The Final Week of Clear the Shelters: How to Help

There’s only one week left of Clear the Shelters, but there’s still time to make a meaningful difference for animals waiting for homes.

Every August, shelters across the country take part in Clear the Shelters, an annual campaign encouraging pet adoptions while raising awareness and support for animals in need. The 2026 campaign runs through August 31, giving animal lovers one more week to adopt, foster, volunteer, donate or simply help spread the word.

And while not everyone is in a position to bring home a new pet, everyone can do something to help.

What Is Clear the Shelters?

Clear the Shelters is a nationwide pet adoption and donation campaign organized by NBCUniversal Local. Throughout August, participating shelters and rescue organizations work to find homes for animals in their care and connect them with potential adopters.

The campaign is about more than adoption numbers. It also highlights the many ways people can support shelters and the animals that depend on them.

For animals spending their days in kennels and cages, getting adopted can mean a completely new beginning.

There’s Still Time to Adopt

If you’ve been thinking about getting a dog or cat, the final week of Clear the Shelters could be the perfect time to visit your local shelter.

Shelter pets come in all shapes, sizes, ages and personalities. Rather than looking for a particular breed or appearance, consider meeting several animals and learning about their individual needs and temperaments.

It’s also worth keeping an open mind about animals that might initially be overlooked.

Large dogs, for example, can sometimes have a harder time finding homes. Actor Josh Hutcherson, who recently visited the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Los Angeles in Long Beach as part of the campaign, is using his platform to encourage people to give big shelter dogs a chance.

Hutcherson is a longtime shelter dog owner himself and has two large pit bulls, Driver and Manchi.

“Even if you’re not ready to fully adopt yet, you can donate, you can volunteer,” Hutcherson said while discussing ways people can support the campaign.

His message is an important reminder: adoption isn't the only way to help.

Foster a Shelter Pet

If you aren't ready for the lifelong commitment of adoption, fostering can be another incredible option.

Foster families temporarily care for animals while they wait for permanent homes. Depending on the shelter or rescue, that could mean caring for a dog, cat, kitten, puppy or another animal for days, weeks or longer.

For many pets, getting out of the shelter and into a home environment can make a huge difference.

Fostering can also give shelters more space to help additional animals while allowing a pet to become more comfortable with everyday life outside of a shelter.

If you love animals but aren't able to commit to adoption right now, ask your local shelter whether they have a foster program.

Volunteer Your Time

You don't need to take an animal home to make their life better.

Shelters depend on volunteers for everything from walking dogs and socializing cats to helping with events, cleaning and administrative tasks.

Even spending a little time with an animal can provide enrichment and attention during what can otherwise be a stressful period.

Contact your local shelter to find out what volunteer opportunities are available. Some organizations may also need help transporting animals, taking adoption photos, creating social media content or assisting at adoption events.

Donate If You Can

Shelters have ongoing expenses throughout the year, including veterinary care, food, medication, bedding and enrichment.

If you're unable to adopt or volunteer, a financial donation can still directly support the animals in your community.

And donations don't always have to be monetary. Some shelters maintain wish lists of supplies they need, such as food, blankets, toys, cleaning products and other essentials.

Before dropping off supplies, check with your local organization to see what they currently need.

Clear the Shelters' donation campaign will continue through September 15, giving supporters additional time to contribute after the August adoption campaign ends.

Share an Adoptable Animal

One of the easiest ways to help costs nothing.

Share an adoptable pet from your local shelter on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok or with friends and family. You never know who might be looking for their next companion.

A shelter pet could be waiting for the right person to see their photo, read their story and realize they're the perfect match.

If you share an animal, include the shelter's original post or adoption page so interested people can find accurate information about the pet and how to apply.

Don't Forget the Animals Left Behind

Clear the Shelters may end on August 31, but shelter animals will still need homes after the campaign is over.

That’s one reason the final week matters.

Campaigns like Clear the Shelters can bring additional attention to shelters and rescue organizations, but the need for adoption, fostering, donations and volunteers continues throughout the year.

If you can't help this week, you can still make a difference later.

And if you are considering adoption, don't feel pressured to make a rushed decision simply because a campaign is ending. Bringing an animal into your family is a major commitment, and the right adoption is one that works for both you and the pet.

One Week Can Make a Difference

There are countless ways to support shelter animals during the final week of Clear the Shelters.

Adopt if you're ready. Foster if you can. Volunteer your time. Donate what you can. Share an animal who needs a home.

Even one small action could help an animal get closer to the safe, loving home they've been waiting for.

Clear the Shelters runs through August 31, 2026, and the donation campaign continues through September 15.

There may only be one week left in this year's campaign, but for a shelter pet, one week can be enough time to change everything.

How to Get Involved

To learn more about Clear the Shelters, find participating shelters and discover adoption opportunities in your area, visit ClearTheShelters.com.

You can also contact your local animal shelter or rescue organization directly to ask about adoptable pets, fostering, volunteering and current donation needs.

Sources: NBCUniversal Local's Clear the Shelters campaign and August 2026 coverage.