There are many homeless animals in Muskingum County looking for a family just as friendly as they are.

National Clear the Shelter Day is Saturday, and both the Animal Shelter Society and the Muskingum County Dog Warden and Adoption Center are celebrating the holiday.

Last year was the shelter’s first year making an event out of the holiday, and this year the dog warden is jumping in on the event too.

The Jonard family approached the shelter last year about doing something special for the animals. That discussion evolved into a sponsorship for the Clear the Shelter 2017 event.

The family sponsored the adoption fees, as well as licensing for the animals adopted.

On an average Saturday, the shelter adopts out about 10 to 13 animals, Executive Director of The Animal Shelter Society, Inc., Jody Murray said. During the Clear the Shelter event, all 92 animals that were able to be adopted from the shelter went home with a family.

While the shelter was open until 4 p.m. during the event, all available animals had been adopted by about 1:30 p.m.

The Jonard family, with the addition of Beth Glass, Sherry Ryan, Stephanie and Daren Hill, Century National Bank and an anonymous donor, has decided to sponsor adoptions and tags for animals from both the shelter and the adoption center.

The Dog Warden and Adoption Center is hoping to empty out a few kennels as it’s been experiencing a high volume of furry residents.

“We’ve been at really high numbers these last few months and can’t seem to get them down,” Deputy Dog Warden, Joshua Martinez, said. “We get dogs that leave, get adopted, go to rescue but as soon as they’re gone, their spots are filled right back up.”

The shelter will have a Domino’s Pizza trailer, stands from local pet stores, and a DJ in the parking lot of the event. While the shelter offers a small variety of different animals, the adoption center strictly houses a selection of “man’s best friend.”

Each location is anticipating a large turnout. There will be a screening process at both locations to ensure that people are eligible to take home an animal and that the animal they’re choosing is going to be the best fit for their home.

Hours of operation will be 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. for the shelter and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for the adoption center. Those hours of operation are contingent upon adoptions and if animals are still available.

People are encouraged to visit either, or both, locations to visit and meet animals throughout the week before the adoption event on Saturday.

“We’re hopefully going to clear the shelter again this year,” Murray said.