The month of August is designated as Clear the Shelters month, and we’ve been working on something very special for the occasion! This month, we’re thrilled to announce our Adopt Love campaign to support shelter animals during a time of urgent need. In partnership with Animal Care Centers of NYC (ACC), Muddy Paws Rescue, and writer and animal advocate Isabel Klee of @SimonSits, we’re spreading the word about fostering and adoption to help shelters in crisis.
Learn More About the Adopt Love Campaign
What Is “Clear the Shelters?”
If you’re new to the movement, you may be wondering: What exactly is “Clear the Shelters?” Simply put, it’s a nationwide pet adoption initiative that happens every August, when animal welfare organizations, shelters, and communities come together to help as many pets as possible find loving forever homes. Started in 2015, Clear the Shelters is all about lowering barriers to adoption and shining a bright spotlight on the thousands of wonderful animals waiting patiently for a second chance.
During this special campaign, many shelters offer reduced or waived adoption fees, and some host fun events and virtual meet-and-greets — all designed to unite people with pets who need them most. Clear the Shelters has helped more than 1 million pets find homes since its beginnings, and every year we see more tails wagging, more whiskers twitching, and more hearts healed.
What to Expect from Clear the Shelters Month: Love In Action
All month long, we’re celebrating the joy of pet adoption, the power of fostering, and the everyday heroes — animal angels as Shtinky calls them — who work tirelessly to help animals find their way home.
Meet Bear
Our fun actually began two weeks ago when we toured the ACC’s Manhattan location with Isabel Klee and met a gentle giant, Bear. Patrick and Isabel got to spend time with Bear, and Patrick even created a few sketches of this sweet soul. Bear is still available for adoption (as of today’s publication on August 4, 2025), and not only will Isabel be personally covering his adoption fee, his adopter will also receive one of Patrick’s original sketches of Bear!
Tiki’s Plea: Foster My Friends
We officially kicked off our Adopt Love campaign with a very special MUTTS comic strip, as seen in newspapers around the world and online at MUTTS.com. The strip features Tiki, a very brave boy who was rescued by the ASPCA and pulled into the Muddy Paws Rescue program, where he captured the hearts of millions through the daily updates shared by his incredible foster, Isabel.
She documented his journey from a shut down and fearful shell of himself, to the first time he ate cheese from her outstretched hand, to the first time he accepted pets, to the first time he played, all the way through to his adoption. Tiki has helped raise hundreds of thousands for shelter animals, but he wants his friends to find loving, patient fosters like he had in Isabel.
Visit SimonSits on Instagram to See Tiki’s Story
Find a Shelter or Rescue Near You to Foster or Adopt!
And there may or may not be another special Foster Stories strip releasing later this month. Subscribe to the Daily MUTTS to be sure you don’t miss it!
Be a STAR
Throughout the month of August, we’re also directing donations to ACC’s Special Treatment and Recovery (STAR) Fund, which helps provide specialized medical and surgical care for vulnerable cats, dogs, and rabbits. This month, when you make a purchase, you’ll have the option to add a donation at checkout. You can also donate directly here.
New Adoption-Themed Goodies from the MUTTS Shop!
Later this month, we’re launching a collection of adoption and foster-themed goodies so you can wear your animal-loving heart on your sleeve, so to speak.
News, Resources, and Special Content
Throughout the month, we’re honored to be able to share new content from our friends at ACC, Muddy Paws, and Isabel. Keep an eye out for special contributions, collaborations, adoptable pets, and resources from Team MUTTS!
Learn More & Get Started
This Clear the Shelters month, we’ll be sharing all this and more, but we’ve already compiled a few helpful resources for you!
A Helpful Guide: What to Donate to Your Local Animal Shelter
Something to Noodle On: Caring for Community Cats
We can’t wait to share more with you — stay tuned throughout the entire month of August!
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