Clear the Shelters

Vickie Showalter had her dog, Dakota, for more than a decade. After Dakota passed away from cancer, she recognized a puppy picture of her late dog in a Facebook post seeking an adopter for Ginger, who was Dakota’s littermate.

A 12-year-old dog got a second chance at love after she was adopted by the family who adopted her late littermate. Kathy Vara reports for the NBC4 News at 8 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 30, 2026.

Across the country, rescue puppies are trading kennels for yoga mats as shelters look for new ways to connect animals with future families.

Puppy yoga classes across the country are giving animal rescues an opportunity to teach the public about their operations and sometimes even help pets find forever homes.

Stronger Shot Adoption Photos, founded by Adam Goldberg, gives shelter animals a better chance at adoption through professional photos and videos.

Josh Hutcherson teamed up with Hill’s Pet Nutrition for NBCUniversal local’s Clear the Shelters annual pet adoption campaign, and the dog parent to two rescue pups told Access Hollywood why he loved spending time with all the adoptable animals.

Long Beach Animal Services and Helen Sanders CatPaws Shelter are preparing to host an adoption event and fundraiser in honor of rescued cat, Benny.

For fans of the perfectly imperfect Jimothy the raccoon, there’s now another furry friend over which we can all obsess.

Helen Sanders CatPAWS and Long Beach Animal Care Services are holding a special event tomorrow, August 22nd, to celebrate Benny’s birthday. This video was broadcast on the NBC4 News at 3 p.m. on Aug. 21, 2026. 

Stronger Shot Adoption Photos is teaming up with Clear The Shelters to give shelter pets professional photos and videos designed to help them make a stronger first impression on potential adopters.

Pets at one California shelter got to spend time with a celebrity this week.

Josh Hutcherson visited a Long Beach, California, animal shelter and shared why he wants more people to consider giving big shelter dogs a forever home.

A foster fail led to a lifetime of love for a pooch that recovered after being found severely malnourished in the Pasadena area.

A once-emaciated dog has since recovered and found a loving home thanks to a “foster fail.” Jonathan Gonzalez reports for the NBC4 News at 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2026.

Kimie Smothermon runs the Guinea Pig Sanctuary in Salisbury, one of the few operations in the U.S. dedicated to abandoned guinea pigs.

Angel City FC defender Sarah Gorden talks about adopting her Doberman, Seven, and encourages families to consider rescuing a pet during NBCUniversal Local’s monthlong Clear The Shelters campaign.

A total of 150 corgis from nine countries traveled to Lithuania for the fifth Corgi Race Vilnius, an international event celebrating the little dogs.

Jinny Lu has gone from runner-up to champion.

When adopting a pet from a shelter, ask about their past if possible. We outline some of the experiences the pet may have gone through to help make their transition to a new home easier.

Los Angeles County Animal Care Centers are partnering with NBC4 and Telemundo 52’s Clear the Shelters campaign waiving adoption fees throughout the month of August.