Santa Rosa County Animal Services (SRCAS) announces 151 adoptions during its participation in BISSELL Pet Foundation’s record-setting Summer National “Empty the Shelters” event. From July 11-31, a total of 28,121 homeless pets were impacted through adoption and transport at 282 shelters in 42 states. “Empty the Shelters” is the nation’s largest funded adoption event, impacting the lives of more than 137,000 pets through adoption since 2016.
SRCAS participated July 11- 31 and offered $5 pet adoptions including dogs, cats, puppies and kittens. The event was a great success, with a wonderful response from the community.
“Empty the Shelters” is BISSELL Pet Foundation’s largest initiative and continues to grow each year to provide critical relief to overcrowded shelters through sponsored adoption fees allowing participating shelters to charge just $50 or less. The summer national “Empty the Shelters” was extended from one to three weeks to help take even more pets from kennels to couches. During this lifesaving event, approximately 11,774 cats and 9,808 dogs were adopted from participating shelters. An additional 6,539 pets were also saved by “Empty the Shelters”—transported thanks to newly open space—bringing the total number of pets impacted to 28,121!
"BISSELL Pet Foundation is thrilled to have set a new impact record for our 'Empty the Shelters' event when our shelter partners and their pets are struggling with longer stays and slower adoptions," said Cathy Bissell, founder of BISSELL Pet Foundation. "We extended our event in direct response to the nationwide crisis. We knew we could save more lives with an additional two weeks of sponsorship, allowing more time for community members to visit their local shelters. We are overjoyed that thousands of pets are now in loving homes thanks to wonderful adopters."
"Many animals were adopted during this event, and even a few long-term dog residents found homes, which made our pets and staff alike extremely happy!" said Tara Deaguilera, Volunteer/Rescue Coordinator.
“We are very thankful to Bissell Pet Foundation. This event allowed the residents in our community to support the shelter pets by adopting at a reduced rate, which allowed more pets to be placed. We had a fantastic turnout and look forward to participating in the future,” said Randy Lambert, Animal Services Chief.
For more information on adopting or donating to “Empty the Shelters,” visit www.bissellpetfoundation.org/empty-the-shelters and www.santarosa.fl.gov/animals.
About BISSELL Pet Foundation:
BISSELL Pet Foundation is a charitable 501©(3) nonprofit organization with a mission to help reduce the number of animals in shelters through pet adoption, spay/neuter programs, microchipping and emergency support. Founded in 2011 by Cathy Bissell, BPF is an extension of her long-standing love for animals and commitment to their welfare. BPF has since partnered with more than 5,600 shelters and rescues across the U.S. and Canada to help pets find loving homes. The foundation is supported by generous donors and BISSELL Homecare, Inc where every purchase saves pets. To learn more, visit www.bissellpetfoundation.org.
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Media Contact:
Brittany Schlacter | Marketing & PR Specialist | brittany.schlacter@bissell.com |812.593.3296