‘Empty The Shelters’ Free Adoption Day Happening May 5

GRAND RAPIDS, MI — Looking to expand your family with a furry loved one? This weekend is your chance. Thousands of homeless pets across the U.S. will get a second chance at life on Saturday, May 5 for the Empty the Shelters Free Adoption Day.

A total of 66 Michigan shelters and rescues will participate in the adoption event, hosted by Bissell Pet Foundation. The Grand Rapids-based nonprofit will pay all adoption fees at those shelters and has already successfully placed 10,000 dogs and cats into loving homes with nine different adoption events over the last two years.

Anyone who adopts an animal on May 5 at a participating shelter will receive an “adopt box” with a 5-pound bag of food, treats, toys and wellness information. Coupons will also be given out for even more supplies.

“We are a small organization doing our best to give every pet a loving home,” said Cathy Bissell, founder of Bissell Pet Foundation, in a press release. “Getting animals out of shelters and into homes is critical. Empty the Shelters does just that by encouraging people to choose adoption first.”

Nationwide, approximately 2.7 million pets are euthanized each year because they can’t find homes, according to the non-profit. Currently, only 23% of dogs and 31% of cats in family homes come from an animal shelter or humane society. Bissell Pet Foundation's events have demonstrated that waiving fees motivates quality adopters, they said.

Surveys from previous adoption events found 99.4% of adopters have already, or plan to, recommend adoption to family and friends; 52% of adopters were first-time adopters.

“This event will give national attention to the importance of adoption,” Bissell added. “May 5 will be our largest Empty the Shelters event to date and we expect it to have a significant impact beyond the states participating.

Shelters and rescues taking part in Empty the Shelters are required to partner with other animal welfare organizations to help fill the empty spaces once pets have been adopted. Families adopting at the event will be required to pay licensing fees for their pet and costs vary by county. Standard adoption requirements will apply; adopters are encouraged to review those requirements before May 5.

For more information about Empty the Shelters, including a list of participating shelters and rescue organizations, and to donate, please visit www.bissellpetfoundation.org.

Images courtesy Bissell Pet Foundation