Summer adoption event takes place nationwide July 10-12 to find forever homes for homeless pets

BISSELL Pet Foundation’s (BPF) Empty the Shelters (ETS) event will take place July 10-12. Over 160 of BPF’s shelter and rescue partners, including Young-Williams Animal Center, are participating in this reduced fee adoption event which will aim to find forever homes for thousands of cats and dogs. Thanks to BISSELL Pet Foundation, now’s the time to adopt a new best friend for $25 or less.

“It is always a busy time for our shelter following the 4th of July, as fireworks can cause pets to panic and run away,” Young-Williams Animal Center CEO Janet Testerman says. “Our hope is that they will be reunited with their owners and that ‘Empty the Shelters’ will ensure the animals at our shelter find a loving home. The more adoptions we have, the more space opens up for stray and lost pets.”

The adoption special at Young-Williams Animal Center will be available from Friday, July 10, to Sunday, July 12, 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.

With fostering pets becoming so prevalent during COVID-19, BPF also will honor foster-to-adopt cases that start as fosters during the weekend of July 10-12 and are finalized up to one week after the event.

“The increase in shelter intake puts pressure on our partners, who are already working with limited staff and funding due to COVID-19,” said Cathy Bissell, founder of BISSELL Pet Foundation. “The best way for us to support them is to help their pets find loving homes.”

Young-Williams Animal Center will work with interested adopters to schedule meet-and-greet appointments following local COVID-19 guidelines.

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 at Young-Williams Animal Center 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.

“Bringing awareness to adoptable animals in shelters is a priority for BPF,” Bissell said. “Over four years, the Empty the Shelters program continues to prove that with a little patience and research, you can find any breed you’re looking for at a shelter near you. It’s really a win-win for homeless pets and adopters.”

Since the program began in 2016, Empty the Shelters has found homes for 37,394 pets and counting. During the COVID-19 pandemic alone, 6,231 pets were adopted during two ETS events executed by appointment only.

If you’re unable to adopt, please consider supporting BISSELL Pet Foundation’s work at www.bissellpetfoundation.org/donate.