPCA.

“After about 12 years of volunteering in animal shelters, what I noticed was the older dogs that I fell in love with were getting passed over for puppies,” said founder and CEO of Muttville Senior Dog Rescue Sherri Franklin.

Pets May 13, 2023

How to make your pet an emotional support animal

Clear the Shelters Aug 5, 2022

Find adoptable pets in your area using the ‘WeRescue' app

Franklin vividly remembers when of her favorite dogs at the shelter — a cheerful 8-year-old Beagle Basset — was euthanized for space because she wasn’t considered adoptable.

“I knew I had to do something,” Franklin said. “I started taking home dogs one at a time, fixing them up, getting them to see my vets and finding them homes on my own.”

It was such a large mission, which led Frankin to start a nonprofit in 2007. In the past 16 years, Muttville Senior Dog Rescue has saved over 9,000 senior dogs.

“I like to say we made senior dogs sexy,” she said.

Did you know older dogs often end up in shelters after their owners pass away, get sick, or transition to assisted living?

“I know for me personally, one day I’m going to grow old, or older, and I hope at some point in time when I need it, there will be someone out there that’s going to provide the assistance that I need,” said Doreen Jakubcak of Marty’s Place Senior Dog Sanctuary.

While there are many benefits to adopting senior dogs, be prepared to accommodate semi-annual veterinary checkups, special diets and decreased mobility.

The key is to address any and all health issues as early on as possible, Jakubcak advises. Catching any health ailments before they worsen can oftentimes rectify the issue or at least save the dog before it becomes untreatable.

“People often ask us how do you do it when you have to say goodbye?” Jakubcak said. “We focus on that quality of time, we focus on knowing that we did our best and we gave that dog the best care we could during that period of time they were with us,” Jakubcak said.

So what are you waiting for? This is your sign to run to a shelter and take home a loyal senior dog today.

In May, we recognize National Pet Month and National Mental Health Awareness Month.

Numerous studies have shown the positive effects pets have on humans — reducing stress, anxiety and depression, as well as improving overall mental health.

For many individuals, having an Emotional Support Animal (ESA), most commonly cats or dogs, can be a very helpful experience.

So what exactly is an ESA and what are the steps in having one? Take a look:

What is an Emotional Support Animal?

An ESA is an animal that helps individuals deal with mental and emotional disabilities.

While ESAs are not trained to perform specific tasks like service animals, they mainly offer support and comfort with their existence.

How do you make your pet an emotional support animal?

The first step of the process is finding the right pet — which sometimes includes checking out local shelters.

It can oftentimes come with a hefty price tag as the owner has to pay for food, boarding, care, adoption fees and more.

Next, you’ll need an ESA letter from a licensed mental health professional. The therapist must state your mental health condition and how the pet will help your symptoms.

Individuals must have an emotional support animal letter for housing to qualify their pet as a state-recognized ESA.

Who qualifies to have an Emotional Support Animal?

To qualify for an ESA, an individual must have a psychological condition or a professionally diagnosed mental illness. The licensed therapist must see that your animal provides you with support and comfort.

ESAs are seen to benefit people with anxiety, stress disorder, panic attacks, bipolar disorder, depression and PTSD.

How to make my cat a service animal?

Unfortunately, cats cannot be service animals because they cannot be trained to do a task for a disabled individual.

While cats can be trained to do certain tasks, it’s not to the depth that a service animal is required to be.

Cats, however, can be ESAs under Federal Law.

Victoria Prasad, a representative at the Humane Rescue Alliance, said shelters have recently taken in a lot of strays and believes the increases may be due to the financial strain of pet care.

“One of the main reasons that dogs will come in as strays, is people are just unable to take care of their animals anymore,” Prasad said. “So, we’ve seen this issue and it’s been getting worse and worse through the year.”

Dog adoptions have been slow since December, Prasad said. 

“It’s just not sustainable for us right now. Last week alone, we had 90 intakes of dogs and only 17 adoptions,” she said. “So, it’s just been rough for all the dogs and the staff as well.”

In the same week in 2022 out of the 59 dogs taken in, 40 were adopted.

The Fairfax County Animal Shelter said it has taken in over 1,000 animals so far this year and has had nearly a 25% increase in animal intakes overall.

Prasad said fewer owners have surrendered their pets in D.C. She thinks that is due to the Human Rescue Alliance’s pet pantry and pet support program which are offered at different locations throughout the city. 

 “We can speak them through alternatives to surrendering and also help them with medical needs, medical costs and other things that come,” Prasad said.

The Humane Rescue Alliance is discounting the adoption fee by 50% for all dogs through Sunday, to help more dogs be adopted.

For those who aren’t ready to fully commit to adopting, the shelter has a test drive foster program. This allows potential pet owners to walk in and foster a dog for a week before making a decision.

NBC4 and Telemundo 44 will be partnering with the Humane Rescue Alliance for the Clear the Shelters campaign in August. 

Prince George's County Apr 11, 2023

Missing Terrier Reunited With Owners After Weeks of Searching in Maryland

Clear the Shelters Apr 10, 2023

‘Through the Wringer and Back': California Family Adopts ‘Unicorn Dog' With Giant Bump on Her Head

The dog appeared to have endured tough times when she was rescued by the La Belle Foundation in Los Angeles.

“This young dog has been through the wringer and back,” said the rescue organization in a social media post. “She has horrible scratches on her swollen face and goopy eyes, not to mention two giant lumps in her sweet head.”

Shelters previously had thought the lump on the head was a tumor and wanted to put her down. But tests showed that it was scar tissue from an old injury and not life-threatening.

When Strawberry was all healed and ready for adoption, the Kuhlman family in South Pasadena saw her online and “couldn’t resist.”

“Something spoke to me about her,” said Kristen Kuhlman, the matriarch of the family. “She wasn’t able to find a home for quite a while. We waited and thought about it. And we kept seeing her on the website.”

The family, who was just bouncing back from the sadness of losing a dog of 15 years, decided to bring Strawberry home and shower her with love and affection.

“She’s a good snuggler,” said Claire Kuhlman, the twin daughter of Kristen’s, while laughing. “She’ll lay on top of you. She’s heavy and big.”

It’s unimaginable that the gentle and sweet dog was almost euthanized, the Kuhlmans said.

“We wondered a lot about how the bump got there,” Jack Kuhlman, the twin son of the family, said. “I think that’s another reason why it took her so long to get adopted.”

The pup came with the name “Strawberry,” and the family decided to keep it because it felt like a good “fit.”

“It’s cute. It is a lot of syllables, so we sometimes call her ‘Strawbs,’” explained Jeff Kuhlman, the patriarch. “We found a leash that had strawberries. It all seemed to work.”

The kids said the first things they do after coming home from school are playing fetch with Strawberry and snuggling with their new dog.

Strawberry the unicorn dog also has some fans in the neighborhood as the pup is quite recognizable with her unique bump on the head, according to the family.

“People would roll down the windows and say, ‘Hey strawberry,’” Kristen Kuhlman explained. “She’s very loved by many people.”

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