Joe Manganiello Joins “Clear The Shelters” Campaign, Advocates for Pet Adoption

NBCUniversal Local has launched its 11th annual Clear The Shelters campaign, a national movement to encourage pet adoption and support for animal shelters across the United States. This year, acclaimed actor, director, and producer Joe Manganiello has taken the helm as campaign spokesperson, lending his voice and visibility to a cause that has facilitated nearly 1.2 million pet adoptions since 2015 and raised more than $5 million for shelters nationwide .

Manganiello, known for his roles in Emmy-nominated projects and his work as host and executive producer of “Deal or No Deal Island,” is not just a celebrity advocate—he is also a proud pet parent to Bubbles, a Chihuahua/Pomeranian mix he rescued, making the campaign deeply personal .

The 2025 Clear The Shelters initiative runs from August 1 to August 31, with an extended fundraising period continuing through September 15 . The campaign includes in-person and virtual pet adoptions, allowing participants to find their new family member online through the WeRescue website and app, which connects prospective adopters to local shelters and enables direct communication and applications .

For those unable to adopt, there are opportunities to donate or support the cause through partnerships such as The Black Dog, a restaurant and apparel company. The Black Dog is offering customers the option to round up purchases to support Clear The Shelters, selling branded merchandise with proceeds benefiting the campaign, and hosting adoption events at their retail locations .

Manganiello will also host the annual Clear The Shelters television special, which debuts August 8 on NBC stations nationwide, highlighting success stories and the impact of collective action .

The Clear The Shelters campaign explicitly encourages participation from all communities, and Manganiello’s outreach reflects a commitment to inclusivity—a value shared by many in the LGBTQ+ community. Animal welfare has long been an area of active engagement for LGBTQ+ individuals and organizations, which often highlight the intersection of compassion, chosen family, and advocacy.

LGBTQ+ people, including transgender and nonbinary individuals, are statistically more likely to adopt pets and support local shelters, viewing companion animals as integral members of diverse households and sources of unconditional support . National campaigns like Clear The Shelters provide a unique platform for LGBTQ+ communities to showcase their ongoing leadership in fostering inclusive, loving environments for both people and animals.

Advocates note that for many LGBTQ+ individuals, especially those who have faced family rejection or social isolation, pet adoption offers both healing and a sense of belonging. Campaigns like Clear The Shelters recognize and celebrate these bonds, and Manganiello’s invitation to the public is an affirmation that everyone—regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, or family structure—is welcome and needed in the movement to save lives .

By stepping into the role of campaign spokesperson, Manganiello brings broad attention to the urgent needs facing animal shelters, which are often overcrowded and underfunded. His celebrity platform amplifies the message that compassion and community involvement can make a measurable difference.

The campaign’s emphasis on accessibility—offering virtual adoptions, supporting shelters of all sizes, and providing multiple ways for the public to engage—underscores the interconnectedness of social advocacy and community solidarity. For LGBTQ+ audiences, this year’s Clear The Shelters campaign is not just about saving pets, but also about affirming the role of diverse communities in building a kinder, more inclusive society.

Clear The Shelters continues through August, with opportunities for involvement ranging from adoption and donation to social media advocacy. The campaign’s website (https://www.cleartheshelters.com/) offers resources, participating shelter information, and ways to participate, ensuring all individuals and families can join Manganiello and NBCUniversal in making a difference—one pet at a time .