Adopt, Don’t Shop During Clear The Shelters Month

Thinking of adding a four-legged family member to your home? Meet the lovable dogs, cats and bunnies at Bergen’s animal shelters.

Some call August the “dog days” of summer (fun fact, that name comes from the heliacal rising of Sirius, the “dog star”), and the annual national campaign Clear The Shelters uses the month as an opportunity to ask if you would consider adding a dog—or a cat, or perhaps a rabbit—to your everyday life.

Both a donation drive and an adoption initiative, Clear the Shelters aims to find homes for animals in need. Participating shelters, such as the Ramapo-Bergen Animal Refuge (RBARI) in Oakland, often hold adoption events, lower adoption fees for certain animals and show off even more furry friends looking for forever homes on social media pages.

Feeling ready for adoption? Make sure you consider all the responsibilities and discuss them with your family, including the time commitment of caring for the animal, possible allergies and veterinary care.

Once you do that, here are some of the animals you can meet at RBARI:

Here’s Chance, an 8-year-old German shepherd described as a “staff and volunteer favorite.” He’s smart, gentle and loving with people, and his favorite things include attention, long walks, hikes and playing fetch. Shelter experts think he’ll do best as the only pet in the household. He needs regular ear cleanings because of an old injury, but is otherwise in great health.

More of a cat person? Meet Nugget, a year-old domestic shorthair. He’s outgoing and not afraid to let his people know when he wants attention. Though he sometimes seems quiet and subdued, don’t let that fool you—he can chase and hunt a toy with the best of them. Nugget gets along well with other cats.

If you’re looking for a smaller friend, Panini the Belgian hare may be for you! She’s spunky, confident and gets along fantastically with other rabbits, so if you’re looking for a companion for a pet at home, she may fit the bill. She’s been spayed and is in good health.

Is your best friend a shelter animal? Share all your best pictures with us on Instagram @bergenmagnj!