There’s an ongoing animal shelter crisis in the U.S. A total of 5.8 million cats and dogs entered shelters and rescues in 2025, according to Shelter Animals Count. While intakes slightly decreased and adoptions slightly increased compared to 2024, the overall shelter population nationwide saw a n increase of 147,000 by the end of the year. One of the biggest ways to combat the shelter crisis is through adoption. But, for prospective first-time pet parents, the idea of bringing home a dog or cat can feel overwhelming. “Adoption is obviously a really big decision,” animal advocate Hannah Shaw told NBCUniversal Local. “I’ve adopted cats and dogs from shelters myself. So I know sometimes it can be overwhelming, even to just step foot into a shelter.” Shaw, also known as the “Kitten Lady,” is an award-winning kitten rescuer and humane advocate. Shaw, a New York Times bestselling author, has written several books and she boasts millions of followers across her social media accounts. Her project, Kitten Lady, teaches individuals and rescues how to save the lives of kittens through educational videos, instructional workshops and more. She also founded the Orphan Kitten Club, which bills itself as the “nation’s most impactful charitable organization dedicated to advancing kitten welfare” and has impacted more than 250,000 kittens since launching in 2016. Suffice to say, Shaw knows a thing or two about pets. Clear the Shelters Aug 10 Josh Hutcherson advocates for shelter pet adoptions: ‘A cause that's close to my heart' Clear the Shelters Aug 4 Rangers host 10 Texas shelter dogs for Bark at the Park night Clear the Shelters Aug 11 Can you guess the most popular dog name in America? Here's a list of the top 25 So, for those considering adoption, Shaw suggested taking the first step of simply heading out to a shelter or an adoption event — and to have an open mind while you’re there. “See who you might meet — you might be surprised by who you fall in love with,” Shaw said. “My biggest tip is just don’t have a super-rigid idea of what you’re looking for. Keep an open mind,” she added. “Maybe you think you’re going to adopt a cat and you fall in love with a dog instead. You never know who you’re gonna fall in love with and who you’re gonna bond with.” And should you make that special connection, Shaw stressed not to feel like you need to be an expert in order to give that pet a forever home. “Sometimes people are worried that they need to be perfect themselves. You don’t need to be perfect to adopt,” she said. “You really just have to have an open mind and an open heart and have love to give.” “And there are adoption counselors and people who can help you explore who might be a right match for your home or your lifestyle,” she added. If decide you aren’t quite ready to adopt but still want to help shelter animals, there are other ways to do so, including fostering pets or volunteering at a local shelter. “Whatever love you have to give, we want you to give it this month,” Shaw said. Shaw has teamed up with Hill’s Pet Nutrition to help promote adoptions amid Clear The Shelters, NBC Local’s annual pet adoption and donation campaign. Hill’s, a longtime Clear The Shelters partner, is in its first year as the campaign’s presenting sponsor. In addition to supporting Clear The Shelters events, Hill’s is providing adoption kits for pet parents at select participating shelters and rescues. The 2026 Clear The Shelters adoption campaign is being held the entire month of August, while the donation initiative runs through Sept. 15. For more information on Clear The Shelters, including participating shelters, along with details on local events and television programming, visit ClearTheShelters.com and the Spanish-language site DesocuparlosAlbergues.com. Follow Clear The Shelters on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.  ...read more read less