The BISSELL Pet Foundation is working to address the shelter overcrowding crisis by sponsoring reduced-cost adoptions from May 1 to May 17.
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Reduced-cost adoptions are returning to animal shelters across the country as the BISSELL Pet Foundation brings back its Empty the Shelters event.
The nonprofit works with local shelters to promote their adoptable animals and encourages people to bring in a new pet while also clearing kennels for more animals in need.
Adoption fees are no more than $70, and all pets will come spayed or neutered, vaccinated and microchipped, setting them up for success.
“Ten years ago, Empty the Shelters® began with a simple goal—to bring awareness to the incredible pets in shelters,” said Cathy Bissell, Founder of BISSELL Pet Foundation. “Today, it has grown into a national effort that has helped nearly 400,000 pets find families. Those adoptions have opened space for other pets to enter shelters, provided relief for shelter teams, and created the heartwarming joy that only adoption can bring.”
The Empty the Shelters event is held quarterly, with the last happening in December 2025. 335 shelters are expected to take part in May.
In Northeast Florida, four shelters are participating:
Nassau County Humane Society Jacksonville Humane Society Jacksonville Animal Care & Protective Services (ACPS) Flagler Humane Society