Clear the Shelters Event Returns After COVID-19 Stoppage

Riverside County Animal Services’ shelters kicked off its worldwide Clear the Shelters participation with a special adoption fee for its pets.

All pets in the care of Riverside County’s shelters are now available for adoption at just $20. The special rate still includes the regular adoption package: spay or neuter surgery, vaccinations and a microchip. Residents within Riverside County’s jurisdiction must still purchase a dog license ($25 – but the fee varies in some cities).

The adoption-and-donation campaign is organized by NBCUniversal-owned television stations and locally by NBC4 Southern California and Telemundo 52 (KVEA), and the intent is to raise awareness about shelter pets and the need for adopters and – if residents are unable to adopt – making a donation.

In addition, Clear the Shelters will again feature online donations through fundraising partner Greater Good Charities to help provide food, supplies and medical care to tens of thousands of shelter pets. Viewers can donate to Riverside County Animal Services at Clearthesheltersfund.org. Clear the Shelters partner iHeartDogs will again donate needed pet supplies to select shelters.

More than 70 city and county shelters, plus nonprofit organizations are participating in the monthlong campaign. Hill’s Pet Nutrition returns as a national sponsor and Subaru is the Southern California sponsor.

Riverside County’s shelters in Jurupa Valley (the Western Riverside County/City Animal Shelter) and Thousand Palms (the Coachella Valley Animal Campus) are featuring the adoption special.

“Our media partners have been great in showcasing the need for adopters and donations,” Riverside County Animal Services Director Julie Bank said. “We are in debt for the positive exposure NBC4 and Telemundo52 bring to our homeless pets during Clear the Shelters. We and our pets extend a huge thank you.”

The campaign runs Aug. 23 to Sept. 19.