fbpx Skip to main content
Two women and young boy with dog
Adopted 2018
Our Programs

Empty the Shelters

Empty Shelters = Full Hearts

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

Finding a loving home for every pet is the ultimate goal of BISSELL Pet Foundation. 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. Adopters pay no more than $50 and local license fees.

Established in 2016, Empty the Shelters has helped over 140,000 pets find their loving families at participating shelters in 49 states and Canada. 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

Heart Icon

317,344

paw

140,332

 2022/03/Group-2798.png

669

BISSELL_Icon-Map_2

49

Why We ❤️ Empty the Shelters

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

  • Adopters win because BPF pays the adoption fees allowing them to take home a fully vaccinated, microchipped and spayed or neutered pet who is ready to be loved for $50 or less (much more affordable than purchasing a pet!)
  • Shelters win because the pets they care about get a second chance when adoption fees are covered by BISSELL Pet Foundation.
  • And, most importantly, every pet wins by finding a loving home!

Empty the Shelters in the News

Man, woman and Cathy Bissell with large dog adopted during Empty the Shelters event
Adopted 2018

What to Expect

Read the FAQ

Become a Participating Shelter!

Learn More

white dog with tongue out wearing a bandana

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