The Humane Rescue Alliance is excited to join NBC4 and Telemundo44 to host Clear the Shelters! This nationwide pet adoption campaign is returning for its eighth consecutive year from August 1 through August 31.
This year, we’ll be participating all month long with several ways you can get involved, including a name-your-own adoption fee promotion for dogs 30 pounds and over. We will also once again open our doors for an in-person, fee-waived adoption event for all animals on August 27.
Here are some of the ways you can help animals during this nationwide pet adoption drive:
Adopt a New Best Friend
This year’s Clear the Shelters could not be coming at a more critical time. With our adoption center and foster homes at capacity, we are in need of adopters. We have nearly 200 animals who want to join your family right now, including cats, dogs, guinea pigs, mice, turtles, and rabbits.
Q: Will you be waiving adoption fees for Clear the Shelters?
A: You can name your own adoption fee for dogs 30 pounds and over for the entire month of August. Standard adoption fees apply for dogs under 30 pounds, cats, and all small animals.
On Saturday, August 27, we will host an in-person adoption event from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. at our 71 Oglethorpe St. NW location. On this day, adoption fees will be waived for all animals, including those in foster homes.
Q: Are you open to the public for adoptions?
A: Our adoption center located at 71 Oglethorpe St. NW is open for in-person meet and greets Tuesday through Sunday, 12 p.m. - 7 p.m. - no appointment needed. Virtual adoptions continue for animals in foster homes.
Q: What if I’m interested in adopting a specific breed or age animal?
A: Visit humanerescuealliance.org/adopt to see which animals are currently available for adoption. We don't maintain a waitlist. We encourage you to continue to visit our website to learn more about HRA’s adoption process at humanerescuealliance.org/how-to-adopt. Additionally, HRA’s adoption counselors are happy to help ensure you’re making the best match for your family based on the animal's individual personality and your lifestyle.
Foster an animal in need
Not ready to adopt? Fostering an animal in need helps HRA create a virtual shelter in the community for our most vulnerable animals. On any given day, our foster homes double the number of animals we can rescue, and they give an animal the best possible place to wait to find a loving home. We’re especially looking for large dog fosters who don’t have breed or size restrictions so we can get more pups on couches as they wait for their new family.
Donate money or supplies
Clear the Shelters has partnered with Greater Good Charities and the Animal Rescue Site to help support HRA's essential work year-round. Your donation will help support the animals in our care, from medical treatments to daily enrichment and beyond. The Animal Rescue Site is covering 100% of credit card transaction fees so 100% of your donation goes straight to HRA. Plus, right now, Hill's Pet Nutrition is matching the first $20,000 in donations dollar for dollar, so your impact is doubled.
donate for twice the impact
We count on our community’s support for donations of supplies. We are currently limiting in-person donations, except donations of bedding, pet food, cat and dog toys, and kitten foster-related supplies. Donations can also be made through our wish lists at humanerescuealliance.org/donate-supplies.
Volunteer your time
Volunteers are the lifeblood of our organization. With an active volunteer force many times the size of staff, volunteers make it possible for us to serve thousands of people and animals each year, without ever turning a DC animal away. Learn more about HRA’s volunteer opportunities by visiting humanerescuelliance.org/volunteer.