Lake Humane Society taking part in ‘Empty the Shelters’ program

After successfully finding forever homes for 18,359 pets in 2020 alone, Bissell Pet Foundation is again aiming to “Empty the Shelters” by sponsoring reduced adoption fees of $25 or less at 200 participating shelters and rescues in 36 states May 5-9.

Locally, the Lake Humane Society is taking part.

In 2016, Bissell Pet Foundation created this reduced-fee adoption event to make an immediate impact on the nation’s ongoing pet homelessness problem, according to a news release. Since then, this program has encouraged prospective pet owners to consider adoption as their first option when bringing a pet into their family.

Since its inception, the program has expanded its reach from 24 shelters in one state to 365 shelters in 43 states and Canada.

The foundation is seeking donations to continue to expand ETS to more areas, and 100% of contributions will go directly to fund pet adoptions, the release stated.

“The national Empty the Shelters event in May will be our largest yet, and as a small foundation, we are incredibly proud to see the growth of this program as we continue to expand its impact,” said founder Cathy Bissell in the release. “Empty the Shelters not only helps our shelter partners free up space in their facilities, but it places pets in permanent homes. It’s a win-win for everyone involved… our partners, ETS adopters, and most importantly, the pets.”

The foundation will also honor foster-to-adopt cases that start as fosters during May 5-9 and are finalized up to one week after the event.

Families are urged to do their research prior to May 5, as many participating organizations are still operating under restricted protocols and procedures.