Clear the Shelters - Finding Furever Homes on Saturday, August 18, 2018

NBC and Telemundo owned stations are teaming up with hundreds of animal shelters throughout the country to host "Clear the Shelters" - a nationwide, pet adoption drive/event on Saturday, August 18. The goal of this event is simple - to help find loving homes for animals in need!

The third annual "Clear the Shelters" event, which focuses on the importance of pet adoption, and addresses the increasingly bothersome trend of overcrowding at shelters, will be held on August 18. Hundreds of animal shelters in numerous states will waive or discount adoption fees as part of the one-day initiative. 

This initiative has helped more than 150,000 animals find forever homes since launching nationally in 2015. In fact, the grand total since 2015 has been 169,220! At the time of this writing, 15,569 pets have been adopted so far in 2018! We hope to see this number continue to increase exponentially!

In the tri-state area of New York, participation in "Clear the Shelters" has doubled over the last three years, while the number of adoptions have tripled, according to Best Friends Animal Society. An unprecedented 4,515 of the 6,810 local pets in that region found homes and were adopted in 2017. We can expect to see another noteworthy number for this year!

Since debuting in 2015, many celebrities have taken part in the fun as well. From Beth Stern to Kate Upton, heartwarming stories of adoption and rescue have been shared with the community of animal lovers everywhere!

This year, animal advocate, actress, and devoted dog mom, Jane Lynch is participating in the fun festivities! Once the big adoption day is complete, Lynch will host and recap all of the joy that occurred during the fourth adoption campaign with a special television program that will air on NBC stations on August 25.

The Glee Alum says she is looking forward to spreading awareness about animal adoption, participating with NBC in clearing the shelters, and states that "every pet deserves a loving human, and nothing loves a human more than rescue pets."

How incredibly true that statement is!

Please consider visiting your local animal shelters, and help them empty out those cages! There are (literally) thousands of animals all over who desperately need, and deserve loving homes! By adopting an animal, you're saving not just one life, but the lives of the future dogs and cats who find themselves at a shelter.

There are plenty of shelters and rescue organizations in Central New York, the surrounding regions, and across the state. Here are just a few that you can visit, adopt from, and truly make a difference:

- Stevens Swan Humane Society, Utica NY 

- Herkimer County Humane Society, Herkimer NY 

-  Angels of Fur K9 Rescue, Rome NY 

- Road to Home Rescue, Wantagh NY 

- CPV Rescue & Sanctuary, Clinton, NY 

- Humane Society of Rome, Rome, NY 

- Spring Farm CARES, Clinton NY 

- Wanderers' Rest, Canastota NY 

- Helping Hounds Dog Rescue, Syracuse NY 

- Abandoned Angels Cocker Spaniel Rescue, Flushing NY 

- Kindred Spirits Greyhound Adoption, Inc, Clinton NY  

- Best Friends Animal Society, New York, NY 

- The North Shore Animal League America, Port Washington NY 

These are just a few of the phenomenal shelters, rescue organizations, and humane societies that need your help in clearing their shelters! In fact, one of the organizations mentioned above, CPV Rescue & Sanctuary, owned and operated by Dr. Price of Clinton Pet Vet, are reducing their adoption fees on their adorable adult cats for the month of August! Talk about awesome!

For more information on each of the organizations, click the links above. And, if you do find yourself with a new, furry best friend this weekend, we have some medical items that you might want to keep handy - aside from the essential pet products (food, water bowl, leash, litter box, etc.). 

 1. Pet First Aid Kit

Our Pet First Aid Kit is a great tool for any pet owner to keep on hand, in the event of minor medical emergencies. This companion animal first-aid kit features a well organized layout, comprehensive variety of pet emergency supplies, and a Pet First Aid Instruction Guide. Visit here for a complete list of FDA approved, medical supplies that may help you and your fur baby! 

2.  Ascend Silver Sulfadiazine Cream

Silver Sulfadiazine is a topical antimicrobial cream used to prevent and treat burns. Research shows that the silver sulfadiazine will inhibit bacteria that are resistant to other antimicrobial agents. How does this have to do with animals? Well, this cream is not only used for humans, but it is also used on dogs, horses, cats, and cows! We know our furry friends can cause a little mischief every now and then, and accidents happen. Using this product will help heal your pet's injury quickly, and safely. Note: Always consult with your Veterinarian before using any product on an animal.

