Clear the Shelters event Saturday means no pet adoption fee

Looking to adopt a pet? There may be no better time than Saturday.

More than 50 shelters across North Texas are waiving adoption fees from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. as part of the second Clear the Shelters pet adoption drive, sponsored by NBC 5 and Telemundo 39.

The event is being replicated nationally in 19 markets served by TV stations owned by NBC and Telemundo.

Last year, 38 Dallas-Fort Worth shelters adopted out 2,273 animals, according to the event website. It marked the first time that cities, counties and nonprofit organizations teamed up for a unified pet adoption campaign, according to the website.

This year’s participants include shelters in Fort Worth, Arlington, Northeast Tarrant County and surrounding areas.

“I am super excited,” said Christine Boe, a volunteer at the Arlington Animal Services shelter who fosters dogs. She said she has been helping prep dogs and cats for the big event.

Boe, who also volunteered for last year’s event, said she thinks more people will participate this year.

“It was great, but it was new,” said Boe, who will serve as “pet shopper” who guides people to potential pets and helps with the adoption process. “I think this year it is going to go much better. People are very excited.”

Animal advocates were reminding the public about Saturday’s pet adoption possibilities on social media.

People can also stay informed about the campaign by using the hashtag #ClearTheShelters on Twitter.

This story was originally published August 14, 2015 at 1:09 PM with the headline "Clear the Shelters event Saturday means no pet adoption fee."