This article was featured in WYDaily on 8/4/23.
Will you rescue them or will they rescue you? August is Clear the Shelters month and The Heritage Humane Society invites YOU to join in the nationwide celebration.
Now in its ninth year, NBCUniversal Local is teaming up with hundreds of shelters across the country including The Heritage Humane Society to host Clear The Shelters. This nationwide pet adoption and donation campaign that helps find loving homes for homeless animals in need. More than 860K pets have found their forever homes since 2015. Just last year, The Heritage Humane Society’s participation in Clear the Shelters resulted in 157 adoptions: 117 cats, 27 dogs, two birds and 10 small critters.

Why adopt and not shop?

Animal shelters like The Heritage Humane Society and rescue organizations are filled with a variety of well-behaved animals of all ages. Adopting a pet from an animal shelter is far less expensive than going to a breeder. Mixed-breed pets are often healthier than purebred ones, which means less in healthcare costs. That said, for those looking for purebreds, some can still be found at Heritage Humane, as well.  Shelter pets come microchipped, spayed/neutered, and vaccinated for a fraction of the cost. Adopting pets locally also provides a sustainable solution for the Greater Williamsburg community.

Spin the wheel, save on unconditional love

Wiggles, waggles, and goofy grins, serious purring power, squirrel chaser or Hallmark-movie watching snuggler, Clear the Shelters month means big savings. Now through Aug. 31, 2023, once a pet lover has decided who to adopt from The Heritage Humane Society, they will then have the opportunity to spin the Clear the Shelter wheel. Adopters will have a chance to include a variety of prizes such as 25%, 40%, and 50% Off the Adoption Fee, Spin Again, or even Name Your Own Adoption Fee.

Adoptable pets that qualify are ones who the shelter indicates are ready to go home. There are 49 cats, 43 dogs, four hamsters, 6 guinea pigs, two gerbils, one rabbit and one cockatiel who are clamoring for forever homes. For the second straight year, all available pets are located at The Heritage Humane Society and at Schwartzy’s Cat Cove. Both locations have many cats to select from and Schwartzy’s Cat Cove located in New Town just celebrated its first anniversary with the heartwarming news that in its first year, 239 cats were adopted from the area’s first fun, stimulating, open environment for adoptable cats.

Ready to skip past the baby stage?

If your days of potty training, messy eating, and middle of the night whimpering is a thing of the past, The Heritage Humane Society has you covered. Plenty of the shelter’s furry friends are grown up and ready to fit right into their forever home with their forever family. AngusDollyGemmaKoltRadar, and Wilt Chamberlain are charming canines who are ready to bid farewell to shelter life. Lucy and Sweet Caroline are faithful felines who are also ready to begin new chapters.
“Often when pets have been with us for longer than average, it is simply a case of judging a book by its cover. We encourage potential adopters to ask us to bring pets out of their kennels so they can remove that barrier and experience them closer.,” shares dog training instructor at Heritage Humane Society, Adam Claar.

Could one of these adoptable pets be your next memory maker?

Joining the adoptable pets above, here are four more Clear the Shelter pet spotlights:
  • Dim Sum. This four-year-old beagle mix has lots of love to give. He is affectionate, gentle, and does really well with other dogs. He found himself at The Heritage Humane Society after being surrendered by a hunting club. Dim Sum‘s previous experiences have left him understandably a bit nervous sometimes in new environments, however he is incredibly friendly and will melt into your arms with just a few head scratches.
Dim Sum
  • Hercules. Meet our Greek hero, Hercules. This handsome, brown-eyed boy came in as a stray. In the time he’s been at Heritage Humane Society, we’ve seen him really blossom and gain some heroic strength and courage. He has aced playgroups here, gone on a couple of Fido Field Trips, and used his irresistible smile and personality to steal a few hearts. Herc is now ready for the ultimate journey. He’s looking to spend the rest of his life in a happy home.
Hercules
  • OJ. This shy guy arrived as a stray kitty. He was very wary of humans for a while. Over time and with the patient efforts of the staff and volunteers, he is beginning to trust and show glimpses of his true personality. Like his namesake, OJ, has a sweet and tart side. He enjoys affection and love on his terms. He also has an independent streak and is often content to find the nearest perch to relax and watch all the goings on. OJ is looking for his “zest” friend! The orange to his orange juice. So squeeze the day and come to meet this citrusy cat!
OJ
  • Spider-Woman. She may not have web-slinging powers, however she certainly has the power to melt your heart with one kitty flop. This two-year-old tabby mix is currently at Schwartzy’s Cat Cove. Spider-Woman is social, attentive, and loves to cuddle.
Spider-Woman

What if you can’t adopt?

The Heritage Humane Society has many friends and supporters who are not in a position at this time to have a pet in their home. Even if you can’t adopt, you can help. You can help spread the word, donate online, donate items from the shelter’s Amazon wish listfoster homeless shelter pets, or even take a shelter dog on a Fido Field Trip.
The Heritage Humane Society has over 230 dogscats and small pets currently in their care. Adoptable pets are available to meet during The Heritage Humane Society’s visiting and adopting hours from 12 to 4:30 p.m., Tues. through Sun.
To learn more, visit HeritageHumane.org, call 757-221-0150, or visit The Heritage Humane Society located at 430 Waller Mill Rd, Williamsburg, VA 23185.

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