Big Bear shelter joins Clear the Shelters campaign all August long

The Big Bear Animal Shelter is participating in the 12th annual Clear the Shelters campaign throughout August, giving valley residents a cost-free path to bringing home a new cat or dog.[1] The Animals Are First Fund is sponsoring all adoption fees for cats and dogs during the month-long event.[1]

Every qualifying adoption at the Big Bear shelter includes spaying or neutering, a microchip, and age-appropriate vaccinations at no charge to the adopter.[1] MetLife Pet Insurance is also throwing in 30 days of complimentary coverage to help new pet owners get settled without added financial stress.[1]

The campaign got its start with a kickoff event on August 8 and 9 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Big Bear shelter, featuring vendors, family-friendly activities, and adoptable animals on-site.[1] Last year, the combined effort across Big Bear and the county's Devore shelter helped 474 animals find permanent homes — a number organizers are hoping to surpass this year.[1]

Not ready to adopt? The county's foster program is another way to help. San Bernardino County Animal Care supplies everything needed to foster, whether it's for a few days or a few weeks.[1]

The Big Bear Animal Shelter is located at 42080 North Shore Drive. Residents can browse adoptable pets at animalcare.sbcounty.gov/pets or call 800-472-5609. To sign up as a foster, visit animalcare.sbcounty.gov/become-a-pet-foster-parent.[1] The campaign runs through the end of August.