Empty the Shelters: Fee-Waived Adoptions for Large Dogs
BISSELL Pet Foundation, a national nonprofit dedicated to ending pet homelessness, is once again prompting a nationwide call for adoption through its Empty the Shelters event.
During our participation from May 3-13, all large adult dogs (30+ pounds and 6 months or older) will have their adoption fees waived, thanks to the support of BISSELL Pet Foundation.
Why It Matters
“Ten years ago, Empty the Shelters began with a simple goal—to bring awareness to the incredible cats and dogs in shelters,” said Cathy Bissell, Founder of BISSELL Pet Foundation. “Today, it has grown into a national effort that has helped nearly 400,000 pets find families. Those adoptions have opened space for other pets to enter shelters, provided relief for shelter teams, and created the heartwarming joy that only adoption can bring.”
At The Animal Foundation, hundreds of large dogs are waiting for a second chance. By adopting during Empty the Shelters, you’ll not only change the life of one pet—you’ll help us open kennel space for another animal in need.
How the Adoption Process Works
🐾 Visit our adoption search page before coming to the shelter to browse adoptable pets.
🐾 Use the QR code on our adoption lobby door to join the virtual waitlist. The waitlist opens at 8:00 am.
🐾 Please make sure to return by 11 am when the doors open.
🐾 Depending on the volume of patrons each day, adoption services may close before 7 PM once our capacity is reached. We recommend arriving early.
🐾 When you arrive, you may browse the adoption area for a pet, or if you have an animal in mind, please note the animal ID#, and you’ll be able to speak with an adoption counselor.
🐾 We do not place holds on pets.
🐾 Please do not bring your current pets for introductions—the shelter environment doesn’t provide an accurate picture of how pets will interact at home.
🐾 The fee-waived adoptions include spay/neuter surgery, up-to-date vaccines, and a microchip.
About Empty the Shelters
Since its inception in 2016, Empty the Shelters has helped nearly 400,000 pets find loving homes, making it the largest funded adoption event in the country. The program partners with more than 6,025 shelters and rescues across the U.S. and Canada to help pets find loving homes.
To learn more about BISSELL Pet Foundation and Empty the Shelters, visit www.bissellpetfoundation.org/empty-the-shelters.