Hundreds of Pets Find Homes During Clear the Shelters Month
- Media
- Sep 4
- 2 min read

This August, hundreds of pets found forever homes during the Clear the Shelters campaign at San Diego County Animal Services’ Bonita and Carlsbad shelters.
In total, 441 animals were adopted — including 234 dogs, 204 cats and three other animals.
Bonita Shelter: 318 total, 165 dogs, 150 cats, 3 birds
Carlsbad Shelter: 123 total, 69 dogs, 54 cats
“Every adoption is a new beginning, not just for the animal but for the family who welcomed them. We are grateful to our staff, volunteers and the community for making this month such a success.”—County Animal Services Director Vaughn Maurice
Clear the Shelters is a nationwide initiative led by NBC and Telemundo stations. Since its launch in 2015, the campaign has helped more than 1 million pets find homes. This year’s campaign came at a critical time, with shelters near capacity across the country.

More Ways You Can Help
While finding animals their forever home is the heart of Clear the Shelters, there are many other ways to support the pets in our care:
The Spirit Fund: Donations provide free, often life-saving veterinary care for sick or injured shelter pets.
Fostering: Giving animals a temporary home allows them to adjust to life outside the shelter, build confidence, and become fully ready for adoption.
Volunteering: Our volunteers help shelter animals in many ways — walking dogs, providing play and social interactions with all types of pets, cleaning living areas, making treats, and more — all to give animals the care and attention they need to find their forever homes.
County Animal Services promotes the humane and responsible care of pets while serving the unincorporated areas of San Diego County. The department collaborates with more than 300 rescue partners, provides daily care for shelter animals, and responds to calls of stray, injured, or at-risk pets.
For more information on adopting, fostering, volunteering, or donating, visit the County Animal Services website.

By Sir Milo Loftin | September 2, 2025 | County of San Diego Communications Office










Comments