The Animal Rescue League of Berks County will be hosting a “Clear the Shelters” event this weekend. Started in 2015 by NBC and Telemundo, Clear the Shelters is a nationwide endeavor to find loving homes for sheltered animals.
According to the Marketing Director of the ARL, Jennifer Breton, “More than 400,000 animals have found homes [since the inception of this program].”
Breton shared that the ARL chooses to completely waive adoption fees during the event, with the exception of a $7 dog licensing fee. She went on to say that the ARL typically does about 100 adoptions during the event each year, and this year they added Sunday as well as Saturday due to tomorrow’s weather forecast.
According to Breton, “The Animal Rescue League of Berks County is a non-profit organization that works with nearly 5,000 animals per year to try and find them homes and give them a second chance…a safe haven.”
She also noted that she is “super proud” of the fact that the ARL is the only agency in Berks County that provides Humane Law Protection and Animal Cruelty Investigation for all of Berks County.
The ARL does not receive federal, state, or county funding, and relies on the generosity of select municipalities in Berks County, as well as private donors.
Due to current government mandates, those who wish to attend the event this weekend will need to check in on the ARL’s website when they arrive at the shelter to reserve a spot in line.
It is a first come, first serve event, and Breton asked that attendees stay in their vehicles until they receive a text stating that it is their turn.
All meet and greets will be outside, and attendees are asked to wear masks (masks will also be provided if needed), and practice social distancing. Those looking to add a cat to their family will also have the chance to have a private “preview” meeting with the cat of their choice in the cat lobby indoors, before officially meeting with the pet on the outside patio.
Clear the Shelters will take place Saturday, August 29 from 11 AM-6 PM, and Sunday, August 30 from 12 PM-5 PM.
The ARL is located at 58 Kennel Road, Birdsboro, PA 19508.
