TAVARES — As it has in previous years, the Lake County Animal Shelter will waive adoption fees as part of NBCUniversal Local’s Clear the Shelters campaign, a nationwide pet adoption and donation initiative, through Aug. 31.
In its 11th year, Clear the Shelters connects NBC and Telemundo stations with local shelters and rescues to help find homes for animals in need. Since 2015, about 1.2 million pets have found adoptive homes with the help of more than $5 million for participating organizations, according to campaign officials.
“During the Clear the Shelters adoption drive last year, we placed 447 pets into new loving homes,” said Whitney Boylston, director of the Lake County Animal Shelter, in a media release.
“Our goal this year is to exceed that number, and we need the community’s help to match homeless pets with families. Residents who are unable to adopt can still support the event by spreading the word. We have so many amazing pets waiting to be adopted!”
The Lake County Animal Shelter is also accepting donations and encourages residents to help spread the word about the campaign on social media, volunteer, or even foster animals during the campaign to make a meaningful impact beyond adoption.
In partnership with the Lake County Sheriff’s Office, the shelter received 29 dogs after an animal cruelty investigation near the border of Volusia County. All of the dogs have been examined by a veterinarian and are receiving care, according to a recent Facebook post.
“Despite what these dogs may have endured, they have warmly received affection and are largely in good spirits,” the post says.
For more information about adoptable pets, events, and ways to support the shelter, visit lakecountyfl.gov/animal-shelter or stop by the Lake County Animal Shelter, 12280 County Road 448, Tavares.
Note that Sumter County’s shelter in Lake Panasoffkee doesn’t charge adoption fees all year round, according to Gary Herrero, division manager of Sumter County Animal Services.
Sumter County Animal Services is located at 819 County Road 529, Lake Panasoffkee. Visit their website to see adoptable pets at sumtercountyfl.gov/1270/Adopt-Today
This article originally appeared on Daily Commercial: Pet adoptions are free in Lake and Sumter counties throughout August
Reporting by Julie Garisto, Leesburg Daily Commercial / Daily Commercial
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
