On Saturday, August 19th, PAWS and other shelters throughout the region waived adoption fees as part of Clear the Shelters. Animal lovers were lined up outside of our adoption centers when we opened in the morning, and the foot traffic didn’t stop until we closed.

By all accounts, it was an incredible day for Philadelphia’s pets: PAWS sent home 8 dogs and 48 cats with their forever families in just 8 hours, and nearly 1,300 pets left shelters across the entire Delaware Valley! It was inspiring to see so many empty kennels at the end of the day, knowing that they represent lifesaving spaces for more pets who are still in need.

Pictured below, clockwise from top left: Oreo and the Brothers family, Chachi leaving with the Diamonds as the last adoption of the day, Kafi holding her new friend China, Penelope’s new family giving her snuggles, and Sawyer being cradled by his new mom.

This year’s Clear the Shelters was a great follow-up to last year’s event, which resulted in record-breaking adoption numbers. Here are some of the happy adoptions we celebrated that weekend. . .

Ariel and her daughter adopted their new kitten Miss Clark, who was found as a West Philly stray at just a few weeks old and grew up in PAWS foster care.

This couple adopted a cat at last year’s Clear the Shelter event, and this time they came back to get it a friend!

Kareem waited two months at our adoption center for a home. Thank you to the Placid family for adopting him!

4-month-old Larry has been shuffled around a lot in his short life: he was found as a stray in West Philadelphia, rescued by PAWS, adopted, returned due to allergies, adopted again, returned due to landlord issues, then finally found his forever home with the Lin family. He has a new human sister who was very excited for her new playmate!

Rico had been adopted and returned several times before finally hitting the jackpot. He now lives happily in Fairmount with the Thomas family!

Every adoption meant another life saved!

Thank you, adopters!

Every pet that went home opened up a space for PAWS to rescue a new animal in its place. Thanks to everyone who has joined the effort to save lives!