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Adopted 2018

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BISSELL Pet Foundation touches the lives of pets every day. Get the latest news and read more about our lifesaving work, events and happy tails.

Two fluffy brown and white puppies are inside a metal crate, looking out through the bars. One puppy is resting its nose against the bars. There is a colorful plus sign in the bottom right corner.
November 12, 2024

2024 Impact Report

2024 has been a year defined by more – more access, more urgency and more happy tails than ever before.

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A woman in a navy hat and sweater crouches on grass, smiling and hugging a black and white dog. Behind them is a blue bus with dog images in the windows and trees in the background.
August 19, 2025 Updates

In the News: Cathy Bissell on the Oh Behave Podcast

Cathy Bissell recently joined the Oh Behave Podcast to share insights on animal welfare, leading a successful nonprofit, and building a lasting impact for pets across the country.

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A black and white dog wearing a pink collar sits inside a metal crate, looking out with a sad expression.
August 15, 2025 Cathy’s Blog

Standing Together for Shelter Pets: Understanding the Difference Between Municipal and Private Shelters

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A small brown dog with a pink collar sits on grass near a wooden and gravel border next to a shed, panting with its tongue out.
August 13, 2025 Cathy’s Blog

Curly’s Second Chance – The Power of Saying “Yes”

When it comes to helping animals, most people think of rescue stories...

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Rescue workers in orange gear use a boat to save a pet in a carrier from a flooded house, passing the carrier through a window.
August 8, 2025 Updates

Why Self-Deployment During Disasters Hurts More Than It Helps in Animal Welfare 

When disaster strikes, the instinct to help, especially for those of us in animal welfare, is immediate and heartfelt. We want to...

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A gray and white kitten with a pink nose looks out from behind the metal bars of a cage. A red banner with the word RESIST in white letters is placed diagonally across the top left corner.
August 5, 2025 Cathy’s Blog

Spay & Neuter: The Investment Too Few Are Making

When it comes to helping animals, most people think of rescue stories...

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Three women smile outdoors while holding two puppies, one light-colored and one dark, on a sunny day with bare trees and parked cars in the background.
July 28, 2025 Newsletter

The Dish

In case you haven’t heard, BISSELL Pet Foundation is launching a RESISTANCE to end...

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A sad black and white dog looks out from behind the bars of a cage. A red banner with the word RESIST appears in the top left corner of the image.
July 16, 2025 Cathy’s Blog

This Is a Resistance

BISSELL Pet Foundation is launching a RESISTANCE.

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A smiling person in sunglasses holds a brown dog on a leash in front of an animal care services vehicle with a kennel compartment. The weather is sunny with a blue sky and some clouds.
July 11, 2025 Cathy’s Blog

Texas Pets Fly to a Second Chance From a Disaster and a Crisis

Today, nearly one hundred pets boarded a lifesaving flight from Texas to our incredible shelter partners...

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A small, reddish-brown dog with pointy ears and a fluffy tail looks at the camera while standing indoors on a tiled floor, wearing a black harness.
June 30, 2025 Cathy’s Blog

Ali’s Story

BPF transports Ali to her second chance.

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A fluffy white dog stands on a sidewalk with its eyes closed and mouth open, appearing to smile. Green grass surrounds the path, and the dog’s tail is slightly blurred, suggesting movement.
June 18, 2025 Newsletter

The Dish

We’re thrilled to share a major milestone for BISSELL Pet Foundation: this month, we impacted our one millionth pet!

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A smiling woman wearing a cap and a dark hoodie kneels beside a tan dog with a red collar. The dog is panting happily, and they are outside near a metal fence on a sunny day.
June 13, 2025 Cathy’s Blog

The Crisis in Our Nation’s Animal Shelters: Too Many Animals, Too Little Support

Cathy Bissell speaks out on the nationwide shelter crisis.

