Amid continued challenges in animal shelters nationwide, 15,356 cats and dogs found loving homes during BISSELL Pet Foundation’s Empty the Shelters® – Holiday Hope event. The two-week event, held December 1–15, 2025, partnered with more than 300 shelters and rescues across 44 states to offer reduced adoption fees of $70 or less, making adoption more accessible for families during the holiday season.

Empty the Shelters® is designed to ease the financial burden on adopters while shining a spotlight on deserving pets who might otherwise be overlooked. The Holiday Hope event provided much-needed relief to overcrowded shelters, helping clear kennels for the New Year and bringing hope and joy to pets and families alike. 

“Our Holiday Hope event is so meaningful to shelters because it gives their pets the chance to be in loving homes for the holidays,” said Cathy Bissell, Founder of BISSELL Pet Foundation. “Shelters are under immense pressure from overcrowding, staffing shortages, and surrenders driven by housing and financial challenges. Each adoption brings relief to a shelter and a fresh start for a pet. We’re deeply grateful to every adopter and partner organization for making these holiday miracles possible.”

With continued support from donors, Empty the Shelters has become a vital tool for shelters facing overcrowding across the country. BISSELL Pet Foundation encourages the public to consider donating to support this lifesaving work and help even more pets find homes. To learn more or contribute, visit www.bissellpetfoundation.org.