Maricopa County Joins Nationwide Effort to Find Homes for Shelter Pets
In a heartening drive to combat pet homelessness, Maricopa County Animal Care & Control (MCACC) is joining forces with over 335 shelters across 39 states for the BISSELL Pet Foundation’s Empty the Shelters® initiative. This nationwide event, celebrating its 10th anniversary, will offer reduced-fee adoptions from May 3 to May 17, 2026, aiming to match countless pets with loving families.
During this period, BISSELL Pet Foundation will subsidize adoption fees, making it easier for families to welcome new furry members. Adoption fees will be set at $150 for puppies younger than five months, $70 for smaller dogs, and fees will be waived entirely for medium to large dogs aged six months and older. All animals will be spayed or neutered, vaccinated, and microchipped, ensuring they are ready for their new homes.
“Ten years ago, Empty the Shelters® began with a simple goal—to bring awareness to the incredible cats and dogs in shelters,” said Cathy Bissell, Founder of BISSELL Pet Foundation. “Today, it has grown into a national effort that has helped nearly 400,000 pets find families. Those adoptions have opened space for other pets to enter shelters, provided relief for shelter teams, and created the heartwarming joy that only adoption can bring. This impact has all been possible thanks to the commitment of shelters, adopters, donors, and supporters across the country. As we celebrate 10 years, we encourage everyone to consider adoption and help more pets find the homes they deserve. It’s never too late to make a difference.”
MCACC’s recent collaboration with BISSELL Pet Foundation during the April 9-12 event was a significant success, with nearly 200 dogs adopted. The excitement is palpable as MCACC anticipates even more adoptions during the current, more extended event.
Kim Powell, Communications Supervisor for MCACC, expressed enthusiasm about the initiative: “We are thrilled to have another sponsored adoption event to encourage more adoptions this spring ahead of an inevitably busy summer. We are always so thankful to have the support of the BISSELL Pet Foundation and we’re hopeful that our upcoming Empty the Shelters event will help us find even more dogs loving homes. Every adoption truly makes a difference. We encourage people to visit all three of our locations—you might just meet your new best friend!”
Empty the Shelters is the largest funded adoption event in the nation, having successfully found homes for almost 400,000 pets across the U.S. and Canada since 2016. The program collaborates with numerous animal welfare organizations, reducing adoption fees to make pet adoption more accessible. Potential adopters are advised to contact participating shelters directly for specific adoption processes and details.
MCACC’s participation will include both shelters and its Everyday Adoption Center, with waived fees for dogs over six months old, $150 fees for puppies five months and younger, and $70 fees for small dogs weighing 25 pounds and under. For more information on adoptable pets and event hours, visit Maricopa.gov/Pets.
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