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A smiling woman in a cap and hoodie holds a black and white dog on a blue leash, standing in front of a vehicle with dog rescue signage.
May 20, 2025 Cathy’s Blog

The Lifesaving Benefits of Responsible Pet Transport

Cathy Bissell talks about the lifesaving benefits of responsible pet transport

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A happy brown and white dog with floppy ears stands on green grass, looking up at the camera with its mouth open and tongue slightly out.
May 20, 2025 Newsletter

The Dish

BISSELL Blocktail Party 2025, The Best DOG-GONE Party in Town, is two weeks away!

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A brown and white dog wearing a blue jersey sits on a baseball field. In front of the dog are a blue baseball cap with “HP” on it and a baseball. The background is a scoreboard and blurred stadium seats.
April 28, 2025 Newsletter

The Dish

You can fill your home with love and give a shelter pet a better life during BPF’s Spring National Empty the Shelters® May 1–15.

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A smiling woman in a black cap and sweatshirt holds a black puppy in one arm and a yellow puppy in the other, standing in front of a light-colored, indoor background.
April 8, 2025 Cathy’s Blog

Barriers to Adoption

Cathy Bissell shares honest insight on the barriers to adoption.

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Three smiling women kneel on grass in front of an animal rescue van decorated with images of cats and dogs. A tan dog stands in the foreground, looking towards the camera.
March 25, 2025 Newsletter

The Dish

In late February, severe flooding devastated multiple counties in Eastern Kentucky, adding to the burden on the area’s already overcrowded shelters.

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A woman in a red cap smiles while kneeling and hugging a large black and brown dog. She holds a black umbrella over them as they stand on a grassy path in a rainy, wooded area.
March 11, 2025 Cathy’s Blog

BISSELL Pet Foundation Ramps Up Crisis Response Amid Rising Large-Scale Neglect Cases

Cathy Bissell shares insights on the increasing trend in large-scale cruelty cases

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A small, light-colored pug stands on its hind legs inside a metal kennel, pressing its paw and face against the bars, looking out with wide eyes. A yellow towel is visible on a raised bed in the background.
March 5, 2025 Updates

256 Discarded Breeding Dogs Receive Second Chances

More than 200 commercially bred dogs were provided with second chances

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A close-up of a brown and white puppy with a black nose and soulful eyes, wearing a collar, being gently held by a person in a blue shirt.
February 26, 2025 Newsletter

The Dish

February is Spay/Neuter Awareness Month, and we need your help!

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A smiling woman in a red hat and black shirt crouches next to a happy tan dog outdoors, with a light brown building and greenery in the background.
February 7, 2025 Cathy’s Blog

What’s in a Name? Decoding Puppy Mills & Commercial Breeders

Cathy Bissell unveils the truth behind high-volume pet breeding facilities

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Four smiling women pose together indoors with a curly-haired black dog on a leash in front, all crouching close and appearing happy. Colorful signs and a window are visible in the background.
January 27, 2025 Newsletter

The Dish

Before we get too far into 2025, I'd like to take a moment to thank you for saving lives with us last year.

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A group of 25 people, mostly women in colorful summer dresses, pose together and smile outdoors in front of a modern building on a clear day.
January 21, 2025 Updates

Meet the 2025 Junior Board of Directors!

Get to know BISSELL Pet Foundation's 2025 Junior Board of Directors!

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A smiling woman with blonde hair crouches next to a brown and white dog on a leash, gently holding its face, outside near a metal fence on a sunny day.
January 15, 2025 Cathy’s Blog

The “Kill” Label is Killing Our Nation’s Pets

Cathy Bissell urges animal welfare professionals and pet lovers to stop labeling shelters as "kill shelters."

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A smiling woman in a black beanie and jacket holds a black puppy in a large indoor space with an American flag on the wall and several pet carriers in the background.
January 9, 2025 Updates

In the News: Cathy Bissell is Revolutionizing Animal Welfare With Compassion

Animal Politics with Ed Boks interviews Cathy Bissell's compassionate approach to animal welfare.

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A smiling couple sits together on a white bench outside, holding a sign and leash. A large brown and black dog wearing a harness stands in front of them. There is a light brick wall and plants in the background.
December 27, 2024 Updates

A Holiday Miracle: 21,473 Pets Find Homes During Empty the Shelters™ – Holiday Hope

Thousands of pets find loving homes just in time for the holidays!

