BISSELL Pet Foundation is holding an extra Empty the Shelters event to help shelters across the country as they face an adoption crisis.

A news release from BISSELL says that this specific event is to get large dogs (40+ pounds), senior dogs (7+ years), and adult cats (6 months+) into homes. All across the U.S., animal shelters are reporting a 30-50% decrease in adoptions this summer, but the amount of animals coming in is up 6-13%. The result is overcrowding and pets staying longer in the shelters.

All next week, August 16 through the 22nd, the Big Dog & Cat Crisis will take place at over 80 shelters in 27 states. BISSELL will cover adoption fees on dogs and cats $25 or less.

Courtesy of BISSELL Pet Foundation
Courtesy of BISSELL Pet Foundation
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The following West Michigan shelters will partake in the event:

  • Humane Society of West Michigan - Grand Rapids
  • Kent County Animal Shelter - Grand Rapids
  • Heaven Can Wait - Norton Shores
  • Harbor Humane Society - West Olive
  • Humane Society and Animal Rescue of Muskegon - Muskegon

Not every shelter will be participating each day and some require pre-approval screenings so make sure to check your local shelter's website for further information. Puppies, kittens, and other animals will not be qualified for the sponsored adoption prices.

Founder, Cathy Bissell, commented about the animal crisis plaguing shelters and the importance of events like Empty the Shelters.

Shelters are being faced with tough decisions, such as euthanizing healthy, wonderful pets. We hope this event and the facilitated animal transports can provide some much-needed relief for shelters in dire need of support.

If adopting isn't an option for you at the moment, consider helping with the overcrowding by becoming a foster pet parent or making a donation to help with expenses.

Since starting in 2016, Empty the Shelters has helped almost 54,000 animals find their forever homes.

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One of the reasons overcrowding is occurring is because people are sadly returning the pets they adopted over the pandemic.

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