It is time once again to find "fur-ever" homes for dogs and cats that are currently in area shelters.

Almost 40 shelters in Michigan will be participating in the Bissell Foundation's "Empty the Shelters" event, which starts on Monday, December 6th and runs for two weeks.

This will be the first time the event has run for this length of time. Future pet owners will be able to adopt an animal from the shelter for a discounted price of just $25 or less through Monday, December 20th.

The Empty the Shelters event has found homes for almost 70,000 pets in the United States and Canada over the years.

Shelter requirements for adoption vary, so be sure to contact the shelter directly to find out about their adoption process.

Where Can I Go to Adopt a Animal During Empty the Shelters?

Participating shelters here in West Michigan include:

If you are outside of the West Michigan area, you can find your nearest shelter on the Bissell Pet Foundation website.

Pets Can Improve Your Health

According to the WebMD.com website there are health advantages to owning a pet.

  • A number of studies suggest that kids growing up in a home with "furred" animals have less risk of allergies and asthma.
  • Dogs are a natural conversation starter. Having a dog is a great way to meet new people.
  • Alzheimer's patients have fewer anxious outbursts if there is an animal around.
  • Pets are good for the mind and soul. Many people are less likely to suffer from depression if they have a pet.
  • They are good for the heart. Heart attack patients with pets survive longer that those without a pet. Studies have even shown that owning a dog can lower your triglyceride and cholesterol levels.
  • Pets are also good companions for children with learning disabilities.

Maybe it is time to open up your home -- to become a fur-ever home -- for a cat or dog that is up for adoption!

 

Check out these 50 fascinating facts about dogs:

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