Free Pet Adoptions on Sept. 7 to Honor Clear the Shelters

All shelter pets will be free on Sept. 7 as Riverside County Animal Services honors the international Clear the Shelters campaign.

Sept. 7 marks the final Saturday of the month-long campaign sponsored in Southern California by NBCLA and Telemundo 52. This is the 10th anniversary of the event that raises awareness of pet homelessness at government and nonprofit shelters – and the urgent need for adopters.

Riverside County Animal Services has participated in every Clear the Shelters event since its start in 2015. More than 1,000 animals have had positive outcomes for the first three weeks of this year’s Clear the Shelters, with 851 animals in foster care and more than 200 finding loving homes through adoptions.

“As a proud rescue dog owner myself, I can personally attest to the joy and companionship our furry friends bring into our lives,” Fifth District Supervisor Gutierrez said. “They bring us loyalty, endless affection and family. By adopting a pet, you can change their life while improving yours.”

A few years back, NBC changed the campaign from a one-day event into a month-long affair. More than 1 million animals have been adopted since the campaign launched. Approximately 50,000 animals have found loving homes in this year’s campaign – and more than a week remains.

“I am proud to support the Clear the Shelters campaign, which not only helps our residents welcome a new furry friend into their homes but also plays a crucial role in improving outcomes for shelter animals,” said Second District Supervisor Karen Spiegel. “Reducing cost barriers encourages more adoptions, which will help alleviate overcrowding in our shelters. This campaign is a step towards ensuring that more pets find loving homes. We are deeply grateful to the Department of Animal Services for their commitment to the well-being of our shelter animals.”

Animal Services Director Erin Gettis said she is grateful to NBC and Telemundo for the promotion of shelter pets.

“We are very hopeful to see another strong showing on Sept. 7,” Gettis said. “As we have noted in recent months, we are packed and need the public’s support now more than ever. Thank you to all of our adopters who have already made a big impact on an animal’s life.”

All adoptions are FREE at Riverside County’s shelters located in Jurupa Valley (6851 Van Buren Blvd, 92509), San Jacinto (581 S. Grand Ave., 92582) and Thousand Palms (72-050 Pet Land Place, 92276). View adoptable pets here: www.rcdas.org

# # #