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BISSELL Pet Foundation's "Empty the Shelters" Initiative Slashes Adoption Fees Nationwide

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Published on December 02, 2025
BISSELL Pet Foundation's "Empty the Shelters" Initiative Slashes Adoption Fees NationwideSource: Wikipedia/Filip B, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The holiday season is bringing a wave of generosity to prospective pet owners across the nation, with the BISSELL Pet Foundation's "Empty the Shelters" event slashing adoption fees at over 300 shelters, aiming to place countless pets into forever homes. It's a move to alleviate the usual year-end influx that burdens animal shelters, offering a silver lining for both furry friends and human counterparts seeking companionship.

From December 1 through December 15, the initiative is lowering the cost to a mere $70 or less to adopt a pet, a significant decrease from the standard fees, as Southern Nevada shelters The Animal Foundation and Nye County Animal Services join the fray, as reported by News3LV. Since its inception in 2016, Empty the Shelters has been instrumental in helping over 374,000 pets find homes. Cathy Bissell, the foundation's founder, underscored the importance of adoption in light of current financial and housing uncertainties faced by many families.

In Cumberland County, the festive spirit is catching on too — Cumberland County Animal Services is waiving all adoption fees during the same period, a gesture that includes a suite of veterinary services for the new pet, normally valued at $100 for dogs and $70 for cats, as noted by The Daily Record.

The customary adoption package comes replete with rabies vaccination, deworming, flea treatment, microchip implantation, and spaying or neutering surgeries, a comprehensive initiation into pet ownership designed to ensure that the transition for these animals from shelter life to domestic bliss is as seamless as possible and according to The Daily Record, adopters must be at least 18 years old and present a valid photo ID, embracing a future where these sentient beings can bask in the warmth of a loving home as the year draws to a close.

For those interested in expanding their family with a pet, it's advised to visit the Empty the Shelters website to locate a participating shelter and confirm event details; each location handles adoptions in its own unique way, so reaching out directly is recommended for those seeking to understand what furry personalities are available.