TOMS RIVER, NJ — The Toms River Animal Facility is joining "Clear the Shelters" day, a nationwide push to find homes for pets in need, town officials announced.

On Saturday, Aug. 19, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. all adoption fees are being waived. Bring a photo ID and be ready to fill out adoption paperwork. Finding these pets quality homes is even more critical during the summer after the populations at shelters swell due to abandoned and surrendered pets following spring births.

"This is the second year we are participating and our hope is to have the community be as concerned in making this as successful as it was last year," Chief Animal Control Officer Rich Barbosa said.