We’re a week into August, and we’re excited to highlight the Maryland 3000 adoption challenge, a month-long local initiative dedicated to finding homes for 3,000 shelter animals in Maryland. This event is part of the broader Clear the Shelters campaign, which reduces or waives adoption fees to make pet adoption more accessible.
At AIV-Vet, we are deeply committed to supporting local shelters. Recently, we had the pleasure of donating essential equipment to the BARCS animal shelter in Maryland - a new VetroCRI Pump (their first veterinary syringe pump on site!), IVetMATE Fluid Warmer, and PowerMATE. This contribution helps BARCS care for and rehome animals in need. You can read more about our support for BARCS in this blog post.
We believe that by working together, we can make a significant difference in the lives of these animals and the communities that care for them.
Key figures and milestones for August’s big events
Maryland 3000 adoption challenge
Annual goal
The Maryland 3000 aims to find homes for 3,000 shelter animals each year, leveraging the momentum of the Clear the Shelters campaign to focus on local impact.
Fee waivers
By waiving adoption fees, the Maryland 3000 makes it easier for families to welcome a new pet, significantly increasing the number of adoptions during the event.
Clear the Shelters
2015
The inaugural Clear the Shelters event saw thousands of pets adopted nationwide, marking the beginning of a significant movement to reduce shelter populations.
2023
Over 100,000 pets found new homes during the event, showcasing its growing impact and popularity.
Total adoptions
Since its inception, more than 700,000 pets have been adopted through Clear the Shelters, highlighting the campaign's success and the widespread community support.
These milestones underscore the importance and effectiveness of both the Maryland 3000 adoption challenge and Clear the Shelters, and in promoting pet adoption and supporting animal shelters nationwide and locally.
How Clear the Shelters and the Maryland 3000 Work
Networking opportunities
Clear the Shelters is a national campaign where participating shelters reduce or waive adoption fees for a specified period, usually in August. The goal is to make it easier for families to adopt pets by removing the financial barrier. Events often include special activities to encourage community involvement and increase awareness about pet adoption.
Maryland 3000 adoption challenge
The Maryland 3000 adoption challenge, a local extension of Clear the Shelters, specifically aims to find homes for 3,000 shelter animals in Maryland. Participating shelters across the state waive adoption fees, making the adoption process more accessible and appealing to potential pet owners.
Why waiving adoption fees works
Waiving adoption fees has been shown to significantly increase adoption rates. The financial aspect is often a major barrier for potential adopters, and removing this hurdle encourages more people to consider adopting a pet. Additionally, fee waivers bring more visitors to shelters, increasing the chances of pets finding homes.
Facts you need to know about animal shelters and adoption
Homeless animals in the USA
- Approximately 6.5 million companion animals enter U.S. animal shelters every year.
- Dogs = around 3.3 million
- Cats = about 3.2 million.
- Each year, around 3.2 million shelter animals are adopted.
- Dogs = approximately 1.6 million.
- Cats = around 1.6 million.
The encouraging decline in euthanasia rates
Euthanasia rates have decreased significantly over the past decade, largely due to increased adoption efforts and spay/neuter programs. About 1.5 million shelter animals are euthanized annually now, compared to 2.6 million in previous years.
Getting pets back to their families
- About 710,000 animals who enter shelters as strays are returned to their owners each year.
- Dogs = 620,000.
- Cats = around 1.6 million.
Why adopting is good for you and your community
Health and well-being
Adopting a pet has numerous benefits for individuals, including companionship, increased physical activity, and emotional support.
Shelter relief
Adoption helps reduce overcrowding in shelters, allowing them to better care for other animals and reducing the strain on resources.
More interesting facts about pets and adoption
- Pet ownership - approximately 67% of U.S. households (about 85 million families) own at least 1 pet.
- Adoption impact - for every pet adopted, two lives are saved: the adopted pet and the one taking its place in the shelter.
Why this matters so much to our community
There are almost endless benefits to events like this, and to supporting your local animal shelter in general.
Strengthening community bonds
Clear the Shelters and the Maryland 3000 adoption challenge bring communities together with a common goal: finding homes for animals in need. These events foster a sense of community spirit and cooperation, as people come together to support local shelters.
Reducing shelter overcrowding
By significantly increasing adoption rates, these initiatives help alleviate overcrowding in shelters. This not only improves the quality of life for the animals but also allows shelters to allocate more resources to care for each animal properly.
Promoting animal welfare
These events raise awareness about the importance of pet adoption and animal welfare. They educate the public on responsible pet ownership, spaying and neutering, and the benefits of adopting from shelters rather than purchasing from breeders.
Building the economy
Adopted pets often require veterinary care, grooming, and pet supplies, which boosts local businesses and the economy. Additionally, reducing the number of homeless animals decreases the financial burden on local government-funded shelters.
Making families happier
Adopted pets provide companionship, reduce stress, and improve mental health for their new owners. The emotional bonds formed between adopted pets and their families enhance the well-being of individuals and strengthen family dynamics.
How can you get involved?
Adopt a pet
One of the most impactful ways to participate in Clear the Shelters and the Maryland 3000 adoption challenge is by adopting a pet. Visit a participating shelter, meet the animals, and find the perfect companion for your family.
Volunteer at a shelter
Shelters often need extra hands, especially during large events. Volunteers can help with tasks such as walking dogs, cleaning cages, or assisting with adoption events. Your time and effort can make a significant difference.
Donate to local shelters
Financial contributions or donations of supplies such as food, blankets, and toys are always appreciated. These donations help shelters care for animals and improve their chances of being adopted.
Spread the word
Raise awareness about these adoption events by sharing information on social media, talking to friends and family, and encouraging others to get involved. The more people know about the events, the more animals can find homes.
Foster a pet
If you’re not ready for a long-term commitment, consider fostering a pet. This temporary arrangement helps animals get out of the shelter environment and into a home setting, increasing their chances of being adopted.
Partner with shelters
Businesses can partner with local shelters to support these events. This could include sponsoring adoption fees, providing resources, or hosting adoption events at their locations.
The Maryland 3000 adoption challenge and Clear the Shelters provide incredible opportunities to make a positive impact on the lives of shelter animals and our communities. These events have proven successful in finding homes for thousands of pets and raising awareness about the importance of adoption.
At AIV-Vet, we remain committed to supporting local shelters and improving the lives of animals in need. We encourage everyone to get involved, whether by adopting, volunteering, donating, or spreading the word.
By working together, we can continue to make a difference. AIV-Vet will continue to support local shelters to improve outcomes for both pets and their new families.