Michigan Company Launches National Empty the Shelter Event

A national program that seeks to pair shelter animals with loving pet parents is based right here in Michigan.

The Bissell Pet Foundation's annual 'Empty the Shelters Holiday Hope' Event begins today (12/1) and runs thought December 17 at most participating shelters. The Bissell Pet Foundation is based in Grand Rapids and is a division of the Michigan-based Bissell vacuum cleaner company.

 Empty the Shelters Event

The Bissell Pet Foundation began its annual Empty the Shelters event in 2016. The organization helps make pet adoption affordable by reimbursing participating animal shelters in order to lower the costs for perspective families who are looking to adopt. Since its inception the foundation has helped find homes for more than 210,000 pets and has participating shelters in 49 states and Canada.

During the annual event, adopters pay no more than $50 in adoption fees. Some participating shelters choose to lower their adoption fees to $25. All animals are microchipped, spayed or neutered and fully vaccinated.

Cathy Bissell is the Founder of the Bissell Pet Foundation.

"Our nation's animal shelters need your help as they face an overcrowding crisis unlike anything we have experienced in more than a decade. The devastating increase in owner surrenders and stray intakes has left tens of thousands of deserving pets desperate to find a home," Bissell said. 

 

Over 40 Participating Shelters in Michigan

Shelters across the US and Canada are participating in this annual event, helping shelter pets find their fur-ever homes. There are more than 40 participating shelters in Michigan, including these in the Southeast Michigan area.

• Genesee County Animal Control in Flint
• Lapeer County Animal Control in Lapeer
• Shiawassee County Humane Society in Owosso

Click here for a complete list of participating shelters in your area.