Clear the Shelters, which launched as a one-day event in Dallas-Fort Worth in 2014, now involves animal rescue organizations nationwide. More than half a million animals have been adopted as a result of the push, according to the initiative's website.
The event’s main goal is to adopt out all pets; however, it is also an opportunity for organizations to spread awareness about shelter overpopulation linked to the uptick in animals surrendered during this time of year.
Plano’s Animal Services Director Jamey Cantrell said in a previous interview with Community Impact Newspaper that the shelter averages an intake of around 600 animals per month during spring and summer.
“This event helps us catch up to those numbers coming in by getting a lot of pets out to good homes,” Cantrell said, noting that the Plano shelter had 37 pets available for adoption as of Aug. 31.
As part of the event, adoption fees are half-price now until Sept. 12. Between Sept. 13-Sept. 19, adoption fees will be waived. This translates to a savings of about $80 for those looking to adopt a dog, cat, puppy or kitten, Cantrell said.
Last year, Plano placed 265 pets in homes during the Clear the Shelters event. Cantrell said the shelter’s goal is to rehome 250 pets this year.
A list of adoptable animals from the Plano shelter can be found here.
Erick Pirayesh contributed to this report.
