Houston's furriest residents are getting a holiday miracle, thanks to a heartwarming campaign aimed at tackling an overcrowding crisis in animal shelters. BARC, the city's own Animal Shelter and Adoption Center, is going full Santa Paws with its annual "Home for the Holidays" initiative. They've teamed up with the BISSELL Pet Foundation for their "Empty the Shelters: Holiday Hope" event, according to the article in the City of Houston.
In a paws-itively astounding act of generosity, BARC is waiving all adoption fees from December 1–17 as part of its partnership with the national animal welfare organization, which is dedicated to ending pet homelessness. Announced in a statement, the initiative joins forces with over 380 shelters across 43 states, aimed at giving the four-legged friends under BARC's care a chance to find their forever homes during the festive season.
Getting in the spirit, a slew of holiday-themed adoption events have already been unleashed by BARC. A community outreach event will be held at Kendra Scott on December 9, where attendees can experience giving back with a smile. Nothing says 'Happy Holidays' like a new furry friend and some bling.
Speaking to the deeper needs of our community's four-legged companions, Cathy Bissell, founder of the BISSELL Pet Foundation, highlighted the plight of animal shelters amidst a surge in pet surrenders, calling on the public to bring hope to these animals. "Our nation's animal shelters need your help as they face an overcrowding crisis unlike anything we have experienced in more than a decade," Bissell explained in the article, noting that the holidays are the ideal time for community members to step up and make a lifesaving difference.
"Empty the Shelters" began in 2016 as a mission to encourage families to adopt, and since then, it has found homes for over 204,000 pets. Yet, as festive as the season may be, the foundations urge families to remember that pet adoption is a commitment stretching well beyond the holidays. For those interested in adopting or supporting the cause, virtual sleighs can be directed to www.bissellpetfoundation.org/empty-the-shelters and www.houstonbarc.com for further information.
