In October, BISSELL Pet Foundation’s annual Fall National Empty the Shelters™ event once again proved to be a lifesaver for homeless pets across the United States. A new adoption record was set as 20,636 pets found loving homes. With shelters nationwide at critical capacity and struggling to keep up with intakes and prolonged shelter stays, these adoptions were a much-needed relief for shelters and their dedicated teams. On average, 1,400 shelter pets were adopted daily at Empty the Shelters.

During the event, which ran from October 1-14, BPF sponsored adoption fees so shelters could reduce prices to $50 or less to raise awareness for deserving pets. As a result, 10,795 cats and 9,841 dogs found loving homes at 360 shelters across 43 states. Countless additional lives were impacted as every single adoption saves a life and creates space to save another.  

Here are a few of their heartwarming adoption stories:   

• Fred, a mixed-breed dog from SPCA of Brazoria County, was the longest resident at the shelter when he found his adoptive home during BPF’s Fall National Empty the Shelters event. After 764 days, Fred’s new family fell in love with him and he finally went home!
• Janey, an 8-year-old cat from Humane Society of Tulsa, was adopted and reunited with her two siblings, Steve and Jerry. After their owner passed away, these sweet kitty siblings were taken to the city shelter. Steve and Jerry remained at the shelter while the Humane Society of Tulsa transferred Janey into their care. When Steve and Jerry’s adopter learned that there was a third sibling in the group, she immediately drove to the Humane Society of Tulsa to adopt Janey during Empty the Shelters! We are thrilled that this kitty family will get to live out the rest of their days together.
• Sassy & Boss, a bonded brother-sister pair were rescued by SPCA of Brevard from Live Oak Animal Shelter before Hurricane Helene made landfall. Their connection was undeniable, and the SPCA team knew they had to find a home together. Their adopters had recently experienced the heartbreak of losing their beloved pet. It was love at first sight when they met Sassy and Boss during Empty the Shelters. We couldn’t be happier for this pair and their new family!
• Snowball, a shy Siamese kitten, was taken in by Charlotte-Mecklenburg Animal Care & Control after a concerned citizen found his litter outside. He immediately became a favorite with the shelter staff and volunteers, although adopters often passed him by for more outgoing kittens. During Empty the Shelters, an adopter came in seeking a companion for her older cat and fell in love, and the bond with Snowball was instant. Today, Snowball has blossomed into a playful and affectionate family member.
• Beetlejuice, a mixed-breed dog, was found by Northeast Arkansas Humane Society after being abandoned. He was missing almost all his hair and required medicated baths, medication, and some TLC before being made available for adoption. This sweet pup is finally feeling better and was adopted quickly during Empty the Shelters!