CLEVELAND — More than 410,000 pets have found new homes since 2015 through "Clear the Shelters," a campaign launched by NBC and Telemundo. 3News is a proud participant of this effort, bringing more than 400 local animals to their new families and homes just last year. The campaign is still full steam ahead for this year, but there are a few tweaks.
In years past, local shelters opened their doors and slashed adoption fee prices for one day. Now, the effort is extended the full month of August, which may help shelters even more. Adoption prices have dropped and in-person adoptions are not happening, meaning shelters are getting creative with how they get pets into homes.
"When this pandemic first struck, nobody knew what was going to happen," says Ayse Dunlap, Executive Director of Operations at the Cleveland APL.
Those looking for an addition their family can visit this site, and use the interactive map to search for a participating shelter nearby. The WeRescue app will also help you find that perfect pet. If an animal is not in your immediate feature, donations can also be made to the Clear the Shelters campaign here.
Keep in mind, many shelters are not doing in-person adoptions. Most shelters can also schedule virtual adoptions or a special in-person meeting with an animal if you want to adopt.
"We're even able to do a Zoom, or a Skype or FaceTime so that people can see the animal in advance, and ask any questions they have. We go over the entire record, every piece of information that we can go over is gone over."
This may be the best time to adopt if it is on your mind. A pet is sometimes the best way to kick your boredom and quarantine loneliness.
"People are going through so much right now, and the companionship of a pet, you really can't even put words to it," Dunlap smiles.
Shelter pets can bring so much joy and happiness to your life, and many of our 3News team members have had very special rescues of their own. Check out the video in the player below to learn more about these special pets and what rescuing can bring to your life.