Josh Hutcherson has seen just how much of an impact shelter pets can make on a person's life. Now, he's advocating for all the shelter animals out there still in need of a forever home.
"The Hunger Games" actor has teamed up with Hill's Pet Nutrition to support Clear The Shelters, NBCUniversal Local's annual pet adoption and donation campaign.
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WATCH HEREIt marks an encore for Hutcherson, who also took part in the 2025 campaign. His efforts last year included volunteering at a Pasadena, California, shelter.
"After seeing the impact of last year’s campaign, I couldn’t wait to come back," Hutcherson said in a release. "I’m proud to be back for an encore with Hill’s to help more shelter pets find deserving homes.”
Hutcherson has two large rescue dogs, Driver and Manchi, who "have given me more love than I could have imagined," he said.
Large dogs are among the harder-to-place shelter pets; they spent 70% more time in shelters than small dogs on average in 2025, Hill's State of Shelter Pet Adoption Report found.
“Helping shelter pets is a cause that’s close to my heart,” Hutcherson said. “I know there are so many incredible animals in shelters waiting for the chance to form that same special bond [like I have with my dogs]."
Clear The Shelters is in the midst of its 12th annual campaign. The donation initiative kicked off July 15 and runs through Sept. 15, while the adoption push is being held for the entire month of August.
The 2026 campaign features the return of several partners, including Hill's. This is the ninth straight Clear The Shelters campaign for Hill's, but its first as the presenting sponsor.
“[Hutcherson's] platform and passion for helping animals in need will play an important role in inspiring communities to take action," said Carrick Massey, senior VP of U.S. marketing at Hill’s.
"Shelters and rescue organizations do extraordinary work every day, yet many continue to face capacity and resource challenges," Massey added. "We’re proud to be part of this collective effort to help remove barriers to adoption and give more people the confidence to welcome a pet into their family.”
For more information on Clear The Shelters, including participating shelters, along with details on local events and television programming, visit ClearTheShelters.com and the Spanish-language site DesocuparlosAlbergues.com. Follow Clear The Shelters on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.
