NBC-owned stations and Telemundo are gearing up for the seventh straight year of their pet adoption campaign, Clear the Shelters.
This year’s campaign, which highlights pets available for adoption in participating shelters, will run from Aug. 23 through Sept. 19. Clear the Shelters will feature virtual pet adoptions through partner WeRescue. Viewers can use the WeRescue app to locate adoptable pets in their area, submit their adoption applications, and ask questions directly to shelters.
Viewers can also donate through fundraising partner Greater Good Charities by visiting ClearTheSheltersFund.org or ClearTheShelters.com during the campaign.
WNBC president and general manager Eric Lerner said the campaign is more timely than ever since the Covid-19 pandemic has contributed to an increase in homeless pets.
“Our viewers can view available pets from the comfort of their homes, make an appointment with a shelter or rescue and complete the adoption process on their own timeline,” said Lerner. “We love clearing the shelters and helping families experience the joy of a rescue animal.”
Since the nationwide effort began in 2015, more than half a million pets have been adopted through the effort. In the New York market alone, WNBC and Telemundo’s WNJU have helped more than 46,000 pets find new homes through local community shelters and rescues.
“Last year’s Desocupar Los Albergues campaign brought great success and provided a much-needed source of relief to our community during a challenging time,” said Cristina Schwarz, president and gm of Telemundo 47. “We look forward to highlighting so many more of our community shelters and rescues throughout this year’s campaign while continuing to show our Telemundo 47 viewers the experience the comfort and love that a rescue pet can bring.”
iHeartDogs, a previous Clear The Shelters partner, will return this year to donate pet supplies to select shelters. Social media animal brand The Dodo also returns as a media partner.