Join NewsChannel 21 and our local shelter and business partners as we once again team up to Clear the Shelters and find loving homes for pets. Since 2015, this national campaign has helped more than 410,000 pets find new homes and in 2019 over 160,000 pets were adopted alone!

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Clear the Shelters looks a bit different this year. To help communities practice safe social distancing measures, NewsChannel 21 will host a month-long “Adopt & Donate” effort throughout August.

Many shelters across the country, including here in Central Oregon, have felt the financial impacts of Covid-19 – it’s been tough to move animals through the adoption process, staffing is minimal, and there’s a need for more foster homes.

Here are FOUR ways you can participate in Clear the Shelters this August:

1. Virtual Adoptions:

Visit 24PetWatch and/or download the WeRescue mobile (app) to find a pet and complete the adoption process with local shelters/rescues, virtually. Shelters/rescues will vet pet adoption applications.

2. In-Person Adoption:

Find participating local shelters on the map below to contact and find out what their distancing rules are before you show up.

3. Online Donations:

Visit ClearTheSheltersFund.org where you can donate funds to shelters/rescues of your choice. The site is hosted by partner GreaterGood.org.

4. Watch:

Watch NewsChannel 21 Sunrise News to catch Jessie Foster’s special segment every Thursday highlighting local shelters and how you can support them. Every Thursday on KTVZ (NBC) between 5-7 am and on KFXO (Fox) between 7-9 am.