Pets

Clear the Shelters 2017: More than 1,000 homeless animals saved

Adoption fees will be waived at 12 area shelters on Saturday as part of the nationwide Clear the Shelters initiative.

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Adoption feed were waived at 12 area shelters on Saturday as part of the nationwide Clear the Shelters initiative.

Spring litters greatly increase the overall animal population, leading to overcrowding of shelters during the summer months. Bringing a new pet into your home at this critical time of year will ease that burden and fill your home with unconditional love from a new furry friend.

Saturday, a total of 1,195 animals were adopted across the region and all animals at the Johnston County Animal Services and the SPCA of Wake County had been adopted. That number means almost 300 more pets were adopted this year than last year.

"I really hope the kids have the opportunity to love something that's unconditional and really have that experience of a pet that grows up with them," said Jean Rodgers.

During last year’s Clear the Shelters campaign, more than 50,000 pets nationwide were adopted. Locally, more than 900 pets found forever homes.

Dogs, cats and even bunnies are available for adoption at the SPCA of Wake County, Wake County Animal Center, SAFE Haven for Cats, Orange County Animal Services, Moore County Sheriff’s Office Animal Services, Durham Animal Protection Society, Person County Animal Services, Johnston County Animal Services, Wayne County Animal Adoption and Education Center.

Dozens of people lined up as early as 5:45 a.m. outside participating shelters, hours before they opened at 10 a.m. in order to ensure they would be able to bring home a pet.

People lined up Saturday outside Johnston County Animal Services to adopt a pet as part of the Clear the Shelters initiative

Despite the waived fees, Tara Lynn with the SPCA of Wake County reminded families to consider other expenses, such as vet costs, before making the decision to bring an animal into their home.

“Once you bring that pet home, we want them to get lots of love and care, but they are going to need some training to make sure they can follow the rules, so they can be a good canine or kitty citizen,” Lynn said.

Hundreds of pets found their forever homes during the Clear the Shelters event on Aug. 19, 2017

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