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A smiling woman with long blonde hair holds a light brown kitten close to her chest. She is wearing a navy vest and standing indoors, with blurred people and shelves in the background.
December 23, 2024 Cathy’s Blog

Spay & Neuter Soars As Fix the Future™ Ramps Up Across the County

Cathy Bissell shares an update on the incredible lifesaving BPF's Fix the Future™ free spay/neuter program.

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A smiling adult and child pose indoors with a happy dog on a leash. The child holds a sign about pet adoption and supporting emptying shelters. Wrapped gifts are visible in the background.
December 18, 2024 Newsletter

The Dish

Holiday wishes are coming true for pets across the country thanks to your support of Empty the Shelters!

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Two brown dogs with pointed ears are inside a black metal crate. One dog has its paw pressed against the bars, and both are looking out with alert expressions.
December 10, 2024 Updates

BISSELL Pet Foundation Saves 200+ Dogs Surrendered from Commercial Breeders

More than 200 commercially bred dogs were provided with second chances

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A close-up of a gray tabby cat with striking green-yellow eyes, looking directly at the camera. The background is softly blurred, highlighting the cats face and expressive gaze.
December 4, 2024 Updates

In the News: Finding Forever Homes for America’s Animals

The Story Exchange spotlights Cathy Bissell's incredible achievements.

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A tan dog with a gentle expression wears a collar and leash, sitting close to a person in a blue shirt that has text reading operation fix on it. The persons hand rests supportively on the dogs neck.
December 3, 2024 Newsletter

The Dish

A record-breaking 20,636 pets (10,795 cats and 9,841 dogs) found loving homes during BISSELL Pet Foundation’s Fall National Empty the Shelters™ event.

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A smiling woman with blonde hair gently holds and looks at a black and white dog, making eye contact in an indoor setting with orange shelves in the background.
November 27, 2024 Cathy’s Blog

Why Animal Welfare Deserves Your Support This Giving Season

Cathy Bissell shares why animal welfare organizations need your support this giving season.

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Two fluffy brown and white puppies are inside a metal crate, looking out through the bars. One puppy is resting its nose against the bars. There is a colorful plus sign in the bottom right corner.
November 12, 2024

2024 Impact Report

2024 has been a year defined by more – more access, more urgency and more happy tails than ever before.

Read More
A woman wearing a surgical cap, face mask, and gloves gently holds and nuzzles a gray and white kitten, showing affection in a veterinary clinic setting. Another person supports the kitten.
November 5, 2024 Updates

BPF’s Operation Fix the Future™ Clinic Spays/Neuters 643 Pets in Just Three Days

BPF hosted a free spay/neuter clinic for Michigan pets in October 2024.

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A smiling woman holding an orange kitten sits with three young children in an animal shelter. She holds a sign that reads, This adoption was made possible by BISSELL Pet Foundation! Cages and shelter posters are visible in the background.
October 29, 2024 Updates

20,636 Pets Adopted During BISSELL Pet Foundation Fall National Empty the Shelters™

More than 20,000 shelter pets went home during BISSELL Pet Foundation’s Fall National Empty the Shelters™ in October 2024.

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A smiling woman wearing a black cap and a grey shirt holds a fluffy, light-brown dog. The dog is nuzzling her face affectionately. The background is bright and slightly blurred.
October 25, 2024 Updates

In the News: Cathy Bissell’s Lasting Legacy With A Successful Nonprofit Organization

Authority Magazine interviews Cathy Bissell to learn more about her leadership and legacy in animal welfare.

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A woman in a red cap and white outfit kneels next to a large black and white Great Dane outdoors on a sunny day with trees, cars, and a cabin in the background.
October 23, 2024 Newsletter

The Dish

All of us at BISSELL Pet Foundation continue to hold the people and pets impacted by recent hurricanes in our hearts.

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A brown and white dog sits inside a plastic pet crate with a metal door, looking out and pressing its front paw against the gate. Other similar crates are visible on either side.
October 20, 2024 Updates

BISSELL Pet Foundation’s Lifesaving Hurricane Response

BISSELL Pet Foundation’s Animal Incident Management (AIM) team mobilized to provide essential support in response to hurricanes in fall 2024.

