Clear the Shelters: WRAL, NBC and local animal shelters pet adoption month

Each summer, WRAL, NBC and your local animal shelters partner for Clear the Shelters, a nationwide pet adoption drive that helps find loving homes for animals in need. More than 1.2 million pets have found their forever homes and more than $5 million has been raised in donations since Clear the Shelters launched in 2015.

From Aug. 1 through Aug. 31, 2025, shelters are reducing or waiving fees to help you bring home a new family member. Consider taking time this month to adopt a new pet or donate to a local shelter to help pets find their forever homes.

Many shelters require an application process to make sure your family and home are ready for a new pet.Nonprofit rescues may have even more strict standards. Some include a home visit and followups to make sure your new pet is a fit.

• Pet adoption 101: What to do before, during and after a shelter visit
• Questions to consider before you bring home a pet

One thing to keep in mind: Even when adoption fees are waived, adopting a pet is an on-going financial commitment. Be sure you understand the costs of pet ownership and care, including necessary vaccinationsfor a long and health life.Households who prepare are better able to help a pet adapt and foster good animal citizenship.

And if the time is not right for your family, there are many waysyou can still help shelter pets by donating time, money or goods like foot and snuggly blankets.