EDITOR'S NOTE: You've reached the interactive map and information for 2017's event. If you are looking for the 2018 event, which is set for Aug. 18, please go here.
ORIGINAL 2017 ARTICLE: Animal shelters across the country are teaming up with NBC and Telemundo stations to find loving homes for pets in need.
The third annual Clear the Shelters event, a nationwide pet adoption initiative, will be held Aug. 19. Hundreds of shelters in 20 states, Washington, D.C. and Puerto Rico will waive or discount fees as part of the one-day adoption drive.
The goal is to #ClearTheShelters by finding forever homes for as many animals as possible. More than 53,000 pets were adopted during last year's event, but millions more remain homeless. Every year, 7.6 million animals end up in shelters nationwide — and only 2.7 million are adopted, according to the ASPCA.
Dozens of local shelters will take part this year in Clear the Shelters. Refer to the interactive map above to identify a participating shelter near you.
