Josh Hutcherson Teams Up with Hill's Pet Nutrition for Shelters Initiative

A Lifeline for Shelter Pets: Josh Hutcherson Joins Hill's Pet Nutrition

This August, a vital alliance is set to bring transformative change to the lives of shelter animals across the United States as celebrated actor Josh Hutcherson partners with Hill's Pet Nutrition for the eighth consecutive year. Together, they aim to enhance the experiences of pets in shelters during the highly anticipated Clear The Shelters campaign, occurring from August 1st to 31st.

According to the 2025 State of Shelter Pet Adoption Report released by Hill's Pet Nutrition, nearly two-thirds of Americans are open to adopting their next furry companion from a shelter. Yet, the sobering statistics reveal that 5.8 million cats and dogs entered shelters last year alone. Despite a slight reduction in intakes, the situation remains dire, emphasizing an urgent need for action to connect long-held intentions with actual adoptions.

Josh Hutcherson, known for his roles in various films that often portray the underdog, shared his heartfelt connection to the cause. "Adopting my rescue dogs, Manchi and Driver, changed my life and motivated my passion for helping shelter pets. It means so much for me to partner with Hill’s, a brand that I trust and use for my own rescues. Their commitment to finding homes for pets and their overarching mission are truly commendable."

The campaign kicked off with Hutcherson personally visiting one of Hill's long-term shelter partners, Pasadena Humane. There, he interacted with shelter pets and shared their stories, amplifying the voices of countless animals just waiting for a chance at a loving home. Among the many animals he interacted with were Catnip the cat and Pita Bread the dog, both of whom will receive complimentary Hill's Science Diet pet food for three months upon their adoption.

Ways to Get Involved

To combat the barriers many face in adopting pets, such as financial concerns, Hutcherson and Hill's encourage the community to unite in fostering and adopting shelter animals. Dr. Chelsie Estey, U.S. Chief Veterinary Officer at Hill's, noted the necessity for collaboration: "Getting involved in this initiative requires the collective efforts of shelter staff, potential adopters, and passionate advocates like Hutcherson. We aim to create a world where every pet finds a loving home."

There are several ways you can make a difference in shelter pets' lives:

1. Adopt: Providing a home to a shelter pet is incredibly rewarding. To support new pet owners, Hill's is supplying adoption kits at selected shelters throughout August, which will include starter bags of Hill's Science Diet, exclusive coupons, and other resources.

2. Foster: If adopting isn't currently an option for you, consider fostering, which is a crucial step in enabling shelter pets to transition to permanent homes. Hill's has formed a partnership with renowned kitten care advocate, Kitten Lady, Hannah Shaw, to promote fostering initiatives.
- Shaw emphasizes the importance of fostering, stating, "Fostering provides a lifeline for pets on their journey towards finding their forever families. It’s a profound act of compassion without the need for a lifelong commitment."

3. Donate: For every donation made to the Clear The Shelters Fund through Greater Good Charities, Hill's and Hutcherson will match contributions up to $25,000 until September 15th. Each dollar directly supports local shelters and their incredible endeavors.

4. Shop: By purchasing Hill's products, you also contribute to providing premium nutrition for shelter pets across the nation. Look for special promotions throughout August that benefit these animals, including discounts online and in-store.

Hill’s Pet Nutrition has proudly sponsored the Clear The Shelters campaign since its beginning, helping nearly 1.2 million pets find loving homes and donating over $5 million to participating shelters. Their dedication remains unyielding, as the program plays a pivotal role in making August a peak month for pet adoptions.

As the largest national supporter of Clear The Shelters, Hill's has made substantial strides in animal welfare, aiding more than 15 million adoptions and providing vital nutritional resources valued at over $300 million to shelters across North America.

To learn more about getting involved, or to become part of this transformative initiative, visit HillsClearTheShelters.com. Hill's Pet Nutrition continues to be an industry leader by not only focusing on the health and nutrition of pets but also making a significant impact on animal welfare through advocacy and outreach efforts.