Gulf Coast Humane Society

Fostering puppies is more than just a temporary home for these young dogs; it’s a chance to influence their futures profoundly. When fosters take in litters of puppies, they hold the key to shaping these animals into confident, well-adjusted adults who are less likely to face behavioral challenges later in life. The importance of this role cannot be overstated. Fosters can stack the deck in these puppies’ favor with just a little effort during those crucial early weeks, ensuring a lifetime of stability and happiness.

The impact of fostering puppies well extends far beyond the immediate joy and satisfaction of caring for them. It’s about setting these animals on a path to success, giving them the best possible chance to thrive in their future homes. The science is clear: the right experiences during those early weeks can shape a puppy’s future, leading to a lifetime of stability, happiness, and a lower risk of ending up in a shelter due to behavioral issues. By fostering with intention and care, we can make a lasting difference in the lives of these puppies, ensuring they grow into the confident, stable companions we all hope for.

Owning a dog can be one of the most rewarding experiences in life. Not only do dogs provide companionship, but they also offer numerous physical, emotional, and social benefits that enhance our well-being..

Research has shown that dog owners tend to lead more active lifestyles. Regular walks and playtime with dogs encourage physical activity, which can lead to improved cardiovascular health, lower blood pressure, and reduced risk of obesity.

Dogs are also known for their unconditional love and loyalty, which can significantly improve mental health. They provide comfort during difficult times and can help alleviate loneliness or depression. Moreover, petting a dog has been shown to reduce anxiety levels and promote relaxation.

Owning a dog can also lead to increased social interactions. Dog parks, training classes, and community events centered around pets create opportunities for owners to meet like-minded individuals.

Gulf Coast Humane Society offers dog adoptions throughout the week and is here to assist you in finding the perfect companion for your lifestyle. During the Clear the Shelters event, you can adopt a new furry friend for half off the normal adoption fee. For a full list of dogs available for adoption, please visit gulfcoasthumanesociety.org.

The leptospirosis vaccine is crucial for dogs because it protects them from a potentially severe and life-threatening bacterial infection caused by the Leptospira bacteria. This disease can lead to organ damage, particularly affecting the kidneys and liver, and in severe cases, it can be fatal. Dogs can contract leptospirosis through contact with contaminated water, soil, or infected animals, making it a significant risk, especially for dogs that spend time outdoors or in areas with high wildlife or rodent populations. Vaccination is one of the most effective ways to prevent this disease and reduce the risk of serious health complications.

Additionally, leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease, meaning it can be transmitted from animals to humans. By vaccinating dogs against leptospirosis, pet owners not only protect their pets but also reduce the risk of the disease spreading to their families and communities. This dual protection makes the leptospirosis vaccine an essential component of responsible pet care, ensuring the well-being of both dogs and their human companions.

 ‘Clear The Shelters’ Has Helped More Than 1 Million Pets Find New Homes & Raised Millions of Dollars for Shelters Since 2015

NBC & Telemundo Stations Across the Nation Partnering with Animal Shelters & Rescues for Milestone Initiative

FORT MYERS, FL – (August 5, 2024) – Clear The Shelters, NBCUniversal Local’s nationwide pet adoption and donation initiative – which has helped more than one million pets find new homes and raised millions of dollars for participating animal shelters and rescues since its 2015 inception – is returning for its milestone 10^th annual campaign this Aug. 10 to Sept. 10.

Gulf Coast Humane Society, located at 2010 Arcadia Street in Fort Myers, is once again participating in the annual Clear The Shelters adoption and donation campaign.

GCHS will be running a month-long half-off on all adoption fees – including adult cats/dogs, puppies and kittens from Aug. 10 – Sept. 10. Also during this time span, there will be a matching donations fundraising campaign for GCHS run through Clear The Shelters. Keep updated on the different ways to donate on the GCHS social media, which includes Facebook and Instagram.

GCHS adoptable shelter pets can be found at www.gulfcoasthumanesociety.org.

“Clear The Shelters historically has been a successful campaign for GCHS in not only leading to more adoptions, but it acts as an important fundraiser for the shelter through the entire month,” said GCHS Executive Director Darcy Andrade. “Clear The Shelters is a wonderful promotion to adopt shelter cats and dogs, but even if you can’t adopt, you can still make an impact by donating.”

As part of the month-long 10^th anniversary Clear The Shelters, NBC and Telemundo stations across the nation are partnering with animal shelters and rescues in their communities to promote pet adoption and raise critical funds for participating shelters and rescues.

The 2023 Clear The Shelters campaign led to more than 158,000 adoptions – lifting the all-time adoption total past one million – and raised over $575,000. More than 1,400 shelters and rescues representing 49 states and territories, including the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and Guam – along with 152 NBC and Telemundo stations – participated in last year’s campaign Aug. 1 to 30.

“Surpassing the one millionth all-time adoption last year and now celebrating our 10th campaign are not just milestones, these numbers help quantify the incredible support Clear The Shelters has received from communities around the nation and the impact it’s had on vulnerable animals and the shelters that care for them,” said Meredith McGinn, NBCUniversal Local’s Executive Vice President of Diginets & Original Production. “It’s a privilege to partner with participating shelters, affiliate stations, Hill’s Pet Nutrition and our employees, to continue to grow and expand this great initiative.”

