Clear the Shelters is this Saturday, and we wanted to share some tips for anyone who will be joining us on August 19 to make sure the event is a success.  As a reminder, adoption fees will be waived on all adoptable animals on this day, so we are expecting to be very busy, and we will open early at 11:00am to accommodate all of our extra visitors.  Standard adoptions procedures and policies apply.  We’re excited to work with NBC4 on this event, as well as local event sponsors VCA Alexandria Animal Hospital and VCA Old Town Animal Hospital.

About the Event “Clear the Shelters”

In 2016 we adopted more than 60 animals, and we hope to exceed that number this year.  Even if you aren’t adopting a pet on August 19, you can still be part of the success of Clear the Shelters.  We will be waiving adoptions fees but we recognize that the care and treatment of our adoptable animals has costs, like medical exams and vaccinations, food, microchipping and more.  Please consider pledging to Clear It Forward to help us defray some of these expenses, so we can continue to support of all of Alexandria’s adoptable animals.  Whether you choose to donate an amount per animal adopted or pledge a fixed amount, your donation will help us continue to support our adoptable animals.

How It Works on Saturday

If you are planning to join us on Saturday, please read below for more information on how Clear the Shelters will work:

• We will be hosting a yard sale beginning at 10:00am at the AWLA with donated pet supplies.  If you’re looking for additional supplies for your future pet, stop by early for crates, carriers and more.
  
• We will also be hosting a bake sale, so if you are planning to join us early to stake out your spot in line, you can get drinks and goodies for your wait.  It could be hot and/or rainy that day, so please come prepared as you will likely need to wait outside.
• Due to the number of visitors expected, our parking lot may be full when you arrive. There is a parking lot at Joseph Hensley Park (4200 Eisenhower Avenue, across the street and slightly west of the shelter) which can be utilized in the event the shelter lot is full.
• When you arrive, you will be given a form with your number in line and an Adopter Survey.  If you have animals you are interested in meeting, you can note them on the form at that time.  Check out our website before you arrive to see who will be available for adoption during Clear the Shelters. Otherwise, you can add the names of the animals you’d like to meet/adopt as you encounter them in the building.
• Adoptions (and in the case of dogs, meetings) will occur based on the order of the sign-in sheet, not your place in line.  We will schedule visits with dogs and adoptions consultations as the names are listed on the sign-in sheet, rather than the order of arrival.
• After you have selected an animal you want to adopt, sign in for an Adoption Consultation.  Our staff will be meeting with many potential adopters all day, so stay close to hear your name when it’s called.  If everything goes well with your Adoption Consultation and your chosen pet is spayed/neutered, then he/she will be ready to leave with you today.  If the pet is not spayed/neutered, we will hold him/her at no cost to you until the surgery can take place, and you can pick up your pet after the surgery is complete.
• All dogs will need a collar and flat (not extension) leash before they leave us on Saturday, and all cats and small animals will need to travel home in a carrier.  You can bring your own with you or purchase them from us onsite on Saturday.  Used carriers will also be available as part of our yard sale.

Track Adoptions Live August 19th

You can also track our adoptions live on August 19 on this website, beginning at 11:00am, so whether you join us in person or online, thank you for helping us Clear the Shelters!