NBCUniversal Local’s ‘Clear the Shelters’ helps more than 135,000 pets find homes

NBCUniversal Local’s 2026 “Clear the Shelters” campaign helped more than 135,000 pets find new homes and raised nearly $500,000 for participating animal shelters.

Since the initiative launched in 2015, “Clear the Shelters” has resulted in nearly 1.5 million pet adoptions and more than $6 million in donations.

The 2026 campaign was supported by more than 100 NBC and Telemundo stations, which partnered with more than 1,200 shelters in 153 markets across 47 states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico and Guam.

Adoption efforts ran from Aug. 1 to Aug. 31, 2026, while fundraising continued from July 15 through Sept. 15, 2026.

“‘Clear the Shelters’ demonstrates what’s possible when our communities come together to help pets in need,” said Meredith McGinn, executive vice president of diginets and original production for NBCUniversal Local and leader of the campaign, said in a statement “We’re proud of the meaningful impact this campaign continues to have for shelters and pets across the country.”

Hill’s Pet Nutrition returned for its ninth year as a campaign partner and served as presenting sponsor for the first time. The company supported campaign activities and provided adoption kits at select shelters that included starter bags of Hill’s Science Diet, coupons and other supplies.

Greater Good Charities again managed online fundraising, while WeRescue returned for an eighth year as the campaign’s technology partner, allowing users to search for adoptable pets and contact participating shelters.

The Black Dog also returned as a partner, offering customers opportunities to donate through purchase roundups and selling a special “Clear the Shelters” merchandise collection, with 50% of proceeds benefiting the campaign fund.

Advertisement

NBC- and Telemundo-owned stations also produced national television specials tied to the campaign. Both debuted Aug. 7, 2026, with the NBC edition featuring celebrity appearances led by Matt Damon. Telemundo aired its “Desocupar los Albergues” special the same day.