Pet Helpers is teaming up with News 2 and other local shelters in the Lowcountry to participate in the annual Clear the Shelters campaign, which aims to help animals find their forever homes. This year, the initiative is more crucial than ever as local shelters, including Pet Helpers, are nearing full capacity.
A Call to Action: Helping Animals in Need
“Every little bit helps. It takes the community, it takes a village,” said Craig Crompton, CEO of Crompton Fence and a sponsor of Pet Helpers and the Clear the Shelters initiative. The partnership between NBC stations and local shelters across the country, including Charleston’s News 2, shines a spotlight on the adoption efforts, bringing much-needed attention to animals in need of homes.
“Unfortunately, we have animals coming in every single day as strays,” said JJ Steele, Marketing Coordinator for Pet Helpers. Steele explained that Clear the Shelters is one of their most important events of the year, focusing on finding homes for as many animals as possible. Last year, over 1,200 animals were adopted through this initiative, and the team is hopeful to help even more this year.
Reducing Adoption Fees and Increasing Access
To make adoption more accessible, Pet Helpers has reduced adoption fees for all animals. “Thanks to being able to shine a spotlight on them, we’re able to get more animals in homes, and it allows us to reduce our adoption fees,” Steele added. All animals up for adoption are spayed or neutered, microchipped, and up-to-date on vaccinations. For the month of August, adoption fees have been lowered to just $50 for dogs, cats, and kittens, with puppies available for adoption for $200—more than a 50% reduction.
Support Beyond Adoption: Donations and Contributions
The initiative is not only about adoption but also about supporting the shelters that care for these animals. Crompton Fence has made a generous contribution to Pet Helpers by donating bottom rail fences at no cost, providing a safer outdoor space for the dogs. Crompton, a longtime Charleston resident, explained, “Every home we’ve had in Charleston has always had a fence, and I built them. Now, I am trying to extend that to the Charleston community.”
For those unable to adopt, there are still ways to help. Crompton encourages the community to donate food, supplies, or time. “You don’t have to be a sponsor or contribute a ton of money—just a few minutes of your time or donate food,” he said.
Aiming to Save More Lives
Pet Helpers currently has nearly 120 animals in need of a home, including dogs like Lynn, who has been at the shelter for nearly six months. With the help of the Clear the Shelters initiative, more animals will have the opportunity to find their forever homes, and the shelter’s capacity will be relieved, providing a better environment for those remaining.
How You Can Help
If you’re looking to adopt a pet, now is the perfect time to visit Pet Helpers. However, if adopting isn’t possible, consider donating or volunteering your time to support these animals in need.
