During August and September 2019, several organizations across the United States offered initiatives designed to support pet owners and facilitate animal adoptions. These programs included fee-waived adoption events, free veterinary services, and fundraising activities that benefited animal welfare groups. The initiatives were primarily driven by nationwide campaigns, local government shelters, and non-profit organizations aiming to reduce shelter populations and assist existing pet owners with essential care costs.
The most prominent campaign referenced is "Clear the Shelters," a nationwide initiative led by NBC and Telemundo-owned television stations. This effort focused on connecting shelter animals with families by waiving adoption fees. Local shelters, such as the County Animal Services in San Diego County, participated by covering all adoption costs for the month of August. These adoptions included comprehensive veterinary packages, such as spaying or neutering, vaccinations, microchipping, and licenses, provided at no charge to the adopter.
In addition to adoption incentives, community events provided free educational resources and direct aid. For example, Walton County hosted a clinic offering free vaccines, microchips, and spay/neuter vouchers to pet owners. Other organizations, such as the SPCA of Wake County, facilitated fundraising through entertainment events and provided support services like pet loss support groups and free first aid training classes.
August 2019 Pet Adoption Initiatives
The month of August 2019 was characterized by significant efforts to lower the barriers to pet ownership through fee-waived adoption programs. These initiatives addressed the issue of shelter overcrowding by making adoption financially accessible to a broader demographic.
Clear the Shelters Campaign
The "Clear the Shelters" campaign served as a primary driver for free adoption events in August 2019.
- Nationwide Scope: The campaign was described as a nationwide initiative led by NBC and Telemundo-owned television stations. Its goal was to connect shelter animals with families ready to provide care. Since its inception in 2015, the campaign reportedly helped over 1 million pets find permanent homes.
- San Diego County Participation: The County Animal Services in San Diego County participated in this campaign by waiving all pet adoption fees at the Bonita and Carlsbad animal shelters during August.
- Included Services: Pets adopted through this program during August came with a comprehensive package of services provided free of charge. This included spaying or neutering, vaccinations, microchipping, and a one-year license for dogs living within the department’s service area.
- Availability: In-person adoption interactions were available Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. at the participating shelters.
SPCA of Wake County Adoption Events
The SPCA of Wake County in North Carolina also participated in the nationwide effort to clear shelters in August 2019.
- Event Details: On Saturday, August 17, 2019, adoption fees at the SPCA of Wake County and other participating shelters were waived.
- Operational Hours: To accommodate increased traffic, the shelter opened one hour early at 10 a.m. and remained open until 7 p.m. on the day of the event.
Brookhaven Animal Shelter Discounted Adoptions
The Town of Brookhaven Animal Shelter and Adoption Center in New York offered discounted adoption fees throughout August 2019 as part of their "Dog Days of Summer" celebration.
- Fee Structure: Normal adoption fees of $137 for dogs and $140 for cats were reduced to $65.
- Included Services: The adoption fee included free neuter or spay, vaccinations, microchip, license, heartworm test, flea treatment, and fecal test.
- Location and Hours: The shelter is located at 300 Horseblock Road in Brookhaven. Operating hours were Monday through Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and Sunday from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Free Veterinary Services and Support Clinics
Beyond adoption fees, several events in August and September 2019 provided free veterinary services to existing pet owners, helping them maintain the health of their animals without incurring costs.
Walton County Free Pet Clinic
A free pet clinic was held in Walton County to assist public pet owners. This event was organized by Planned PEThood, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, and sponsored by Best Friends Animal Society.
- Services Offered: The clinic provided free vaccines and microchips. Attendees also received vouchers for free spaying or neutering of their pets.
- Sponsors and Partners: Contributions to the event were made by Fi Nano chips, Petco Love distemper vaccines, Atlanta Humane for food and supplies, and the Bissell Pet Foundation.
- Community Impact: The event was well-received by attendees who cited financial constraints as a barrier to routine veterinary care. One participant noted the difficulty of affording shots while supporting a family, expressing gratitude for the free services provided.
- Future Plans: Planned PEThood expressed a desire to continue working with Walton County on future endeavors and continues to host outreach events in other counties throughout the fall and winter.
Free Pet First Aid and CPR Class
The SPCA of Wake County facilitated a free educational opportunity for pet owners in North Carolina.
- Event Details: A free Pet First Aid and CPR class was held at Care First Animal Hospital (Tryon Location) in Cary, NC.
- Registration: Space was limited, and participants were required to call to register.
- Incentives: The class included a giveaway for a pet first aid kit (requiring the winner to be present), as well as handouts and door prizes.
Fundraising and Community Events
Animal welfare organizations utilized various fundraising events in late summer 2019 to generate revenue for their operations. These events ranged from ticketed entertainment to donation-based shopping weekends.
SPCA of Wake County Fundraisers
The SPCA of Wake County hosted and benefited from several community events:
- ComedyWorx Dog Days of Summer Show: On Saturday, August 10, 2019, ComedyWorx held an improv show where $2 of every ticket sold was donated to the SPCA.
- Puppy Yoga Classes: Two Puppy Yoga classes were held at the SPCA's Pet Adoption Center. Half of the net proceeds from each class were donated to the organization. The cost to attend was $45.
- Friday Night Tribute Concerts: The SPCA benefited from beverage sales at two free concerts at Coastal Credit Union Midtown Park in September 2019.
- On September 6, the band Machine Gun performed.
- On September 13, the band Zoso - The Ultimate Led Zeppelin Experience performed.
- Pearls for Pups Co. Shopping Event: On August 3 and 4, Pearls for Pups Co. donated 100% of net proceeds from online sales to the SPCA of Wake County.
- Nickelpoint Brewing Collaboration: Nickelpoint Brewing launched a collaboration beer called "TriPaw Blonde Brand Beer" to benefit the SPCA. The launch event featured live music, food trucks, and games.
Spencer Properties Donation Drive
Spencer Properties organized a community dog walk on Saturday, August 10, to support the SPCA of Wake County.
- Activity: Participants met outside the Spencer Properties office to walk their dogs.
- Incentives: PetPeople provided homemade dog treats, and a doggie pool was available for dogs to cool down.
Pet Owner Support Services
In addition to physical health and adoption services, organizations provided emotional support resources for pet owners.
SPCA Pet Loss Support Group
The SPCA of Wake County offered a Pet Loss Support Group for individuals grieving the loss of a pet.
- Facilitation: The group was facilitated by Rob Gierka, a non-denominational chaplain.
- Purpose: The group provided a space for individuals to talk about their loss with others who understand and mourn similarly.
National Pet Awareness Days in August
August 2019 also featured several national awareness days focused on pet safety and recognition, as highlighted by pet calendar resources.
- National Check The Chip Day (August 15): This day emphasized the importance of microchipping pets (cats and dogs) for safety. It encouraged pet owners to ensure their contact information linked to the microchip was up to date.
- International Assistance Dog Week (August 6-12): This week was dedicated to recognizing assistance dogs that help individuals mitigate disability-related limitations.
- National Dog Day (August 26): Founded in 2004 by Colleen Paige, this day celebrates all dogs and encourages advocacy for dogs that need rescue.
Conclusion
The period of August and September 2019 offered substantial support for U.S. pet owners and animal welfare. Through the "Clear the Shelters" campaign and local shelter initiatives, thousands of animals were placed in homes with waived adoption fees and included veterinary care. Simultaneously, free clinics in counties like Walton County provided essential health services to existing pets, while fundraising events in North Carolina and New York generated necessary funds for shelter operations. These efforts collectively aimed to reduce shelter populations, assist low-income owners, and promote animal welfare awareness.