What to Expect for the 2026 Clear the Shelters Event
Friday, August 7 | 9 am – 6 pm · All Adoptable Cats Just $10
Join us on Friday, August 7, 2026, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. for The Ultimate Cat Adoption Party—our annual Clear the Shelters event, where every adoptable cat is just $10.
Whether you’ve been thinking about adopting for months or simply fall in love the moment you meet “the one,” this is the perfect day to welcome a new feline family member into your home. Every adoption helps create space for another cat in need, giving more cats the chance to find the loving homes they deserve.
Friday, August 7
9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
$10 per cat
What to Know Before You Come
Complete Your Adoption Interest Survey
We encourage you to complete the Adoption Interest Survey online before the event. Be sure to mention in the Additional Comments section that you’re attending Clear the Shelters.
Didn’t get a chance to fill it out beforehand? No problem! You’ll be able to complete it when you arrive.
Plan for a Crowd
This is the biggest adoption day of the year, so pack your patience. You can preview available cats on the Meet the Cats page. They go fast so pick several options!
To keep the kitties comfortable, we’ll limit the number of visitors inside the shelter at one time and limit group size to 4. Thank you for helping us keep the cats as stress free as possible on a hectic day.
- Check in at the tent
- Cold water available
- Volunteers and staff ready to answer questions and keep things moving
Check-In Process
When you arrive, head to our office building at 8411 Garvey Drive suite 109 (look for the tent). There will be event signs and volunteers to help you.
Once you’ve checked in and completed your Adoption Interest Survey, you’ll receive a number. When your number is called you’ll be guided to the shelter. Completing your survey before arriving can help speed up the process.
Adoptions Are First Come, First Served
Cats cannot be placed on hold, so arriving earlier gives you the best opportunity to meet all of our available cats.
Please note that our website may not update in real time during the event, so some cats listed online may already have found their families. If every cat is adopted before 6 p.m., we’ll share updates on social media. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram!
Adoption Requirements
More Than an Adoption Event
While every adoptable cat is just $10, we’ll also have toys and other cat goodies available for purchase in the adoption office. Donations are always welcome and help provide food, medical care, and second chances for the thousands of cats who come through SAFE Haven each year.
We accept cash, checks, and all major credit cards.
Let's Clear the Shelter Together!
Our dream is simple: send as many cats home as possible and make room for the next cats who need us. Thank you for your patience, kindness, and love for shelter cats. We can’t wait to celebrate with you and help you find your newest family member.
See you on August 7 for The Ultimate Cat Adoption Party!
This is an official event of the NBCUniversal Local WRAL Clear the Shelters program, which teams up with hundreds of shelters across the country to host adoption events each August. This nationwide pet adoption and donation campaign helps find loving homes for animals in need. This program has helped more than 1 million pets have found their forever homes since 2015.