Shelters Nationwide Reducing Adoption Fees to Find Loving Homes for Pets
For Immediate Release
Contact: Erin Long, Marketing & Development Manager | Humane Society of Harford County | 410-836-1090, x106 | erin@harfordshelter.org
Fallston, MD (June 30, 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 July 5–26, 2026. During the promotion, adoption fees for eligible adult dogs will be reduced to just $50 and adult cats 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.
Summer is one of the most challenging times of year for animal shelters, as kitten and puppy season brings an influx of litters while adoptions struggle to keep pace. At the same time, shelters often see increased owner surrenders and fewer available volunteer hours, creating significant capacity and resource challenges. Empty the Shelters helps provide critical relief by encouraging adoption and creating much-needed space for pets awaiting homes.
“Every summer, shelters face the greatest pressure of pet overpopulation,” said Cathy Bissell, Founder of BISSELL Pet Foundation. “We are deeply committed to addressing the root causes of overcrowding through spay and neuter — but until prevention can meet the scale of the crisis, our adoption events are a lifeline for shelters and the pets in their care. We hope you’ll open your heart and your home to a shelter pet this summer.”
“Every adoption creates space for another animal in need,” said Amanda Hickman, HSHC’s executive director. “When our community chooses adoption, they’re not only giving a homeless pet a second chance—they’re helping us alleviate overcrowding and ensure we can continue providing care and shelter to the animals who arrive at our doors every day.”
During the 22-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.
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.