3.  Tick Remover Tool

Ah, yes, those pesky fleas and ticks! Unfortunately, they are at an all time high this year, and while you should always have your pet on flea and tick preventatives, it's still a good idea to have a little tick remover tool in your cabinet! Safe, effective, and painless, with the tick remover tool, you will be able to quickly remove harmful ticks and nymphs from the skin completely! It is more effective than tweezers or a knife, as you want to make sure to remove the body of the tick right away. A tick nipper properly slips underneath the body, grips the tick, and pulls it straight out! It is also designed for human use as well!

4. Super Sani Cloth Germicidal Disposable Wipes

Letting your pup out to play is always fun and exciting for them! They love to roll around on the grass, lay in the sun, and even get a little muddy. You can wipe their paws with paper towels or even put tiny boots on their feet, but somehow they still manage to bring in a bit of dirt on your freshly cleaned floor. Or, maybe your sweet kitten had their playtime in the litter box, and now is hopping on your kitchen counter looking for a little affection. No worries. For the inevitable messes, it's always good to have disposable, antibacterial wipes in stock!

Our Super Sani Cloth Germicidal Disposable Wipes are used to clean and disinfect hard surfaces. They kill a broad range of bacteria and viruses in under 2 minutes - including Bordetella Pertussis (Kennel Cough) and Salmonella. These wipes are EPA registered, approved by OSHA and the CDC for quality and effectiveness against 30 microorganisms.

5.  Disposable Pee Pads

Potty training your furry friend is just like potty training a child - it takes time and patience. A new puppy, or a rescue pet, may need time to adapt to their new surroundings, which might mean a few little accidents here or there. Your pet also may not like going outside either, which can also lead to minor accidents. To help with training, and those who are not a fan of going outside, we offer disposable pee pads that are perfect for helping train your pet, or to help them get comfortable with the outdoors. They are designed for light and moderate absorption of urine, and when finished, simply throw them away! No mess, no hassle!

6. A Digital Thermometer

If your pet is acting lethargic, their nose or ears feel warm, and you can tell that they just aren't acting themselves, you may want to consider taking their temperature. Your local veterinarian can show you how to properly take an animal's temperature, so be sure to seek their guidance and training before you do it on your own. There is no difference between a human thermometer or an animals thermometer, but their normal body temperatures do vary. Of course you will want to have two thermometers on hand - one for you and your family to use, and one for your beloved pet. To obtain an accurate reading, an animals temperature is usually taken via the rectal area. Again, be sure to ask your veterinarian on how to do this to make this as comfortable for your pet as possible.

 7. Odor Neutralizer

Bye Bye Odor is a specially formulated odor eliminator that is applicable for a variety of uses. This odor eliminator features a non-aerosol formula, airborne bacteria reduction, and chemical absorption of odors. It is convenient, effective, and easy to use, leaving your work space, facility, and home smelling fresh and clean. Before purchasing an odor neutralizer, be sure to double check that it is pet friendly. 

8. Nail Clippers

To keep your pets nails healthy and maintained, keeping nail clippers in your cabinet is perfect for when they become a little too long. Note: You do need to consult your veterinarian on how to clip your pet's nails. It is a delicate process that needs to be done very carefully, and can be difficult to get done - especially if your pet does not like their paws being touched. If you are not comfortable with trimming your pets nails, then do not attempt it. Your veterinarian or groomer can take care of that for you. 

9. Hair Combs

For when your pets coat gets matted or long, brushing their hair will help them feel more comfortable until it is time for a grooming. Combs are especially useful in long-haired cats, sheepdogs, collies, or any breed that has a thick coat. By brushing them on a frequent basis will help against shedding, itching, and matting of their fur. 

Those are just a few of the many items you'll need to welcome your new family member into your home. For more of our Pet Care Products, don't forget to check out our Veterinary Equipment page, or for any questions, feel free to call 1-888-687-4334 to speak with one of our friendly Customer Service Representatives. 

Most importantly, this weekend is all about helping animals find their forever homes. Open your minds, hearts, and consider saving a life. Speaking from experience, adopting an animal is 100% guaranteed to bring you eternal happiness. But, if you can't adopt, foster. If you can't foster, donate. If you can't donate, volunteer. And, if you can't volunteer, share and spread awareness of the importance of adoption. The animals are counting on all of us.