As part of its Empty the Shelters Emergency Relief program, BISSELL Pet Foundation is working with animal shelters across the country to reduce adoption fees during the COVID-19 outbreak.
Shelters are experiencing a decrease in adoptions due to mandated closures and reduced foot traffic, which is why BISSELL is helping reduce the cost of adoption fees.
Adoption fees can range anywhere from $50 to $300. BISSELL is reducing adoption fees to $25 across the board for shelters participating in the effort.
Most shelters are also providing vouchers for people who take home pets who have yet to be spayed or neutered.
"It’s important to make sure animals are spayed or neutered to help reduce the rate of animal homelessness across the country,” said BISSELL Pet Foundation Communications Coordinator Bri Olson.
The local animal shelter Ten Lives Club is taking part in the initiative. Ten Lives Club has had 39 adoptions and five fosters since the start of the program in mid-March.
The foundation hopes the move will encourage families to add a furry quarantine friend into their home during a time when they may be needed the most.
“Time spent at home quarantining is the best time to get to know a pet,” Olson said.
BISSELL plans on continuing to support the reduced adoption fee until funds run out. Anyone who would like to help but are unable to adopt or foster are encouraged to donate to BISSELL’s Feed the Shelters campaign.