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About the MUTTS Adopt Love Campaign
This August, in honor of Clear the Shelters Month, we at MUTTS are partnering with a few incredible friends to spread awareness about animal adoption and fostering, and to raise support for animal shelters and adoptable pets.
Why Animal Adoption Matters Now
Animal shelters across the country are facing an unprecedented crisis. In New York City, Animal Care Centers of NYC (ACC) recently reached full capacity for the first time in its history. With over 1,000 animals in their direct care, the shelter has been forced to temporarily suspend new admissions. This heartbreaking milestone is a result of multiple factors: the rising costs of living, housing instability, and a wave of large-scale neglect and hoarding cases that have brought in dozens of animals at once.
Sadly, this crisis isn’t isolated to NYC. Many shelters around the country are facing the same extreme challenges. That’s why this year’s Adopt Love campaign is more important than ever. These animals aren’t just numbers — they’re lives, waiting for comfort, safety, and love.
Meet Our Collaborators
Animal Care Centers of NYC (ACC)
The largest and only open-admissions animal shelter system in New York City, caring for over 15,000 animals each year.
Muddy Paws Rescue
A foster-based dog rescue that partners with open-intake shelters in NYC and Kentucky to place 1,000 homeless pups into loving homes each year.
Isabel Klee of @SimonSits
A writer, content creator, and passionate advocate for rescue dogs. Her recent foster, Tiki, captured the hearts of millions across the internet. Her debut memoir Dogs, Boys and Other Things I've Cried About is set to be published by Harper Collins in the summer of 2026.
New to MUTTS?
Created by Patrick McDonnell in 1994, MUTTS follows the adventures of a heartwarming cast of animal and human pals, with stories centered on kindness, compassion, and friendship. Read about the MUTTS story, or enter your email below to receive the newest comic strip in your email (for free) each morning!
Love In Action: See What’s Happening at MUTTS This Month
All month long, we’re celebrating the joy of adoption, the power of fostering, and the everyday heroes (like shelter staff, volunteers, rescuers, foster parents, and powerful community voices) who help animals find their way home.
MUTTS Shelter Stories
Explore new and classic MUTTS comic strips inspired by real shelter animals, rescue workers, and heartwarming stories about fostering and adoption.
How You Can Make a Difference
There are so many ways, big and small, to show up for shelter animals right now. Whether you adopt, volunteer, donate, or simply share a story, your action matters.
Adopt or Foster a Shelter Animal
The most powerful thing you can do right now is open your heart and home. ACC and shelters everywhere are in urgent need of adopters and foster families. If you’ve ever considered it, this is the moment. Not sure where to start? Contact your local shelter to learn about short-term fostering or how to meet adoptable pets in your area.
Give to the STAR Fund
Many shelter pets need specialized care to heal and thrive. Your gift helps provide emergency medical care to animals in crisis. Add a donation to any MUTTS purchase this month, or donate directly here.
Donate Supplies to Your Local Shelter
Towels. Blankets. Pet food. Toys. Treats. Cleaning supplies. Shelters rely on donated goods to keep animals comfortable and cared for, and you can help! Consider hosting a neighborhood donation drive, or simply drop off a few extra items at your nearest shelter. Explore our animal shelter donation guide to get started.
Volunteer Your Time
If you can’t adopt or foster, you can still make a huge difference. Volunteer to walk dogs, cuddle cats, clean kennels, take adoption photos, or help with events at a local shelter. Many facilities are understaffed and grateful for any helping hands. Reach out to your local shelter to see how you can help.
Post on Social Media
Yes, social media can be lifesaving! Follow your local shelter on social media, and comment on their posts. (Remember: the more engagement a post receives, the more likely it is to appear in others’ feeds.) If you see an adoptable animal who touches your heart, share their profile on your own social media account. You just might be the person who connects them with their forever family.
Advocate for Pets and Shelter Animals
Call your local representatives to encourage pet-friendly policies in your community, like affordable access to vet care, spay/neuter services, and pet food banks. Support housing protections for pet owners. Encourage local landlords to allow animals. There are so many ways to use your voice to advocate for animals, and every voice makes a difference.
Let’s Make Room for More Love
Shelters like ACC are doing everything they can, but they can’t do it alone. Across the country, animals are waiting in overcrowded shelters, simply because there aren’t enough homes or resources to go around. The need is urgent, but our collective power of hope and action is strong.
By adopting, fostering, donating, or sharing, you’re not just helping one animal. You’re easing the strain on shelter systems, supporting the people on the front lines, and creating space for the next life in need.
Together, we can turn compassion into action — and help more hearts find home.
