120 Animal Shelters to Participate in a National Empty the Shelters adoption special May 9-17
If there’s a silver lining in the wake of the pandemic, it’s the increase in adoptions and foster families stepping up to take a pet into their home at a time when it’s needed the most. After successfully finding forever homes for 3,325 pets in the past month, BISSELL Pet Foundation is once again aiming to Empty the Shelters across the country, by appointment only, starting Saturday, May 9 through Sunday, May 17.
You can adopt a pet from one of the 120+ participating organizations for $25 and BPF will sponsor the remainder of the adoption fee. Plus, for one week following this Empty the Shelters promotion, BPF will also cover the same cost for new foster families who fall in love and decide to adopt their pets. All adoptions will be facilitated by appointment only to adhere to social distancing guidelines.
Shelters are struggling with decreased foot traffic and fewer available staff and volunteers to care for their animals. As vulnerable populations become ill, pets inevitably will be surrendered by owners who can no longer care for them. The combined impact is devastating for those trying to keep pets alive. BPF is encouraging prospective pet parents to consider adopting from their local shelter or rescue first.
“As a foundation, we pivoted quickly to help ensure adoptions continue,” said Cathy Bissell, Founder of BISSELL Pet Foundation. “I am extremely proud of our incredible shelter partners who are adapting to this new norm of virtual visits, online paperwork and adoptions facilitated by appointment only.”
Over 120 organizations in 32 states are participating including:
- Animal Care Service – San Antonio, TX
- Athens Animal Rescue Shelter – Athens, TX
- Houston Humane Society – Houston, TX
- Humane Society of Angelina County – Lufkin, TX
- Humane Society of Cedar Creek Lake – Tool, TX
For more information, or to view all participating locations, visit www.bissellpetfoundation.org/ets.
Adoptable pets can be found on shelter websites or Facebook pages. Once an online application is submitted for a pet, shelter staff will work with potential adopters to schedule an in-person appointment with social distancing in mind.
If you’re unable to adopt, please consider supporting BPF’s upcoming virtual walkathon, Walktail, “the Best DOG-GONE Walk in the Country,” which will raise critical funds for shelters and the animals in their care. This is essential to the mission to end pet homelessness amidst the cancellation of scheduled fundraising events due to COVID-19.
About BISSELL Pet Foundation:
BISSELL Pet Foundation is a charitable 501©(3) nonprofit organization with a mission to help reduce the number of animals in shelters through pet adoption, spay/neuter programs, microchipping and emergency support. Founded in 2011 by Cathy Bissell, BPF is an extension of her long-standing love for animals and commitment to their welfare. BPF has since partnered with over 5,000 shelters and rescues across the U.S. and Canada to help pets find loving homes. The foundation is supported by generous donors and BISSELL Homecare, Inc where every purchase saves pets. To learn more, visit www.bissellpetfoundation.org.