Central Oregon animal shelters are joining national ‘Clear The Shelters’ event throughout August
Claire Elmer
(Update: Adding video)
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Since 2015, NBC Universal’s nationwide pet adoption initiative, Clear The Shelters, has helped nearly 1.2 million pets find their forever family. Animal shelters across Central Oregon are joining in with hopes of emptying their kennels. KTVZ News will be featuring shelters in the region throughout August to highlight the local impact.
The Humane Society of Central Oregon (HSCO) is partaking in Clear The Shelters this month — a campaign focused on finding every animal a home. Lynne Ouchida, director of community partnerships at HSCO, spoke to KTVZ about the shelter’s participation.
“The Humane Society of Central Oregon is always excited to be a part of the Clear the Shelters. We have emptied our kennels one year, so we’re really depending on the community to help us do that,” said Ouchida.
In recent months, the Humane Society of Central Oregon has struggled with capacity. After a large number of recent intakes, especially of dogs, the need for homes is even more urgent.
“This summer has been really tough on us. We have been at capacity. And currently we are beyond capacity. Every dog that you adopt opens up a kennel space so that we can respond to another animal in need,” said Ouchida.
HSCO is hopeful the Clear The Shelters event will help motivate people to add a furry friend to their family — not only giving a pet a loving home, but also freeing up shelter space for new intakes.
Adoption promotions are running all month long, ranging from discounted adoption rates, to baskets of goodies, and more. You can find more information about the promotions on HSCO’s website.
“We hope to have adoption promotions throughout the month of August, so you never know who you might want to fall in love with. The Humane Society of Central Oregon loves to make it a very fun and memorable process to adding that new furry family member,” said Ouchida.
If you can’t adopt, there are still ways you can support the mission. Fosters are critical when the shelter has reached capacity. Donations are also greatly appreciated, as is the community’s help in simply spreading the word.
“One way that people can help right now is to donate some dog treats. If you can adopt, even better. And if you can foster, that really helps us out. But we depend on our community to help us get through these bumps,” said Ouchida.
Clear The Shelters will run through the month of August. The Humane Society of Central Oregon hopes the national push and strong local support will help every pet find its fur-ever home.