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A smiling boy, woman, and another woman pose with a happy husky dog in front of a fence with empty the shelters logos at an outdoor pet adoption event.

Adopted 2018

Our Programs

Empty the Shelters®

Empty Shelters = Lives Saved

Adoption saves two lives – the adopted pet and the one who takes their place in the shelter.

As the nation’s largest funded adoption event, Empty the Shelters helps homeless pets find families by making adoption affordable for prospective pet owners. We do this by supporting participating organizations with reimbursement for each pet adopted.

This lifesaving reduced-fee adoption event is a Win-Win-Win:

Adopters win because BPF helps offset adoption fees, making it possible to take home a spayed or neutered, fully vaccinated, and microchipped pet who’s ready to be loved for $70 or less.
Shelters win because the event brings awareness and foot traffic, helping pets get adopted.
And, most importantly, every pet wins by finding
a loving home!

Events are held quarterly. Follow us on social media to see announcements for upcoming events.

Frequently Asked Questions

Find a Shelter Near You Donate to Empty the Shelters

Empty the Shelters Impact Since 2016

374,764

Adoptions Since 2016 through Empty the Shelters

A smiling person in an orange shirt holds a cat in front of a backdrop featuring Empty the Shelters, BISSELL Pet Foundation, and BISSELL logos.

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Participating Partners

Two smiling children stand in an animal shelter waiting area. The boy holds a small tan kitten, while the girl holds a sign reading, “This adoption was made possible by BISSELL Pet Foundation.” 0.

A smiling woman kneels outdoors beside a golden retriever puppy wearing a cone, holding an Empty the Shelters adoption sign. Trees, a wooden bench, and parked cars are in the background on this sunny day.

49

States + Canada

Empty the Shelters is the nation’s largest funded adoption event.

How it Works

A smiling woman holds a small dog and a sign reading, This adoption was made possible by BISSELL Pet Foundation! outside an animal shelter on a sunny day, celebrating the joy of pet adoption.

Shelters in 49 States and Canada

Hundreds of BPF shelter partners across the country participate to connect homeless pets with families.

A smiling woman and two kids, both in glasses, pose with kittens in front of an Empty the Shelters sign. The girl sports a sequined owl purse as they each hold or pet a kitten.

Pet Adoptions at a Reduced Fee

Thanks to BPF, adopters pay no more than $70 to adopt their new best friend who comes home spayed or neutered, vaccinated and microchipped.

Two smiling children stand outdoors; one holds a small dog and the other proudly displays a sign saying, “This adoption was made possible by BISSELL Pet Foundation!” Lush green trees and grass fill the background.

More Pets Find Loving Homes

Affordable adoption fees allow more pets to find homes opening lifesaving kennel space to allow shelters to save more lives.

Empty the Shelters National Media Coverage

Three people kneel on grass, smiling and posing with a happy husky mix dog in front of a backdrop displaying “empty the shelters” and various sponsor logos.

Adopted 2018

What to Expect

Become a Participating Shelter!

A happy dog with light fur and a colorful bandana stands outdoors on grass, looking at the camera. In the background, a person in a green shirt sits in a folding chair near their 0 camping gear.

100% of your donation will directly benefit pets in need.

Donate to Empty the Shelters