Clear the Shelters 2026

Clear the Shelters: Adoption Fees Waived for ALL Pets!

SPCA Tampa Bay is hosting its annual Clear the Shelters adoption event on Saturday, Aug. 29! As part of this nationwide effort to help shelter pets find loving homes, adoption fees will be completely waived for ALL available pets.

Saturday, Aug. 29 | Gates open at 9 a.m. | Adoptions processed until 5 p.m.
*All adoptions are first come, first served.*

Available pets may include dogs, cats, puppies, kittens, rabbits, pocket pets, reptiles, birds and more. Every available pet is up-to-date on vaccinations, spayed/neutered and microchipped.

We expect a great turnout from our community! Please anticipate larger crowds and longer-than-usual wait times throughout the day. Our team will be working to help each adopter through the process as smoothly as possible.

Visitors can also enjoy food trucks and photo opportunities throughout the day.

What to Expect:

Adoption Requirements

• Adopters must be 18 or older with a valid photo ID.
• A valid email address is required.
• All adoptions are completed digitally.
• You’ll receive online access to your new pet’s records.
• Post-adoption support is included.

Adopting a Dog When You Have a Resident Dog

Already have a dog at home? We recommend bringing them with you! A dog-to-dog introduction can help ensure a successful match before you finalize an adoption.

Before you arrive:

• Bring a family member or friend who can stay with your dog while you tour the kennels and meet available pets.

At the shelter:

• Meet our available dogs and choose one you’re interested in.
• Spend some time getting to know them and learning what our team knows about their personality and needs.
• Our staff will guide you through a dog-to-dog introduction with your resident dog before finalizing the adoption.

Clear the Shelters is a national initiative in partnership with NBCUniversal Local, and the pet adoption and donation campaign that helps find loving homes for animals in need. Hundreds of shelters across the country – including SPCA Tampa Bay – are hosting Clear The Shelters events in August 2026.