Shelters Nationwide Reducing Adoption Fees from September 18-30
For Immediate Release
Contact: Erin Long, Marketing & Development Manager | Humane Society of Harford County | 410-836-1090, x106 | erin@harfordshelter.org
Fallston, MD (September 15, 2026) – The Humane Society of Harford County (HSHC) is excited to partner with BISSELL Pet Foundation for the nationwide Empty the Shelters® reduced-fee adoption event, taking place September 18–30, 2026. During the promotion, adoption fees for eligible adult dogs will be reduced from $160 to just $50 and adult cats from $95 down to $25, thanks to sponsorship from BISSELL Pet Foundation. Each adopted pet will be spayed or neutered, vaccinated, and microchipped, making it easier and more affordable for families to welcome a loving companion into their home.
Shelters across the country continue to face capacity challenges as pets enter shelters faster than they are leaving. Empty the Shelters provides critical support to participating organizations by encouraging adoption, helping pets find families and creating much-needed space for other pets 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 these first two weeks of September, we’ve already taken in 87 pets,” said Amanda Hickman, HSHC’s executive director. “When our community chooses adoption, we’re able to open up much-needed kennel space for animals who are waiting to come through our doors and give more pets the opportunity to find loving homes. This is our 12th Empty the Shelters event with BISSELL Pet Foundation, and we’re especially excited to be participating in our first fall event. We hope these special adoption fees will inspire families to visit the shelter, meet their new best friend and help us make room for the next animal in need.”
During the 13-day event, HSHC will be open weekdays from 11AM-6PM and weekends from 10AM-5PM at 2208 Connolly Road in Fallston. Regular adoption procedures apply. Visit harfordshelter.org/animals to view all the adoptable pets and learn more.
Empty the Shelters is the nation’s largest funded adoption event and has helped more than 431,000 pets find homes across the U.S. and Canada since its inception in 2016. Sponsored by BISSELL Pet Foundation, the program works with hundreds of animal welfare organizations to reduce adoption fees and make pet adoption accessible to more families. All pets available through participating shelters are spayed/neutered, vaccinated, and microchipped. Each shelter determines its own adoption process—prospective adopters are encouraged to contact shelters directly for details.
About BISSELL Pet Foundation
BISSELL Pet Foundation is a charitable 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with a mission to help reduce the number of animals in shelters through pet adoption, spay/neuter programs, vaccinations, 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 6,000 shelters and rescues across the U.S. and Canada to help pets find loving homes. The foundation is supported by generous donors and BISSELL Inc. where every purchase saves pets. To learn more, visit www.bissellpetfoundation.org.
About the Humane Society of Harford County
The Humane Society of Harford County, Inc., is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) charitable organization dedicated to the welfare and well-being of the approximately 3,000 animals that come in each year. HSHC promotes the kind treatment of homeless, stray and abandoned animals by providing shelter, care, adoptions, and community education. HSHC is not a county agency nor is it affiliated with any national or regional organization. Tax-deductible donations, bequests, and proceeds from events are crucial to HSHC’s life-saving efforts on behalf of the animals in the community.