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Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Actor Josh Hutcherson returned in 2026 as a partner for NBCUniversal Local’s Clear The Shelters, the annual nationwide pet-adoption drive. Hill’s Pet Nutrition, announcing the partnership on August 6, 2026, said it was the campaign’s presenting sponsor for the first time. This year’s campaign ran August 1–31, with fundraising extended through September 15. Both windows have closed, but the underlying ways to help shelter pets are open all year.
What Hutcherson said, and where the words come from
The headline line, “Adoption has always been close to my heart,” appears in a post attributed to Hutcherson’s @jhutch1992 Instagram account. The post is dated August 14, 2026 and tagged #ad and #HillsPartner. We saw it only on a third-party mirror, not on Instagram itself, so treat it as reproduced wording. The same mirror shows a second line: “There are so many incredible pets just waiting for someone to see what makes them special.”
Hill’s official announcement independently quotes him: “Helping shelter pets is a cause that’s close to my heart.” The release also describes him as a pet parent to two large rescue dogs, Driver and Manchi. Some secondary coverage adds detail about how he adopted them and about his shelter visits. We could not confirm those anecdotes in official 2026 material, so they are left out here.
The posts are labeled as paid partnership content. That doesn’t make the sentiment false, but it does mean the posts were part of a sponsored campaign.
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What Clear The Shelters is
Clear The Shelters is an annual nationwide campaign run by NBCUniversal Local. It encourages people to adopt pets from shelters and rescues and to support those organizations in other ways. Hill’s says it began in 2015. In its August 2026 release Hill’s said the campaign’s four routes for participation were to adopt, foster, volunteer, or donate. The release pointed adopters to ClearTheShelters.com and donors to ClearTheSheltersFund.org. Since the campaign period is over, check those sites and your local shelter for current availability.
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- 【Adopt Me Dog Bandana】: This dog bandana is the perfect gift for dog lovers, as well as a thoughtful and meaningful gift for animal shelters, pet foster parents, or anyone who supports pet adoption. Help spread the word and make every pet feel loved and special!
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Why “overlooked” pets: the large-dog problem
Hill’s 2026 campaign centered on pets that wait longest, with a particular focus on large dogs. Its 2026 State of Shelter Pet Adoption Report, “Spotlight on Large Dogs,” combines a survey of 2,000 U.S. adults with national shelter data. In its announcement, Hill’s said that report found large dogs spent 70% more time in shelters than small dogs.
Hill’s also cited Shelter Animals Count for the broader picture: 147,000 animals were still added to the overall U.S. shelter population by year-end 2025. We did not independently check that figure against Shelter Animals Count. These two numbers come from different sources and measure different things, so they shouldn’t be read as one study.
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Meghan Lehman, Senior Manager, Brand Engagement for Shelters at Hill’s, said the report “uses data-driven insights to help the animal welfare community identify and quantify the unique challenges affecting large dog adoption.” Carrick Massey, Hill’s Senior Vice President of U.S. Marketing, said in the release: “Shelters and rescue organizations do extraordinary work every day, yet many continue to face capacity and resource challenges.”
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The numbers Hill’s reported
| Figure | Period | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Over 160,000 pets adopted; more than $628,000 raised | 2025 campaign | Hill’s, August 6, 2026 release |
| More than 1.3 million adoptions; more than $5.6 million raised | Cumulative since 2015 | Hill’s, August 6, 2026 release |
| 147,000 animals added to U.S. shelter population | Year-end 2025 | Shelter Animals Count, as cited by Hill’s |
| Large dogs stay 70% longer than small dogs | 2026 report | Hill’s State of Shelter Pet Adoption Report, as cited in the release |
These are campaign-organizer figures. No results for the 2026 drive had been published in the material we reviewed.
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- Ideal For Birthday Photos: Happy birthday to your pet! It is a cool gift for cat/dog birthday party/ adoption day party. The cute dog scarf makes your pet look even more adorable.
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- Cute Pet Accessories: 1 PACK pet scarf included. Washable for daily use. Please measure your pet’s neck circumference first
Four ways to help, and what each asks of you
The announcement offers no outcome data comparing these options, so none is ranked above another. They differ in the kind of commitment.
| Option | Commitment | Fits you if… |
|---|---|---|
| Adopt | A permanent home, often for a decade or more | You have the space, budget, and time for a long-term pet |
| Foster | A temporary home, with the length set by the shelter or rescue | You want to help but can’t commit permanently |
| Volunteer | Your time and practical help | You can’t keep a pet but can give regular hours |
| Donate | Money | You want to support animals without a home or schedule change |
If you are considering a large dog
Because large dogs wait longest, it’s worth meeting one before ruling the size out. Ask the shelter about the individual dog’s energy level, behavior with other animals, and health history. Size alone says little about temperament. Also confirm that your housing allows the dog’s size, and budget for food and vet care, which scale with weight.
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- Candle for finalized adoption recipients; Our adoption candles are thoughtful adoption day gifts for anyone who has just completed the adoption journey; Each scented candle carries a heartfelt message 'The scent of a finalized adoption. Smell that? That's the scent of love, new beginnings, let the parenting adventures begin!'; Ideal adoption gifts for adoptive parents, foster parents, newly adopted families, adoptive moms, adopted dads, sisters, friends, or anyone in your life celebrating a finalized adoption
- Gifts for adoption finalization on various occasions; Great for Gotcha Day, as foster-to-adoption gifts, new adoption gifts, for adoption party decorations, for making adoption announcements, at baby showers, on court dates, for adoption anniversaries, or for a cozy celebration at home when finalizing adoption; Whether celebrating a major milestone or commemorating a new beginning in a family's journey, this scented candle makes the moment extra special; A meaningful symbol of love, hope, and new beginnings that burns brightly and adds warmth to the celebration
- Lavender fragrance; With notes of crisp floral scent, blended with a touch of herbal refreshing aromas, the enchanting fragrance adds enjoyment to your life; Ideal for stress relief, relaxation, meditation, yoga, bathing and praying
- Made from wax; Our candle burns evenly and clean; Suitable for your home, bedroom, kitchen, bathroom, living room, office and so on
- Burns for 50 hours; Capacity of 9 ounces scented candles; Well protection with inner sponge mat
About the adoption kits
Hill’s said select shelters gave out adoption kits during August 2026. The kits held Science Diet starter bags, coupons, and other supplies. Not every shelter took part, and the kits were a limited offer tied to that month. Hill’s also says purchases of Hill’s Science Diet help provide nutrition to shelter pets. A starter bag is not a feeding plan: ask your vet which diet suits your pet’s age, size, and health, and switch foods gradually.
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- Dog Lovers Gifts: The hugging design of this dog mom gift speaks volumes about the meaning of love. Comes in an elegant box, well protected and ready to be given as a gift. A perfect birthday, Mother's Day or Christmas gift for dog lovers.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
