Animal shelters and rescue organizations across the country will come together this Saturday, August 19, 2017 for Clear the Shelters Day, a nationwide pet adoption initiative that aims to connect animals in need with loving new families.  Animal shelters, including many here in Maine, have agreed to cut the cost of adoption and be open for extended hours for this one-day annual event, organized in partnership with NBC Owned Television Stations and Telemundo Stations Group.  Last year thousands of pets found their forever homes thanks to Clear the Shelters Day.

However, before getting caught up in the emotions of wanting to help animals in need, please remember that although rewarding, pet ownership is a lot of responsibility.  So before adopting, please do your research.  Does a pet fit into your current active lifestyle and work schedule?  Are you prepared for the cost of caring for a pet, including feeding, grooming and medical care?  Is your home environment ready for a pet?  Things to consider and additional information on the responsibility of pet ownership can be found on CleartheShelters.com, HumaneSociety.org, and Petfinder.com.

If you’d like to help, but cannot adopt a new pet now, please remember your local animal shelters and rescues depend on the kindness of volunteers to help care for the dogs, cats, and small animals waiting for forever homes.  Contact your local animal shelter or rescue organization to find out how you can make a difference.  Here is just a sampling of the many ways in which you can volunteer to help:

• Animal Socialization: Dog walker, Obedience training, Cat socialization, Spending time with small animals
• Caring for Animals: Feeding, Filling water bowls, Cleaning crates, Grooming
• Shelter Maintenance: Scooping poop, Cleaning litter pans, Washing food bowls, Laundry, Sweeping, Keeping shelter clean and organized, Handyman projects
• Fostering: Special in-home care for animals in need including those that are pregnant, ill, or with behavioral issues
• Fundraising / Events: Promoting the shelter, Answering questions, Maning tables, Handling animals at adoption events
• Administration: Answering phones, Data entry, Filing, Assisting with mailings, Assembling adoption packets
• Education: Going to schools, troops and youth groups to educate children on animals and the important work shelters do; Giving tours of the shelter to groups as requested

For more information on Clear the Shelters Day, please visit CleartheShelters.com and call your local animal shelter for specific details on times and fees.  Please note that some shelters are recommending submitting an adoption application for pre-approval before Saturday’s event.