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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.

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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

Blue graphic with white text reading the dish featuring a yarn ball and pet bowl icon, and subtext A BISSELL Pet Foundation Pupdate! April 2025.
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.

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.

Light blue graphic with white text reads the dish featuring a yarn ball and pet bowl icons. Below, a banner says A BISSELL Pet Foundation Pupdate! with March 2025 in a box on the right.
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.

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

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

Blue graphic with white text reading the dish alongside a yarn ball and pet bowl icon. Below, a banner says A BISSELL Pet Foundation Pupdate! Next to it, a rectangle reads February 2025.
February 26, 2025 Newsletter

The Dish

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

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

Blue graphic with the text the dish featuring a yarn ball above the i and a pet bowl with a paw print. Below reads A BISSELL Pet Foundation Pupdate! January 2025.
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.

A group of thirteen people, mostly women in colorful dresses and hats, pose and smile together outdoors next to an airplane, holding drinks and appearing to enjoy an event.
January 21, 2025 Updates

Meet the 2025 Junior Board of Directors!

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

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."

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.

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!

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.

Light blue graphic with white text that reads, the dish alongside a pet bowl icon. Below, it says, A BISSELL Pet Foundation Pupdate! and December 2024 in boxes. Playful yarn ball graphic is above the i.
December 18, 2024 Newsletter

The Dish

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

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

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.

Light blue graphic with white text reading the dish with a yarn ball and a pet bowl icon. Subtext says, A BISSELL Pet Foundation Pupdate! and November 2024 in white boxes.
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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Cathy Bissell, smiling and wearing a black hat and foundation shirt, hugs a fluffy light-colored dog. Text beside her reads, Cathy Bissell On How To Leave A Lasting Legacy.
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.

Light blue graphic with white text reading the dish featuring a yarn ball and pet bowl with a pawprint. Below, it says, A BISSELL Pet Foundation Pupdate! and October 2024.
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.

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.

A smiling woman with long blond hair holds a brown and white puppy outdoors in autumn. Text on a blue background reads: Cathy Bissell Interviewed on The CEO Show Podcast.
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

A smiling couple kneels beside a happy dog wearing a green harness, holding a sign about adopting through BISSELL Pet Foundation’s Empty the Shelters event. On the left, a blue graphic reads: In the News: BISSELL Pet Foundation’s empty the shelters.
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.

Light blue graphic with white text reading the dish, featuring a ball of yarn and a pet bowl with a paw print. Below, a banner says A BISSELL Pet Foundation Pupdate! September 2024.
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...

Split image: On the left, a blue background with the text CATHYS BLOG in white. On the right, a woman crouches and smiles while hugging a large, curly-haired dog in a parking lot.
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. 

Light blue graphic with white text that reads “the dish” featuring a yarn ball and pet bowl icon. Below, it says “A BISSELL Pet Foundation Pupdate!” and “August 2024” in separate white boxes.
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...

Five smiling children sit outside with a Siberian Husky, holding an adopted sign. The left side of the image reads, “Empty the Shelters—35,159 pets adopted (19,060 cats & 16,099 dogs).”.
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.

A woman in a red cap and sunglasses kneels on grass, smiling and hugging a golden retriever puppy. Next to them, a blue background displays the text “CATHY’S BLOG” in bold white letters.
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.

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 Management (AIM) team mobilized to provide essential support in response to Tropical Storm Debby.

A smiling woman in a red hat crouches next to a large black and gray dog outdoors. Beside them, a blue background displays the text CATHYS BLOG in white.
August 4, 2024 Cathy’s Blog

Euthanasia Lists Are Not the Answer 

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

Light blue graphic with white text reading the dish with a yarn ball and pet bowl illustration. Below, a white banner says A BISSELL Pet Foundation Pupdate! and “July 2024” in a box.
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...

Light blue graphic with white text reading the dish featuring a yarn ball and pet bowl icons. Below, a banner says A BISSELL Pet Foundation Pupdate! and a box with June 2024.
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...

A smiling woman with blonde hair crouches next to a white dog in a warehouse. Beside them, a blue background displays the text CATHYS BLOG in white capital letters.
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

Light blue graphic with white text reads the dish featuring a yarn ball and pet bowl icons. Below is a white banner: A BISSELL Pet Foundation Pupdate! and a box with May 2024.
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...

Light blue graphic with the text the dish featuring a yarn ball and pet bowl icon, and subtext A BISSELL Pet Foundation Pupdate! April 2024.
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!

A smiling woman in a red cap kneels outdoors next to a brown and white dog on a leash. The background is split with the left half showing the text “CATHY’S BLOG” on a solid light blue background.
April 24, 2024 Cathy’s Blog

Innovating to Save Lives

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

Light blue graphic with the text “the dish” in large white letters, featuring a yarn ball and a pet bowl with a paw print. Smaller white boxes read “A BISSELL Pet Foundation Pupdate!” and “March 2024.”.
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

A smiling woman kneels beside a brown and white dog, gently holding its face, with blue tarps and animal crates in the background. The left side of the image has a blue background with the text CATHYS BLOG.
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.

