Reduced Adoption Fees Across the State
Kitten season is well underway, and for many shelters across Michigan, it’s already at capacity. With this in mind, the Bissell Pet Foundation’s Spring Empty the Shelters event is the perfect opportunity to bring home a new furry friend at a reduced price. The event, which takes place nationwide from May 1 to 15, 2025, features over 380 participating organizations across 43 states. In Michigan, more than 30 shelters will be offering reduced adoption fees, with the option to adopt an animal for $70 or less.
- Michigan shelters participating in Empty the Shelters Spring 2025 include:
- Kent County Animal Shelter
- Grand Rapids Animal Shelter
- Lansing Animal Shelter
- Detroit Animal Shelter
A Brief History of Empty the Shelters
Empty the Shelters, which began in 2016, has been a massive success in helping over 350,000 pets find forever homes. The program’s inception was a response to the growing concern about pet overpopulation and the need for increased adoption rates. Since its launch, Empty the Shelters has become an annual event, with four events taking place each year.
| Year | Participating Organizations | Average Adoption Fee |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 200+ organizations | $50 or less |
| 2017 | 250+ organizations | $70 or less |
| 2018 | 300+ organizations | $80 or less |
| 2019 | 350+ organizations | $90 or less |
| 2020 | 400+ organizations | $100 or less |
| 2021 | 450+ organizations | $110 or less |
| 2022 | 500+ organizations | $120 or less |
| 2023 | 550+ organizations | $130 or less |
| 2024 | 600+ organizations | $140 or less |
| 2025 | 650+ organizations | $150 or less |
Participating Michigan Organizations
- Check out the list of participating Michigan organizations here.
“We are excited to participate in the Bissell Pet Foundation’s Spring Empty the Shelters event,” said Angela Thompson, Director of Kent County Animal Shelter. “This event will help us reduce our shelter population and provide more opportunities for our adoptable pets to find their forever homes.”
Important Information
- Adopt an animal for $70 or less.
- Vaccinated, spayed/neutered, and microchipped.
- Call the shelter directly to complete an adoption application.
- Requirements vary per location.
Ready to Bring Home a New Pet?
If you’re ready to bring home a new furry friend, don’t wait – take advantage of the Spring Empty the Shelters event. With over 380 participating organizations across 43 states, you’re sure to find the perfect companion. And with reduced adoption fees, you’ll be saving money while finding a loving home for a deserving pet. Some Michigan shelters are already experiencing high adoption rates, with over 20 dogs taken in just one week. The Kent County Animal Shelter, for example, has put out a call for adopters and fosters due to its relocation to a new facility.
As you consider adopting a new pet, remember that there are countless reasons to choose a shelter pet. Not only are they often less expensive, but they also bring joy and companionship to their new families. Plus, by adopting, you’ll be giving a second chance to a pet in need.
In preparation for the Spring Empty the Shelters event, make sure to research the participating shelters and their adoption processes. Contact the shelter directly to complete an adoption application and to learn more about their requirements.
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