Austin, Texas, July 28, 2025
News Summary
The Austin Animal Center will hold a special event on August 9 and 10, waiving adoption fees to help pets find loving homes as part of the national Clear the Shelters campaign. This initiative aims to boost adoptions and reduce shelter numbers, with the center partnering with eight other local shelters. The event runs from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., allowing potential adopters to view pets without financial barriers. Community members are also encouraged to volunteer or support local shelters in fostering and donations.
Austin, Texas – The Austin Animal Center is set to host a special event on August 9 and 10, waiving adoption fees to help pets find loving homes. This initiative is part of the national Clear the Shelters campaign in partnership with NBCUniversal, aimed at boosting pet adoptions and reducing the number of animals in shelters.
The Clear the Shelters event will run from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on both days, allowing potential pet adopters to view all available animals without the financial burden typically associated with adoption fees. The Austin Animal Center is located at 7201 Levander Loop and will join forces with eight other Austin-area shelters for this major effort to enhance pet adoption rates.
Several of these shelters will also participate in a “name your own price” adoption initiative scheduled for June 28 and 29. This earlier event aims to securely rehome an estimated 250 animals prior to the July 4 holiday, which typically sees a rise in lost pets due to the anxiety triggered by fireworks.
Fireworks can lead to trauma for many pets, often causing them to flee their homes in fear. Animal shelters usually experience their highest admission rates the day after July 4 due to pets escaping their yards. The Texas Humane Network advises dog and cat owners to keep their pets indoors during firework displays, providing distractions such as toys and treats to help soothe their anxiety.
Summer presents significant challenges for animal shelters as the increase in heat contributes to the breeding of new litters of puppies and kittens. High temperatures also exacerbate shelter environments, making it crucial for these facilities to find homes for existing animals. The collaboration among multiple shelters in Austin represents one of the largest joint adoption efforts in Central Texas, emphasizing the importance of community support in animal rescue initiatives.
In addition to participating in these events, community members are encouraged to assist by volunteering at local shelters, fostering animals, or making monetary contributions. Each participating shelter offers varying opportunities for support, furthering their collective mission to clear space for incoming strays and provide homes for existing pets that are in need.
As part of this initiative, all participating organizations are intent on fostering collaboration to promote animal welfare and ensure their facilities operate more effectively while addressing the influx of homeless animals. By working together, these shelters can expand their outreach and expedite the placement of animals into loving forever homes.
Summary of Upcoming Events
| Event | Date | Location | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clear the Shelters | August 9-10 | Austin Animal Center, 7201 Levander Loop | Adoption fees waived for all available pets |
| Name Your Own Price Adoption | June 28-29 | Various Austin-area shelters | Aim to adopt out 250 animals |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Clear the Shelters event?
The Clear the Shelters event is an initiative where participating animal shelters waive adoption fees to encourage the adoption of pets and reduce the number of animals in shelters.
When is the Clear the Shelters event in Austin?
The event will take place on August 9 and 10 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Where will the event be held?
The event will be held at the Austin Animal Center, located at 7201 Levander Loop, Austin, Texas.
What other participating shelters are involved?
In addition to the Austin Animal Center, eight other Austin-area shelters will collaborate for this event.
How can I support local shelters besides adopting a pet?
Community members can support shelters by volunteering, fostering animals, and making monetary donations.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Austin Air Conditioning Donates HVAC System to Texas Humane Heroes
Austin Pets Alive! Opens New Animal Hospital to Improve Care
Austin Celebrates New Animal Hospital Opening
Stray Dog Finds Home in Austin Retirement Community
Leadership Transition in Austin Animal Services Department
Austin Animal Services Officer Retires Amid Overcrowding Crisis
Austin Faces Budget Challenges and Cuts Amid Economic Uncertainty
Austin’s Microchip Mystery: Pet Owners Left in the Dark
Heroic Rescue of Two Dogs from Storm Drain in Austin
Animal Advisory commissioners dissect potential Euthanizing for Space threats in Austin City Shelter
Additional Resources
- CBS Austin: Clear the Shelter Event
- Wikipedia: Austin Animal Center
- KXAN: Name Your Own Price Adoptions
- Google Search: Austin Animal Shelters events
- FOX 7 Austin: Name Your Price Adoption Event
- Google Scholar: Pet Adoption Events Texas
- Newsweek: Senior Shelter Dog Passes
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Animal Shelters
- Statesman: Adoption Event Weekend
- Google News: Animal Shelters Austin Events
Author: STAFF HERE AUSTIN WRITER
The AUSTIN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAustinTX.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Austin, Travis County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as SXSW, Austin City Limits Music Festival, Formula 1 United States Grand Prix, and the Austin Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce and Visit Austin, plus leading businesses in technology, automotive, and retail that power the local economy such as Dell Technologies, Tesla, and Apple. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