Visit ClearTheShelters.com  to Find Participating Shelters or Donate Online from Aug. 1 to Sept. 30

Hill’s Pet Nutrition, a global leader in science-based pet nutrition, is returning as the national sponsor and partner of Clear The Shelters for the seventh consecutive campaign.

Campaign fundraising will again be led by Greater Good Charities, a global nonprofit and longtime campaign partner. Donations can be made Aug. 1 to Sept. 30 at ClearTheSheltersFund.org. Through the online donation platform, built by Fundraise Up, donors have the option to cover transaction fees so that 100 percent of the funds go directly to the shelter or rescue of their choice. Hill’s Pet Nutrition and The Animal Rescue Site provide additional funds to The Clear The Shelters Fund.

Virtual pet adoptions are also returning for the sixth consecutive campaign through WeRescue. The WeRescue website and app enable users to browse adoptable pets in their area by breed, gender, size and other factors, submit their adoption applications, and ask questions directly to shelters.

The Dodo, a leading animal and pet brand, will serve as a media partner for the eighth campaign.

Details on 2024 Clear The Shelters highlights, activations and initiatives, including specials on participating NBC and Telemundo stations, will be announced at a later time. Fundraising totals and the number of pet adoptions will be announced after the conclusion of the campaign.

For more information on Clear The Shelters, including participating animal shelters and rescues, along with details on local events, visit ClearTheShelters.com and the Spanish-language site DesocuparlosAlbergues.com.

Follow Clear The Shelters on social media:

• X: @ClearTheShelter
• Instagram: cleartheshelters
• TikTok: @cleartheshelters
• Hashtags: #ClearTheShelters & #DesocuparLosAlbergues

About Clear The Shelters
Clear The Shelters™ / Desocupar Los Albergues® is an annual, nationwide pet adoption campaign that is led by NBCUniversal Local. Every year, NBCUniversal Local’s NBC and Telemundo owned stations, plus affiliated stations, partner with animal shelters and rescues in their communities promote pet adoption and raise needed funds. Clear The Shelters was inspired by a 2014 North Texas pet adoption event hosted by NBC 5 / KXAS and Telemundo 39 / KXTX that resulted in the most adopted pets in one day for North Texas. Since 2015, Clear The Shelters pet adoption campaign has led to more than one million pet adoptions and raised millions of dollars for participating shelters and rescues.Visit ClearTheShelters.com and DesocuparLosAlbergues.com for more information.  

About NBCUniversal Local 

NBCUniversal Local, part of NBCUniversal News Group, is comprised of more than 50 media properties, including local TV stations and regional sports networks that deliver English and Spanish-speaking audiences in 30 U.S. markets and Puerto Rico comprehensive news, weather, consumer and investigative reporting, lifestyle and entertainment content and live sports coverage across television, streaming and digital platforms. NBCUniversal Local consists of three individual media groups – NBC Owned Television Stations, NBC Sports Regional Networks and Telemundo Station Group – plus multicast networks COZI TV and TeleXitos, regional cable news network NECN, and 16 free ad-supported streaming TV (FAST) channels – including 11 NBC local news, four Telemundo regional news channels and NBC LX Home. NBCUniversal Local also features NBC Spot On, an advanced CTV and OTT advertising platform; LXTV Productions; marketing and promotions company Skycastle; out-of-home business NBC Everywhere; and The Arthouse, a graphic design group. 

About Gulf Coast Humane Society:

Gulf Coast Humane Society is a regional organization dedicated to helping companion pets find their forever homes, no matter how long it takes. GCHS provides an adoption center, spay-neuter and veterinary clinic, as well as education and awareness to the public about the welfare of homeless pets.

GCHS’ mission is to care for companion pets in need by offering safe refuge, providing medical care and facilitating adoptions. GCHS promotes the concept the “Adopt, Don’t Shop” and help educate the community about proper and responsible animal care, while providing quality, affordable veterinary care.

To learn more about GCHS, visit its website at www.gulfcoasthumanesociety.org.

GCHS Veterinary Clinic: 2685 Swamp Cabbage Court, Fort Myers, 33901; Phone: 239-332-2719

GCHS Spay/Neuter Clinic: 2010 Arcadia Street, Fort Myers, 33916; Phone: 239-332-1573

GCHS Adoption Center: 2010 Arcadia Street, Fort Myers, 33916; Phone: 239-332-0364

Southwest Florida Crime Stoppers and the Gulf Coast Humane Society will be hosting a joint press conference on Tuesday, August 13th at 10 a.m. at the Gulf Coast Humane Society regarding a renewed effort to help abused and neglected dogs in our community. This endeavor will involve community members and law enforcement to protect our furry friends, who are not able to help themselves. Sheriff Carmine Marceno will join officials from Crime Stoppers and the Gulf Coast Humane Society to announce this effort. We’ll also have a special guest on hand to help reinforce this positive message.

Media and members of the community are invited to attend the press conference, to be held at 2010 Arcadia Street, Fort Myers. The Lee County Sheriff’s Office’s Ice Cream Response Truck will also be on site to provide pup cups to our four legged friends and cones to their owners. 

For additional information, or any questions, please contact Trish Routte, Crime Stoppers Manager, at [email protected] or Lori Burke, Development Director, Gulf Coast Humane Society, at [email protected]