Light blue graphic with white text reading the dish alongside a yarn ball and pet bowl icon. Below, smaller text says A BISSELL Pet Foundation Pupdate! February 2024.
February 27, 2024 Newsletter

The Dish

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

Light blue graphic with the text the dish featuring a yarn ball and a pet bowl, and subtitles A BISSELL Pet Foundation Pupdate! and January 2024.
January 29, 2024 Newsletter

The Dish

BISSELL Pet Foundation's Animal Incident Management (AIM) was contacted regarding a failed “rescue” in Arkansas that could no longer

A group of young adults in colorful shirts and hats pose and smile under an arch reading SHELTER ADOPTION AREA, Until every pet has a home. Text on the left reads, 2024 junior board of directors!.
January 24, 2024 Updates

Meet the 2024 Junior Board of Directors!

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

A woman wearing a cap and sunglasses kneels on a gravel path, hugging a chocolate labrador. Text on the left reads “Cathy’s Blog.” A small note states, Chloe was adopted from Ausable Valley Animal Shelter in 2023.
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.

Blue graphic with white text reading the dish next to a pet bowl icon. Below, a banner says A BISSELL Pet Foundation Pupdate! and a box on the right says December 2023. A small ball of yarn accents the letters.
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

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 its most catastrophic wildland fire in history. As with all disasters and times of crises where people are impacted, pets and animals also find themselves at the forefront of the tragedy.

A woman wearing a beige cap and red shirt smiles while gently holding the chin of a black and brown dog leaning out of a truck bed inside a barn or similar building.
November 26, 2023 Updates

Why donate to BISSELL Pet Foundation?

BPF needs your support now more than ever before.

A dog with a blue collar sits on grass, looking up. Text on the left reads: because of you... they’re safe, healthy & loved. The words safe, healthy, and loved are highlighted in orange, blue, and yellow.
November 12, 2023 Updates

2023 Impact Report

As animal lovers and advocates, we at BISSELL Pet Foundation believe every pet deserves a happy and secure life, and we know you do too.

Light blue graphic with the words the dish in large white letters, a yarn ball above the letter i, and a pet bowl with a paw print. Below, text reads A BISSELL Pet Foundation Pupdate! and October 2023.
October 25, 2023 Newsletter

The Dish

In the first week of October, BISSELL Pet Foundation’s Animal Incident Management (AIM) team was on the ground in Missouri supporting National Mill Dog

A smiling woman wearing sunglasses, a cap, and a long-sleeve shirt kneels next to a large, curly-haired dog. To the left, text reads AIM Animal Incident Management, Cathys Blog on a blue background.
October 13, 2023 Cathy’s Blog

Animal Incident Management is Collaborating to Save Lives

Cathy Bissell shares insights on the lifesaving impact of BISSELL Pet Foundation's Animal Incident Management initiative.

A promotional banner for Bissell Pet Foundation’s “Empty the Shelters” adoption event features a brown dog and an orange cat, with text about reduced adoption fees and urgent shelter capacity.
September 20, 2023 Updates

Fall National Empty the Shelters Event Aims to Save Lives Amidst Overcrowding Crisis

Two national leaders join forces to save lives.

Light blue graphic with white text reading the dish featuring a ball of yarn and a pet bowl icon. Below, it says A BISSELL Pet Foundation Pup-date! September 2023.
September 19, 2023 Newsletter

The Dish

Do you remember Hope? Hope was left for dead and found by St. Landry Parish Animal Control in May. She had been shot with BBs, her ears were cut off, she had a broken jaw...

A red and black shield logo with AIM and white animal silhouettes. Below, bold text reads Animal Incident Management and smaller text says A BISSELL Pet Foundation Initiative on a dark background.
August 29, 2023 Updates

Breaking News: BPF Assists with Iowa Puppy Mill Seizure

BISSELL Pet Foundation’s Animal Incident Management (AIM) team was called to action again on Monday to help 120 dogs from a suspected puppy mill.

A red and black shield logo with AIM and white animal silhouettes. Below, bold text reads Animal Incident Management and smaller text says A BISSELL Pet Foundation Initiative on a dark background.
August 28, 2023 Updates

Happening Now: Crisis & Disaster Response for Pets in Needs

Light blue graphic with the words the dish in bold white text, a yarn ball and pet bowl icons, and subtitles A BISSELL Pet Foundation Pupdate! and August 2023 in white text boxes.
August 22, 2023 Newsletter

The Dish

Good news! Many of the 70 dogs who were part of the horrific Mississippi cruelty case have been placed with trusted BISSELL Pet Foundation shelter and rescue partners and will soon be available for adoption!

A red and black shield logo with AIM and white animal silhouettes. Below, bold text reads Animal Incident Management and smaller text says A BISSELL Pet Foundation Initiative on a dark background.
August 17, 2023 Updates

Urgent Update From Maui

BISSELL Pet Foundation’s Animal Incident Management (AIM) team received an urgent call pleading for help – this time from the Island of Maui.    

Three smiling children sit together, one holding a brown and white puppy, with an Empty the Shelters banner and adoption stats behind them. Text reads: PRESS RELEASE and mentions MetLife Pet Insurance partnership.
August 8, 2023 Updates

New Adoption Record Set During BPF’s Summer National Empty the Shelters™

An average of 1,225 pets were adopted each day of the nation’s largest funded adoption event.

White bold text EMERGENCY CASE with three warning exclamation symbols on a solid red background.
August 1, 2023 Updates

Mississippi Case Update

As you know, BISSELL Pet Foundation’s Animal Incident Management team partnered with Animal Rescue Corps (ARC) in mid-July to save approximately 70 dogs who were left to slowly suffer and die across two properties owned by a failed “rescue” in Mississippi...