BISSELL Pet Foundation Hosts Fall 2026 “Empty the Shelters” Event

Adoption Event Aims to Find Homes for Pets Amidst Overflowing Shelters

PHOENIX, AZ — (September 21, 2026) BISSELL Pet Foundation is spearheading a nationwide initiative to combat pet homelessness with its fall Empty the Shelters® adoption event, running from September 21 to 30, 2026. This effort brings together animal welfare organizations across the country, including Maricopa County Animal Care & Control (MCACC), to help place pets in loving homes.

The event offers reduced adoption fees for dogs, thanks to sponsorship by the BISSELL Pet Foundation, making it easier for families to adopt a pet. Each adopted pet comes spayed or neutered, vaccinated, and microchipped, ensuring they are ready for their new homes.

Shelters nationwide are grappling with overcrowding as animals enter faster than they are adopted. The Empty the Shelters initiative supports these organizations by promoting adoption, which not only helps pets find families but also frees up space for more animals in need.

“This month, I visited several shelters and the number of incredible dogs and cats I saw was absolutely heartbreaking,” said Cathy Bissell, Founder of BISSELL Pet Foundation. “They are loving, resilient and deserving of so much more. We work every day to prevent future pet homelessness, but we cannot forget the pets waiting right now. I hope you’ll visit your local shelter during our September Empty the Shelters event. There is a pet waiting for you to change their life, and I promise, they will change yours.”

In a recent collaboration during the July 5-19 event, MCACC and BISSELL Pet Foundation offered reduced adoption fees for puppies and small dogs, resulting in over 500 successful adoptions. This fall, MCACC is eager to see more dogs find homes, with half-off adoption fees for all dogs at its East and West shelters and the Everyday Adoption Center.

“We are so excited to begin the fall season with another sponsored adoption event to encourage more adoptions,” said Kim Powell, Communications Supervisor for MCACC. “We’re always grateful for the BISSELL Pet Foundation’s help, but we are even more grateful for their help with finding pets loving homes as we wrap up the busy summer season. We still have hundreds of dogs waiting to find their forever home, so every adoption truly makes a difference!”