Clear the Shelters, which launched as a one-day event in Dallas-Fort Worth in 2014, now involves more than 1,900 nationwide animal rescue organizations. Over half a million animals have been adopted as a result of the push, according to Richardson shelter manager Noura Jammal, who briefed City Council on the event at an Aug. 30 meeting.
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.
“For each pet that finds a home, it opens up a space for another pet in need,” Jammal said, noting that the Richardson shelter currently has about 110 pets available for adoption.
In a recent interview with Community Impact Newspaper, Jammal said that roughly 300 animals come into the shelter each month during the summer.
“Due to the fact that a lot of people are moving or going on vacation, they decided that the animal they adopted is probably not the right fit for them,” she said. “It is also baby season for a lot of animals in general, so we see a lot of puppies and kittens come through the doors.”
Adoption fees will be waived the week of Sept. 12-19 as part of the event. This translates to a savings of roughly $200-$300 and includes vaccinations, flea and tick treatments, heartworm treatment, deworming and microchipping, Jammal said. The shelter is currently open by appointment, Jammal said.
Last year, Richardson rehomed 34 pets during the Clear the Shelters event. Jammal is hoping to surpass that number this year.
“We hope that this year will be the year we [clear the shelter],” she said.
A list of adoptable animals can be found on the shelter’s website. To schedule an appointment at the shelter, call 972-744-4480.
Erick Pirayesh contributed to this report.