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A smiling woman with blonde hair, wearing a dark jacket with red lining, holds a brown and white puppy. They are outdoors on a path lined with autumn trees, with colorful leaves in the background.
October 2, 2024 Updates

In the News: Cathy Bissell Interviewed on The CEO Show Podcast

BISSELL Pet Foundation’s Founder Cathy Bissell is interviewed on The CEO Show

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Two smiling people kneel next to a happy dog wearing a harness. The woman holds a sign reading This adoption was made possible by BISSELL Pet Foundation!” A whiteboard and plants are visible in the background.
October 1, 2024 Updates

In the News: BPF’s Empty the Shelters™ Event Is a True Pet Adoption Game-Changer

Cathy Bissell was recently interviewed by ParadePets.

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A close-up of a dog with a brown and white face behind a metal cage, raising one paw against the bars and looking out with a gentle expression.
September 30, 2024 Newsletter

The Dish

Big News! On World Animal Day, October 4, BISSELL Pet Foundation will be the charity partner for a first-of-its-kind giving event on Amazon! This extraordinary opportunity...

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A smiling woman with blonde hair crouches and hugs a large, curly-haired dog on a leash in a parking lot, with several cars and trees in the background.
August 29, 2024 Cathy’s Blog

Where Does Your Money Go?

Cathy Bissell shares tips to avoid supporting disingenuous causes and people who are profiting from the plight of our nation’s homeless pets. 

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A smiling woman and two kids stand on a porch with a happy yellow dog wearing a bandana. The woman holds a sign that reads, “This adoption was made possible by BISSELL Pet Foundation.”.
August 20, 2024 Newsletter

The Dish

Tails are wagging everywhere as we celebrate a record-setting 35,159 adoptions during BISSELL Pet Foundation’s Summer National Empty the Shelters™. This lifesaving event, which took place during a period of critical...

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Four smiling kids sit outdoors with a black and white husky dog. One child holds a sign about pet adoption. Bright sunlight and an umbrella are visible in the background.
August 16, 2024 Updates

BISSELL Pet Foundation Sets New Adoption Record During Summer National Empty the Shelters™

A record-setting 35,159 adoptions took place in July 2024.

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A woman in a red cap, black top, and white pants kneels on the grass, smiling and hugging a golden retriever puppy wearing a harness. They are outdoors with trees and sunlight in the background.
August 15, 2024 Cathy’s Blog

Addressing the Disaster Within the Disaster

Cathy Bissell shares her insights on the increase in extreme weather and how animal shelters must adapt their preparation and response.

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A logo for Animal Incident Management appears beside a photo of two rescue workers in orange jackets, wading through floodwaters toward a truck loaded with wooden planks in a forested area.
August 12, 2024 Updates

BISSELL Pet Foundation’s Animal Incident Management Responds to Tropical Storm Debby

In August 2024, BISSELL Pet Foundation’s Animal Incident...

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A smiling woman with long blonde hair wearing a red cap and black shirt kneels outdoors beside a large, black and white spotted dog. They are on a gravel path with green grass behind them.
August 4, 2024 Cathy’s Blog

Euthanasia Lists Are Not the Answer 

Cathy Bissell shares insight about the reality of posting euthanasia lists.

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A smiling woman in a pink dress holds a relaxed dog in a blue outfit, while a man in a light suit stands beside them, all posing in front of a green leafy backdrop.
July 31, 2024 Newsletter

The Dish

Tails were wagging last weekend when Cathy Bissell received the Lifetime Achievement Award from Southampton Animal Shelter Foundation (SASF). As you may know, Cathy is the driving force...

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A fluffy white dog wearing a small brown hat and a red harness stands on grass, looking at the camera with its mouth open. People’s legs and hands are visible nearby.
June 27, 2024 Newsletter

The Dish

In February, Fiona was taken in as a stray by the Genessee County Animal Control (GCAC) in Flint, MI. Despite being the sweetest girl, she was never claimed by her owners. GCAC quickly identified that a ruptured knee joint was causing her...

