Local Animal Shelters Reflect on Mixed Results from This Year’s 'Clear the Shelters' Event
Some celebrating record adoptions, while others face tougher outcomes.

Local animal shelters across Erie are reflecting on how they fared during this year’s "Clear the Shelters" event. While some organizations saw record-breaking adoption numbers, others didn’t do as well as they had hoped.

“Pets are expensive — let’s not kid ourselves — but if we can help with zero adoption fees and get that pet into a loving home, that’s what it’s all about. We did 16 1/2 dogs and cats,” said Joe Lang, Executive Director of the Humane Society. He emphasized that events like this are crucial to keeping shelters open and operating.

Some shelters had standout success. Orphan Angels reported 26 cat adoptions during the event. Others, like E.A.R.S., unfortunately saw no adoptions. Still, both organizations highlighted the importance of raising awareness.

“All of our kittens are adoptable kittens — and if you buy one, another one is included as well. Our adult cats are half off, and all of our special-needs kittens and all of the super senior cats have waived adoption fees,” said Megan Duckett with Because You Care. She added that their “Clear the Shelters” efforts will continue throughout the entire month. Vaccinations and spaying/neutering are included with every adoption.

Marnie Woodworth, with Erie Animal Network’s Public Relations team, noted that for them, the event isn't just about adoption numbers.

“'Clear the Shelters' isn’t always about numbers — sometimes it’s about who gets adopted. Our senior kitty Cosmo got adopted, which is wonderful. We've been wanting this for him. And we have another application for Kara, who has been here for more than 2 1/2 years,” said Woodworth.

Despite the varying outcomes, all shelters agreed on one thing: events like these are vital for giving animals a second chance.