Animal lovers in Maricopa County, get ready to add a pawed pal to your family without breaking the bank. The BISSELL Pet Foundation is ushering in its "Empty the Shelters" campaign, slashing adoption fees to encourage pet adoptions from May 1 through May 15. According to the BISSELL Pet Foundation, Maricopa County Animal Care & Control (MCACC) joins over 410 shelters in 43 states participating in the event where adoption fees will be dropped to $50 or less for cats and dogs.
An overwhelming influx of pets surrendered by their owners has led to a dire situation at shelters, with adoptions slowing to a crawl and MCACC is no exception, the shelter faces a capacity crisis, needing the community's assistance to find homes for a multitude of adoptable dogs, Cathy Bissell, Founder of BISSELL Pet Foundation emphasized the urgency, stating in an official announcement "Our nation's animal shelters are facing a capacity crisis and need your help now. Adoptions have slowed while a surge in owner surrenders due to families facing economic and housing challenges has left tens of thousands of highly adoptable pets desperate to find homes."
Starting May 1, MCACC will waive adoption fees for dogs aged 6 months and older, but those looking to adopt puppies 5 months and younger will need to pay a fee of $150. The initiative is part of a concerted effort by the BISSELL Pet Foundation to facilitate the adoption of thousands of pets who need homes and to alleviate pressure on overcrowded shelters. With the opening of MCACC's new East shelter on May 2, even more dogs are expected to be adopted out.
Kim Powell, Communications Supervisor at MCACC, in a statement obtained by the Maricopa Government's official website, shared the organization's enthusiasm about the event and the opening of the new facility, saying "MCACC is thankful to be partnering with BISSELL Pet Foundation for their national ‘Empty the Shelters’ event during such a monumental time. We’re excited to celebrate the opening of our new East shelter with an amazing adoption special that will help our dogs find forever homes this Spring.” For more on the event and to view adoptable pets, visit Maricopa County Animal Care & Control.
