Over 160,000 Pets Find Homes During 2025 ‘Clear the Shelters’ Campaign
The 2025 Clear the Shelters campaign has once again proven the power of community, compassion, and collaboration in saving animal lives. NBCUniversal Local’s annual month-long adoption and donation drive — now in its 11th year — helped more than 160,000 pets find loving homes and raised over $628,000 for shelters and rescues across the country.
From August 1 to August 31, NBC and Telemundo stations partnered with 1,735 shelters and rescue organizations in 49 states, Washington D.C., Puerto Rico, and Guam to promote pet adoption and fundraise for animal welfare programs. The result: 160,165 adoptions nationwide, record-breaking donations, and critical awareness for overcrowded shelters.
Since launching in 2015, Clear the Shelters has now facilitated over 1.3 million pet adoptions and raised more than $5.6 million — a milestone that underscores the campaign’s lasting impact.
Chicago and Beyond: A Record Year for Adoptions
The Chicago area played a significant role in this year’s success, with 3,347 pets adopted locally. Nationwide, shelters reported full kennels and urgent overcrowding — a challenge that made this year’s campaign more vital than ever.
“We are incredibly thankful for another successful year helping vulnerable pets and animal shelters,” said Meredith McGinn, NBCUniversal Local’s EVP of Diginets & Original Production. “This effort is fueled by our wonderful campaign partners and the participating stations and their employees across the nation who bring it to life.”
Partners Powering the Mission
The 2025 campaign was supported by a coalition of longtime and new partners working to make adoption more accessible and sustainable:
Hill’s Pet Nutrition, a national sponsor for the eighth consecutive year, donated $25,000 to the campaign, provided food donations, and distributed adoption kits at select shelters.
The Black Dog, a new partner in 2025, launched a limited-edition Clear the Shelters merchandise collection and rounded up purchases in stores, raising $100,000 for the cause.
Greater Good Charities once again spearheaded fundraising initiatives.
WeRescue offered virtual adoptions to help connect pets with families nationwide.
“The mission of Clear the Shelters is more important than ever as shelters continue to face capacity crises,” said Carrick Massey, U.S. Senior Vice President of Marketing at Hill’s Pet Nutrition. “We’re honored to help connect so many deserving pets with loving homes.”
Highlights of the 2025 Campaign
Beyond the adoption numbers, this year’s campaign was filled with inspiring moments that showcased the transformative power of rescue:
Life-Saving Airlift: In partnership with Greater Good Charities, Clear the Shelters conducted its sixth emergency airlift, transporting over 120 at-risk dogs and cats from overcrowded shelters in Alabama and Louisiana to shelters with more space and resources.
Celebrity Advocacy: Actor Joe Manganiello and his rescue dog Bubbles hosted the Clear the Shelters TV special, which highlighted heroic rescue stories, including the work of The Unstoppable Dogs, a group of disabled dogs overcoming abuse and neglect.
Heartwarming Transformations: Among the campaign’s many stories was one about once-abused and abandoned dogs now thriving as therapy and emotional support animals — living proof of how adoption changes lives.
Why Clear the Shelters Matters More Than Ever
Animal shelters across the U.S. are facing unprecedented challenges. Rising intake numbers, economic hardship, and limited space have pushed many facilities beyond capacity. Campaigns like Clear the Shelters not only help place thousands of pets into homes but also raise critical funds for lifesaving programs — from medical care to transportation efforts like the Alabama and Louisiana airlift.
“Every adoption means a second chance,” McGinn said. “And every donation helps shelters continue their essential work.”
How You Can Still Help
Although the 2025 campaign officially ended on August 31, the need doesn’t stop there. You can continue to support shelters and pets year-round by:
Adopting or fostering an animal from your local shelter.
Donating money, food, or supplies to rescue organizations.
Volunteering your time to help with daily care, events, or transport.
Sharing adoption stories on social media using #ClearTheShelters and #DesocuparLosAlbergues.
For more information on participating shelters, local events, or ways to get involved, visit ClearTheShelters.com or follow the campaign on Instagram (@cleartheshelters), TikTok (@cleartheshelters), Facebook (ClearTheShelters), and X (@ClearTheShelter).
Every adoption is a victory — not just for the pet, but for the people who open their homes and hearts. Thanks to the collective effort of shelters, volunteers, and adopters nationwide, over 160,000 pets now have the loving families they deserve.
