Annual pet adoption and donation campaign 'Clear the Shelters' returns this August

NBC 5 Chicago (WMAQ-TV) and Telemundo Chicago (WSNS-TV) announced their annual pet adoption and donation campaign, Clear The Shelters Presented by Hill’s Pet Nutrition will return for the 12^th consecutive year from August 1 to 31, with an extended fundraising drive taking place now through September 15.

As part of Clear The Shelters, NBC 5 Chicago & Telemundo Chicago are partnering with local animal shelters to promote pet adoption and raise funds that support their animal welfare operations. For information on participating shelters and to donate, visit ClearTheShelters.com. Shelters can join this year’s Clear The Shelters via the new Shelter Registration Portal.

Since its inception in 2015, NBC 5 Chicago & Telemundo Chicago’s local Clear The Shelters campaigns have helped more than 51,000 pets find new homes. Nationally, the initiative has helped more than 1.3 million pets find new homes and raised more than $5.6 million for participating shelters and rescues.

“NBC 5 Chicago and Telemundo Chicago are proud to once again partner with local animal shelters and rescue organizations for our 12^th annual Clear the Shelters campaign,” said Kevin Cross, President & General Manager, NBCUniversal Local Chicago. “The continued success of this longstanding community initiative is made possible through the dedication of our participating shelter partners and the overwhelming support of viewers across the Chicagoland area. Together with our viewers and community partners, we are proud to help advance the mission of finding safe, permanent homes for animals in need.”

Clear The Shelters fundraising will again be led by Greater Good Charities, a global nonprofit and longtime campaign partner. Donations to the general fund can be made now through Sept. 15, and donations to individual shelters can be made from Aug. 1 to 31 at ClearTheSheltersFund.org.

WeRescue is also returning for the eighth consecutive year as the exclusive technology partner of Clear The Shelters. The WeRescue website and apps let users browse adoptable pets in their area by breed, gender, size, and more, apply to adopt, and ask questions directly to shelters. New this year, Scout helps visitors find their best match with just a few quick questions.

Hill’s Pet Nutrition, a global leader in science-based pet nutrition and leading supporter of animal welfare, is returning as the campaign’s national sponsor for the ninth consecutive campaign. For the first time, Hill’s is serving as the presenting sponsor of Clear The Shelters this year.

For more information on Clear The Shelters, including participating shelters, along with details on local events and television programming, visit ClearTheShelters.com and the Spanish-language site DesocuparlosAlbergues.com. Shelters can join the campaign via the new Shelter Registration Portal.

Follow Clear The Shelters on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.