BARC and BISSELL Pet Foundation Unite to Tackle Animal Shelter Crisis with Fall National Empty the Shelters Event
This fall, the city of Houston's Animal Shelter and Adoption Center, BARC, is collaborating with national animal welfare organization, BISSELL Pet Foundation, to host the Fall National Empty the Shelters event. From Oct. 1-15, BARC will join over 390 shelters across 44 states to promote pet adoption and help combat the current crisis in animal shelters nationwide.
BARC will be participating in this life-saving event, waiving fees for all adult dogs and cats, as well as kittens. Even puppies will be available at a hugely reduced price of just $25. Unlike the usual schedule, BARC will be open seven days a week during this event to accommodate as many potential adoptions as possible.
BISSELL Pet Foundation, founded in 2011 by Cathy Bissell, has consistently shown dedication towards reducing pet homelessness. The foundation not only focuses on pet adoption but also aids in spay/neuter programs, vaccinations, microchipping, and emergency support. Its long-time commitment towards animal welfare has seen partnerships with more than 6,000 shelters and rescues across the U.S and Canada.
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"Right now, our nation's animal shelters are in crisis with too many pets coming in and not enough adoptions to keep up," said Bissell, adding that euthanasia rates have hit a 3-year-high and healthy, adoptable pets are at an increased risk.
Through events like Empty the Shelters, now in its fifth year, the BISSELL Pet Foundation aims to facilitate the adoption process by decreasing fees. This initiative has seen nearly 283,000 pets finding their forever homes since its inception.
BARC, known for its programs such as low-cost and no-cost spay/neuter services, pet registration and microchipping, and animal enforcement, welcomes the partnership with BISSELL Pet Foundation. "Thanks to the Empty the Shelters campaign and BISSELL Pet Foundation, thousands of BARC animals have found their forever homes," said BARC Shelter Director Jarrad Mears.
As BARC's intake continues to rise each year, strategic alliances become essential for achieving positive outcomes. This fall is seen as a critical period for BARC, given the consistently high intake levels of both dogs and cats.
The two organizations emphasize researching the pet and adopting requirements before deciding to adopt. BARC is counting on pet lovers everywhere to make a difference, either by adopting or fostering. To learn more about BARC and view adoptable pets, visit houstontx.gov/barc.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
