Clear the Shelter Day, the annual effort to find furever homes for shelter animals nationwide, is coming up Saturday — but it’s getting an early start this year in Lawrence.
Saturday, Sept. 7 will be the big day when all animals’ adoption fees are waived at the Lawrence Humane Society. But fees will also be waived for certain animals between now and Thursday, Sept. 5.
“These are mostly dogs (and likely a few cats) who are wonderful companions, but have a harder time in more high-intensity, stressful situations like Clear the Shelter,” said Elina Alterman, a spokesperson for the humane society. “We want to make sure that we’re doing right by them and giving them the best opportunity to find great homes in a calmer, slower manner, while still honoring the promise of a fee-waived adoption.”
If this all sounds familiar, that’s because this is an update from last week’s post to reflect that some dogs have found homes, and some new ones have been added.
Altogether, six dogs whose adoption fees were waived early had found homes as of Sunday evening, Alterman said.
“These were all wonderful dogs who needed a little extra time and patience in meeting their adoptive families, and who we felt would be too stressed by the heightened activity on Clear the Shelter Day,” she said. “We’re so happy for all of these sweet dogs and their wonderful families!”
Here are the current doggos who will be available fee-free this week. This list is subject to change as animals get adopted. Click a name to learn more about each pet:
Stella Bunny (pictured at the top of this article; click here to listen to her song!)
Mayday
Ruby Jean
Carlton
Maple
Apollo
Howard
Indy
Cerce
Jupiter
Blueberry
Zeema & Tyen
Isa
Greg
Iris
Agnes
Benji
Gizmo
The Lawrence Humane Society has seen anywhere between 70 and 200 animals adopted on previous Clear the Shelter days, according to a news release from the organization.
Last year, 163 total animals — 99 cats and 64 dogs — found homes. This year, the humane society’s goal is 175 total — 75 dogs, 100 cats.
“Every animal that is adopted goes home spayed or neutered, fully vaccinated and dewormed, and microchipped, along with a collar, leash, and starter bag of Hill’s Science Diet pet food,” according to the release. “The only thing these pets’ new families have to do is love them!”
Typically, adoption fees for adult dogs are approximately $150; puppies, $300; adult cats, $60; and kittens, $125.
Regular adoption hours are noon to 6 p.m. daily at the humane society, 1805 E. 19th St. in Lawrence.
The shelter will close at 4 p.m. Thursday and be closed to adoptions all day Friday, Sept. 6 in order to prepare for the big day.
Adoption hours for this year’s 10th annual Clear the Shelter Day will be from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 7. It will end sooner if all the animals find homes.
“Potential adopters will need to line up outside the front doors and Lawrence Humane staff will allow entrance into the building in waves so that staff are able to manage how many people are on the adoption floor at one time,” according to the release. “Lawrence Humane adoption counselors will be able to help potential adopters assess animal behaviors, such as a dog’s or cat’s compatibility with another pet in the home.”
Learn more on its website, lawrencehumane.org.
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