BISSELL Pet Foundation Assists Shelters Across the Country with Reduced Adoption Fees by Appointment Only
120 Animal Shelters to Participate in a National Empty the Shelters adoption special May 9-17
If there is a silver lining in the wake of the pandemic, it’s the increase in adoptions and foster families stepping up to take a pet into their home at a time when it’s needed the most. After successfully finding forever homes for 3,325 pets in the past month, BISSELL Pet Foundation is once again aiming to Empty the Shelters across the country, by appointment only, starting Saturday, May 9 through Sunday, May 17.
You can adopt a pet from one of the 120+ participating organizations for $25 and BPF will sponsor the remainder of the adoption fee. Plus, for one week following this Empty the Shelters promotion, BPF will also cover the same cost for new foster families who fall in love and decide to adopt their pets. All adoptions will be facilitated by appointment only to adhere to social distancing guidelines.
Shelters are struggling with decreased foot traffic and fewer available staff and volunteers to care for their animals. BPF is encouraging prospective pet parents to consider adopting from their local shelter or rescue first.
“As a foundation we pivoted quickly to help ensure adoptions continue,” said Cathy Bissell, Founder of BISSELL Pet Foundation. “I am extremely proud of our incredible shelter partners who are adapting to this new norm of virtual visits, online paperwork and adoptions facilitated by appointment only.”
Over 120 organizations in 32 states are participating including Young-Williams Animal Center.
The adoption special at Young-Williams Animal Center will be available from Saturday, May 9, to Sunday, May 17, from 10 a.m.-6 p.m., with a break from 1-2 p.m. for animal quiet time. Pets will be available for adoption at the main shelter at 3201 Division St., off Sutherland Avenue.
Adoption staff will help potential adopters find the right pet for their lifestyle and needs and complete the application process online, over the phone and by email. Every animal adopted during the special promotion will receive the same services covered by the regular adoption fees, which include a veterinary exam, spay/neuter surgery, some standard vaccinations, a microchip with registration and more.
For more information about Young-Williams Animal Center, call 865-215-6599 or visit http://www.young-williams.org//.
To find a participating location near you, visit www.bissellpetfoundation.org/ets.
Adoptable pets can be found on shelter websites or Facebook pages. Once an onlineapplication is submitted for a pet, shelter staff will work with potential adopters to schedule an in-person appointment with social distancing in mind. If you’re unable to adopt, please consider supporting BPF’s upcoming virtual walkathon, Walktail, “the Best DOG-GONE Walk in the Country,” which will raise critical funds for shelters and the animals in their care. This is essential to the mission to end pet homelessness amidst the cancellation of scheduled fundraising events due to COVID-19.