Clear the Shelters: Could your new best friend be at HSCO’s annual open house?

(Clear the Shelters airs Tuesdays at 5pm through August)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) - KTVZ is partnering with NBC for Clear the Shelters, a nationwide campaign that promotes pet adoption and supports animal shelters across the country.

Throughout the month, we're highlighting local shelters and the different ways Central Oregonians can help animals in need.

The Humane Society of Central Oregon has served animals and families in Bend for more than 60 years.

The shelter cares for animals of all kinds, not just dogs and cats. Rabbits, guinea pigs, reptiles, birds and other small animals also come through its doors.

Staff members say summer is typically a busy season, with more stray animals arriving at the shelter. More than 80% of lost pets brought to HSCO are reunited with their families.

The community can meet some of the shelter’s adoptable animals during its annual open house Aug. 29.

“We’re going to have our regular open house that we do for the shelter every single year,” Executive Director Amber Kostoff said. “We’ll have the wheel available so you can spin for an adoption discount. There’ll be some fun stuff for folks to do, and you can visit all of our adoptable animals.”

You can also meet adoptable animals from HSCO during our weekly Pet Pals segment, airing Fridays during the 5pm newscast.

If you’re unable to adopt, you can still support the shelter by volunteering or donating. More information is available on the shelter’s website.