Empty The Shelters Event To Help Alleviate Space Concerns At HSHC

HARFORD COUNTY, MD ? Shelters across the country and right here in Harford County are full with dogs needed a new home. As part of the nationwide Empty the Shelters pet adoption event, the Humane Society of Harford County will waive the $160 adoption fee on all dogs older than a year from May 1-15. The adoption fee for cats one year and older will be reduced by $70 to $25.

"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," said Cathy Bissell, founder of BISSELL Pet Foundation that has partnered with the HSHC for this event. "Our spring national Empty the Shelters will support the adoption of thousands of pets across the country, helping shelters in this critical time. Opening your home to a shelter pet saves a life and creates lifesaving space to help another pet in need."

Bob Citrullo, executive director, said that the Empty the Shelters event couldn't have come at a better time for the HSHC.

?So far this year, we?ve taken in 1,000 animals, which is 17.6% more animals than the same time last year, and we only expect this space crisis to continue. We?ve already run out of kennel space, and early this year were forced to put up a temporary emergency tent to make room for all the new arrivals," Citrullo said.

During the 15-day mega adoption event, HSHC will be open weekdays from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 2208 Connolly Road in Fallston. Although dog adoption fees are waived, regular adoption procedures will apply.

?Every adopter will receive a bag of goodies including coupons, freebies and information to help ease the pet?s transition from shelter to home,? Citrullo added. ?Our team is very excited to welcome visitors to the shelter, introduce them to our animals and help them take home their next new family member.?

Animals adopted from HSHC are spayed or neutered prior to adoption and also include all appropriate vaccinations and testing for communicable diseases, de-wormer, flea and tick preventative, a microchip, a free sample bag of pet food and a general exam.

BISSELL Pet Foundation?s Empty the Shelters event is the largest funded adoption event in the country. The event began in 2016 with a goal of encouraging more families to choose adoption. More than 226,000 pets have found loving homes since its inception.

View all adoptable animals? photos and profiles, and complete an adoption application in advance, by visiting www.harfordshelter.org/animals.