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A smiling woman with blond hair poses indoors with a white dog, holding its shoulders. They appear to be in a large warehouse or industrial building with a metal wall and exposed beams in the background.
June 25, 2024 Cathy’s Blog

Thinking of Starting a Pet Rescue? Read This First!

Cathy Bissell shares insights on the complicated environment rescues face by asking rescue leaders how they are adapting

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A person holding a brown, tan, and black dog with pointy ears and expressive eyes. The dog looks directly at the camera while the persons face is partially out of frame.
May 24, 2024 Newsletter

The Dish

On Friday, May 17, Cathy Bissell and members of BPF's Animal Incident Management (AIM) team were on the ground in Missouri to help rescue more than 200 dogs and puppies...

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A light tan French bulldog wearing a pale pink harness sits in a soft, gray pet bed, gazing forward with a calm, slightly serious expression.
April 26, 2024 Newsletter

The Dish

If you are thinking about adding a new four-legged family member, now is the time to adopt because Empty the Shelters is back, and we have more participating organizations than ever!

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A woman in a red cap kneels next to a brown and white dog on a leash, smiling outdoors near a red wall.
April 24, 2024 Cathy’s Blog

Innovating to Save Lives

Animal welfare organizations must innovate to increase access to spay/neuter.

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A white dog with one blue eye and one brown eye stands on grass, looking up at the camera with its mouth open, wearing a leash. Another dog is partially visible in the background.
March 29, 2024 Newsletter

The Dish

BISSELL Pet Foundation's Operation Fix the Future™ free spay/neuter clinic in Grand Rapids, Michigan, took place last week and was a huge success with 903 pets

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A woman with blonde hair, wearing a black jacket, kneels and smiles while holding the face of a brown and white dog on a blue tarp. Another person stands nearby, partially visible, holding the dog’s leash.
March 8, 2024 Cathy’s Blog

Co-housing or Overcapacity?

Co-housing can save lives, but overcrowding your shelter without adequate staffing resources is simply overcapacity.

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A smiling man in a red T-shirt and cap stands next to a white truck labeled AIM Animal Incident Management and ASAR Training. The truck has a logo and is parked outside a building.
February 27, 2024 Newsletter

The Dish

Abel arrived at Greater Hillsdale Humane Society (GHHS) in Michigan in February 2023. Because he was heartworm-positive,

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A black and white dog with spotted paws stands on its hind legs, pressing its front paws and face against the bars of a cage, looking out with a curious expression. The cage floor is covered with straw.
January 29, 2024 Newsletter

The Dish

BISSELL Pet Foundation's Animal Incident Management (AIM) was contacted regarding a failed “rescue” in Arkansas...

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A group of people pose and smile together outdoors under an arch. Most are wearing wide-brimmed hats and casual clothes, with matching green and brown t-shirts that read “Russell Blocktall Cowgirl Camp.”.
January 24, 2024 Updates

Meet the 2024 Junior Board of Directors!

Get to know BISSELL Pet Foundation's 2024 Junior Board of Directors!

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A woman in a blue shirt, jeans, and a yellow cap kneels on a path, smiling and hugging a brown dog with its tongue out. They are outdoors on a sunny day with a blue sky and clouds in the background.
January 22, 2024 Cathy’s Blog

Choose Animal Shelters in 2024

Cathy Bissell encourages animal shelters and the community to make critical choices in 2024 to save the lives of pets.

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A happy white dog with light brown spots and a purple collar stands on sandy ground, looking up with bright eyes and an open-mouthed smile.
December 19, 2023 Newsletter

The Dish

We’ve just wrapped up our Empty the Shelters Holiday Hope event, and one of the many stories that captured our hearts was of former BPF Grateful Pet, Faith

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Split image: Left side shows the AIM logo with text Animal Incident Management, A BISSELL Pet Foundation Initiative. Right side shows three rescue workers in safety gear talking on a street with mountains in the background.
November 27, 2023 Updates

Eric Thompson: Animal Incident Management Deployment in Maui

It was August 8, 2023, when the island of Maui experienced...

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