Over 100 shelters in the U.S. & Canada will offer $25 suggested donation during the ‘Empty the Shelters’ event on May 4

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. April 18, 2019 — Pet lovers in Knoxville will have the opportunity to adopt a pet for $25 suggested donation  with BISSELL Pet Foundation sponsoring the remaining cost on Saturday, May 4. To encourage adoption and relieve overcrowded shelters, the Michigan-based nonprofit will celebrate National Pet Month with its first Empty the Shelters event of 2019 at 110 participating shelters in 20 states and in Vaudreuil-Dorion, Canada. Since the program began in 2017, nearly 20,000 pets have found their forever homes through 10 Empty the Shelters events.

“Shelters are more crowded than ever, and we have to help them,” said Cathy Bissell, Founder of BISSELL Pet Foundation. “Empty the Shelters brings awareness for adoption and makes people consider bringing a pet into their home, whether it’s their first pet or an addition to their pack. It’s been an extremely successful program to save lives and we hope this event will help thousands of pets get the second chance they deserve.”

All adoptable pets available during Empty the Shelters will be microchipped and spayed/neutered. BPF now requires that all pets’ microchips must be registered to the adopters before they leave the event to increase the chance of pets reuniting with their owners, if lost. A microchip registration fee and license fee will apply—costs may vary by location. 

Many shelters require preapproval, which may necessitate an in-person visit the week leading up to the event. Adopters are encouraged to get preapproved to ensure they can adopt on May 4. To see a list of all participating locations, hours of operation, adoption requirements and available pets, please visit www.bissellpetfoundation.org/ETS.

BPF has impacted over 180,000 pets through grant funding for adoption, spay/neuter, microchipping and foster care since inception in 2011.

Please be reminded that adopting a pet is a long-term commitment. If you’re not able to adopt, please consider supporting BISSELL Pet Foundation’s lifesaving work at bissellpetfoundation.org/donate.