Almost 80 animals spent the night in their new homes Saturday night after being adopted during the Clear the Shelter event at the San Marcos Regional Animal Shelter. The shelter’s adoption goal was 60 pets, so they exceeded their own expectations. This national campaign is in its tenth year and helps pets find their forever homes with waived adoption fees and extended shelter hours.
The event included vendors such as Triple Six Social, who donated all coffee sales back to the shelter. Local animal organizations and vendors such as PALS, Paws on the Ground, The Boozy Bark and Rubbabelly Dog Treats had booths where they offered guidance and pet essentials for the newly adopted animals. Hays County Health Department’s new Animal Welfare Services offered local resources for new pet parents.
The cat room was a big success, with only four cats left by the end of the event. Several long-stay cats such as Wisp, Boots, Monroe, Oliver and Purrcival found homes after spending months in the shelter. Many of these cats were seniors or had medical challenges, so finding a safe and secure home is life-changing for the animals.
Another highlight was the adoption of Marigold, a mother dog who had been at the shelter for about four months with her puppies.
“Clear the Shelters is one of our biggest events of the year, and we are absolutely thrilled to see so many pets go home,” Animal Services Community Engagement Coordinator Minnie Buckhaults said. “Our goal is always to give every adoptable pet the chance they deserve, and seeing longterm residents and special cases finally find families makes all the hard work worth it.”
The support from the animal shelter doesn’t stop once the pets leave their facility. The adoption team is available for ongoing support and resources to ensure every adoption is a lasting success.
“The Animal Shelter extends its sincere gratitude to the event staff, volunteers, community members and local vendors whose efforts made this event possible,” the Animal Shelter team said in an email to the Record.
The shelter still has many dogs and cats ready for adoption with no appointment needed. Shelter hours are Monday, Friday and Sunday from 12 to 5 p.m. and Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday from 12 to 7 p.m.
One can view adoptable pets at sanmarcostx.gov/adopt.
