The holiday season is a time for love, giving, and new beginnings—and this year’s Empty the Shelters™ – Holiday Hope, held from December 1–17, truly embodied the season’s spirit. We’re overjoyed to announce that during this lifesaving event, 21,473 pets, which includes 11,192 cats and 10,281 dogs, found their way into the arms of loving families just in time for the holidays. 

With the help of more than 400 participating organizations across 45 states, our final national Empty the Shelters event of the year was a beacon of possibility for pets in need. Families from coast to coast opened their hearts and homes, ensuring that thousands of deserving pets received the ultimate holiday gift: a second chance at life.

This event came at a critical time, as shelters nationwide face overwhelming challenges due to continued overcrowding, staffing shortages, and limited resources. By sponsoring reduced adoption fees, BISSELL Pet Foundation creates excitement around adoption and helps homeless pets find families by making adoption affordable for prospective pet owners.

Meet a few long-stay pets who received the gift of a new family this holiday season:

• Rose, a black and white bully mixed breed dog, was in the care of Northeast Arkansas Humane Society for 662 days when a family fell in love with her during BPF’s Empty the Shelters – Holiday Hope event! There was no shortage of happy tears at Rose left the building just in time for Christmas.
• Vega was just a tiny kitten at just four weeks old when she was brought to Animal Welfare League of Kosciusko County with her mom and siblings. She was overlooked for six months before finally being adopted during this lifesaving event. 
• Carl was the longest-resident at Harbor Humane Society when he was finally adopted after 714 days in their care during our Empty the Shelters event. His foster and shelter team never gave up hope that Carl would find his special someone! 
• Star & Wendy, a playful and sweet bonded pair of sibling cats, waited for several months at Independent Cat Society before getting the perfect home together just in time for the holidays. 
• Depeche Mode waited patiently at Friends for Animal of Metro Detroit for 191 days before he caught the eye of a local mail carrier and his fiance. They knew Depeche was perfect for their family and brought him home during the event.  

While the results of this event are heartwarming, the need continues. Countless pets are still waiting for their second chances at shelters near you. If you’ve considered adopting, there’s no better time than now. Save a life by choosing adoption today. Pets are counting on you.