In the 12 hours between, more than 160 dogs and cats found new homes. Every adoptable dog in the Lawrence Humane Society system was adopted Saturday. And all but a few senior cats were also welcomed to new loving homes.

Lawrence Humane Society Interim Executive Director, Kirk Putman said it was heartwarming to see all the excited pets and people coming together.

“We match thousands of pets with loving homes every year here at the Lawrence Humane Society,” Putman said. “But to see a single day with so many previously homeless animals leaving the shelter on their way to their forever home, it’s just so special, so emotional, it really warms the heart.”

All adoptions were fee-waived, with the vast majority made to families at the Lawrence Humane Society’s brand new building at 1805 East 19th Street. This year’s Clear the Shelter Day marked the shelter’s first in their new space. Adopters were willing to wait in the blistering sun following a devastating overnight thunderstorm in order to find their perfect four-legged match. Some other Lawrence Humane Society pets were adopted from Petco and PetSmart.

Putman says the event wouldn’t have been the overwhelming success it was without all the people who came together to make it happen.

“This is truly a community event,” Putman said. “We have staff who have been working hard, planning this event since June. We have our dedicated volunteers out in-force today. And of course, none of it would be possible without all the great businesses who help us provide this incredible service.”

Along with their new pet, Clear the Shelter Day adopters received a free leash and collar from the Humane Society, as well as a free swag bag from Hill’s Science Diet, a coupon from Lucky Dog Outfitters and Bakery, and access to vendors including Pet World, Costco, Kona Ice and KB Smokehouse.

Hill’s Science Diet provided lunch for the nearly 30 staff and roughly 100 volunteers working the event. And the Douglas County Sheriff’s Department delivered free water and snacks.

The national sponsors for Clear the Shelter Day were Hill’s Science Diet and NBCUniversal. Local sponsors for the Lawrence Humane Society event were Costco and Cork & Barrel Wine & Spirits.

KSNT came from Topeka to attend Lawrence Humane Society’s Clear the Shelter Day, and along with their news report, they posted two Facebook Live feeds. And the Lawrence Journal-World also stopped by, providing excellent coverage of the festivities as well as taking some amazing pictures.

Lawrence Humane Society is already filling up with new pets looking for a forever home. You can stop by and see if the right pet for you is here, any day from 11:30 am to 6 pm.