NBCUniversal Local’s Clear The Shelters returns Aug. 1 with expanded fundraising period

NBCUniversal Local announced that its 12th annual “Clear The Shelters” pet adoption campaign would run Aug. 1-31, with fundraising continuing through Sept. 15.

NBC and Telemundo stations will work with animal shelters and rescue organizations across the United States to promote pet adoptions and raise money for participating organizations. Donations to the campaign’s general fund opened July 15, while donations to individual shelters will be accepted Aug. 1-31 through ClearTheSheltersFund.org.

The initiative has resulted in more than 1.3 million pet adoptions and raised more than $5.6 million for shelters and rescues since it began in 2015, NBCUniversal Local said.

The 2025 campaign helped more than 160,000 pets find homes and generated more than $628,000 for participating shelters, its highest fundraising total since 2020. More than 1,700 shelters and rescues participated alongside 129 NBC and Telemundo stations.

“Clear The Shelters continues to have such an incredible impact on communities thanks to all those who come together each August to help vulnerable pets and support the animal shelters who care for them,” said Meredith McGinn, executive vice president of diginets and original production at NBCUniversal Local. “We appreciate our partners, led by Hill’s Pet Nutrition, and the participating stations and shelters who drive this amazing effort.”

Hill’s Pet Nutrition will return for its ninth year as a campaign partner and will serve as presenting sponsor for the first time. The company will support campaign activities and provide adoption kits at select shelters containing Hill’s Science Diet starter bags, coupons and other supplies.

Greater Good Charities will again manage fundraising for the campaign. Donations to the general fund will remain open through Sept. 15.

WeRescue will return for its eighth year as the campaign’s technology partner. Its website and apps allow users to search for adoptable pets and contact shelters. A new feature called Scout uses a series of questions to help users identify potential matches.

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The Black Dog will participate for a second year, allowing customers to round up purchases to benefit the campaign. The company also plans to sell Clear The Shelters merchandise, donate half of the proceeds to the fund and hold adoption events at its retail locations.