Josh Hutcherson Returns to Champion Shelter Pets for Clear The Shelters 2026

Hill's Pet Nutrition announced that Hutcherson will return as its ambassador for Clear The Shelters, the nationwide adoption campaign led by NBCUniversal Local throughout August. The 2026 campaign also marks a milestone for Hill's, which becomes the initiative's first-ever presenting sponsor after supporting the event for nine consecutive years.

The campaign comes at a time when many shelters are still struggling with overcrowding. Although 2025 brought encouraging improvements in adoption rates and shorter shelter stays, Shelter Animals Count reported that shelters still ended the year with 147,000 more animals than they began with. Large dogs continue to face the biggest challenges, spending about 70% longer in shelters than smaller dogs, according to Hill's 2026 State of Shelter Pet Adoption Report.

Hutcherson understands the importance of adoption firsthand. The actor shares his home with two rescue dogs, Driver and Manchi, and says they inspired him to return for another year.

"Helping shelter pets is a cause that's close to my heart," Hutcherson said. "My dogs have given me more love than I could have imagined, and I know there are so many incredible animals in shelters waiting for the chance to form that same special bond."

His return follows a record-breaking 2025 campaign, during which more than 160,000 pets were adopted and over $628,000 was raised to support participating shelters and rescue organizations.

For Hill's, supporting shelters is a year-round commitment. Through its Food, Shelter & Love program, the company has spent the past 24 years providing nutrition to shelters across North America. Since the program began, Hill's says it has helped more than 16 million pets find homes while donating over $300 million worth of pet food to shelter partners.

Throughout August, adopters at participating shelters will also receive Hill's adoption kits containing Science Diet starter food, coupons, and other supplies to help pets transition into their new homes.

For veterinary professionals, campaigns like Clear The Shelters are about more than increasing adoption numbers. Every pet that finds a permanent home creates space for another animal in need, easing overcrowding while allowing shelters to focus their limited resources on medical care, rehabilitation, and lifesaving efforts.

Whether you're looking to adopt, foster, volunteer, or donate, August offers an opportunity to make a meaningful difference for shelter pets across the country. With Hutcherson and Hill's once again shining a spotlight on adoption, organizers hope 2026 will become another record-breaking year for animals waiting for a second chance.