WSLS 10 News in Roanoke, Va., partnered with the nationwide Clear The Shelters campaign throughout August to promote pet adoptions and help local animal shelters find forever homes for adoptable pets, especially during the busy kitten season. The campaign, led by NBCUniversal Local and supported by WSLS newsroom staff, featured daily posts highlighting shelter animals available for adoption, along with information on how to adopt or support shelters through donations. Although the campaign ended, donations to the Clear The Shelters Fund and individual shelters remain open through mid-September to continue aiding local rescue efforts.
According to Shelter Animals Count data cited in the article, about 6.3 million companion animals enter U.S. shelters annually, with nearly 920,000 euthanized each year—a number that has declined significantly since 2011 due to increased adoptions and successful returns of strays. WSLS encourages the community to help by sharing shelter pet stories on social media, donating to local shelters, or adopting when possible. The article also provides links to numerous regional shelters and rescues where people can contribute or find pets in need of homes.
