Harris County Pets Joins BISSELL Pet Foundation's Empty the Shelters Event to Spread Holiday Hope to Shelter Pets
This December, Harris County Pets (HCP) is teaming up with the BISSELL Pet Foundation to bring some holiday cheer to homeless animals in the community through the Empty the Shelters™ event. Running now through December 17, this national event offers reduced adoption fees, and for the first time this year, Harris County Pets is waiving adoption fees entirely for all adoptable animals at its facility.
As part of the Empty the Shelters–Holiday Hope event, which is being held across 400+ shelters in 45 states, HCP is offering an incredible opportunity for families to adopt pets at no cost. Every pet adopted from HCP will be spayed or neutered, microchipped, vaccinated, and will come with a one-year Harris County pet license. Additionally, all adopted pets will be eligible for a free wellness check with one of HCP’s participating veterinary partners.
“We are thrilled to partner with BISSELL Pet Foundation once again for the Empty the Shelters event this holiday season,” said Corey Steele, Director of Harris County Veterinary Public Health, which oversees HCP. “Adopting or fostering a pet during this event not only saves an animal’s life but also helps alleviate overcrowding in shelters like ours. It’s a win-win situation for everyone.”
HCP is one of the many shelters taking part in the event and has been a long-time participant in the BISSELL Pet Foundation’s efforts to reduce shelter overcrowding. The partnership allows HCP to provide life-saving opportunities to pets in need, as the shelter continues to receive more animals than it can adopt out.
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“Empty the Shelters – Holiday Hope is more than just an adoption event; it’s a lifeline for shelter pets,” said Cathy Bissell, Founder of BISSELL Pet Foundation. “It’s been an incredibly challenging year for saving lives, as shelters are taking in more pets than they are adopting out. There are thousands of pets of all ages, breeds, and personalities waiting for a home, and this event helps to find them a forever family.”
The Harris County Pets Resource Center is located at 612 Canino Road in Houston. Adoption hours are from 1:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, and from 11:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on weekends. Those interested in adopting can visit the HCP website at CountyPets.com to view all adoptable pets, including dogs and cats.
For first-time adopters, Corey Steele advises, “It’s essential to understand that adopting a pet is a lifetime commitment. It’s a responsibility that brings countless rewards when you provide love, care, and a safe environment. By choosing adoption, you’re giving a deserving pet the second chance it deserves, and you’re making a lasting positive impact on our community.”
Harris County Pets is part of Harris County Public Health, which provides a range of services, including veterinary care, animal control, and adoption services to unincorporated areas of Harris County. The shelter is dedicated to improving the lives of homeless animals through adoption and fostering, as well as educating the public about responsible pet ownership.
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The BISSELL Pet Foundation, which was founded by Cathy Bissell in 2011, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to ending pet homelessness. Through initiatives like Empty the Shelters, the foundation works to reduce the number of animals in shelters across the U.S. and Canada. In addition to adoption events, the BISSELL Pet Foundation also supports spay/neuter programs, vaccinations, microchipping, and disaster relief efforts.
Since its inception, Empty the Shelters has helped more than 300,000 pets find their forever homes. The program partners with over 800 shelters and rescues in the U.S. and Canada to provide low-cost adoptions, with the goal of reducing overcrowding in shelters during the busy holiday season.
“We are grateful for all the families who support this event and help give shelter pets the homes they deserve,” Bissell added. “If you’re considering adopting a pet, this is the perfect time to do it—your new best friend could be waiting for you.”
To learn more about the Empty the Shelters–Holiday Hope event or to adopt a pet from Harris County Pets, visit bissellpetfoundation.org/empty-the-shelters or CountyPets.com.
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.
