By Mary O’KEEFE

On Saturday, Aug. 20 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the Pasadena Humane Society is hosting the NBC4 Clear The Shelters adoption event. Pasadena Humane Society will be waiving adoption fees for all dogs, cats and other critters. Adoptions include spay or neuter services, microchipping and age-appropriate vaccines. There are no appointments necessary for this event.

“Clear The Shelters is a nationwide NBC event. Subaru is our local sponsor and we are one of 70 shelters to participate,” said Kevin McManus, public relations and communications manager at Pasadena Humane Society.

The goal is to empty the shelters over the summer.

“Summer is always the busy time for us,” McManus said. This is the eighth year Pasadena Humane Society has participated in the event; each year has proven to be successful.

During the pandemic, when more people were working from home, there was an increase in the number of pet adoptions. During this time, Pasadena Humane Society also made use of its pet foster family homes, McManus said.

“We have a great network of foster homes,” he said. “We don’t want animals in the shelters, we would rather have them at homes.”

Normally the humane society requires appointments for visits and adoptions but during the Clear The Shelter event it is inviting everyone interested in adopting a pet to come by for a visit. There is a one-page adoption questionnaire the humane society asks adoptive pet parents to fill out; they do not have family home visits.

The specialist at the shelter also has a conversation with the prospective adoption families.

“We tend to know about the animals, their care and are able to give information on potential adoptions,” he said.

McManus added that it is important for those thinking about acquiring a new pet to first know what that pet will require from families and what the animal is like.

“The number one thing for anyone who is coming in is we want them to look 10 years down the line,” he said.

Often new pet parents are excited when they choose their pet and take him/her home but then the realization of responsibility sets in and, at times, that is when the tough decision is made of returning a pet to a shelter.

For example, animals need lots of attention, from walking dogs to finding the best type of food to providing lots of love. Having a pet takes time regardless of what pet is chosen.

“People think cats take care of themselves,” McManus said of a common misconception.

He added that his cat will wake him at 5 a.m. to be fed or just wanting attention.

Having a pet can be expensive, but the Pasadena Humane Society has a way to help.

“We do have a low cost [program] that is two fold. The first is we have a food bank for anyone in need where they can get pet food. The other is ‘Helping Paws’ that can help with medical expenses and [other issues],” he said.

McManus said he really likes the “Helping Paws” program because it removes some barriers to becoming a pet parent. The program also offers emergency boarding.

Pasadena Humane Society is located at 361 S. Raymond Ave., Pasadena. For more information or to donate, visit pasadenahumane.org.