Published 2:00 pm Saturday, december 6, 2025

Find Your Furry Friend This Holiday Season at the BISSELL Pet Foundation Event

The “Holiday Hope” initiative is back, offering a chance for animals in need to find their forever homes through the BISSELL Pet Foundation’s Empty the Shelters event at Brookhaven Animal Rescue League (BARL).

A Nationwide Movement to Reduce Adoption Fees

BARL is among over 300 shelters across the country participating in this notable event aimed at lowering adoption costs. This partnership with BISSELL allows shelters to make pet adoption more accessible.

affordable Adoption Rates Until December 15

From now until December 15, BARL has slashed its adoption fees to just $35 for both dogs adn cats, with minimal exceptions. This fee includes essential services such as spaying or neutering, vaccinations, and microchipping.

Explore Adoptable Pets Online or In-Person

You can view many of BARL’s adoptable pets online by visiting barl.receive/adopt. The Adoption Center operates Thursday through Sunday from noon to 3 p.m., or you can schedule an appointment by calling 601-757-4367 or emailing records@barl.receive. Additionally, some cats are available for viewing at PetSense in Brookhaven.

The Impact of Economic Challenges on Shelters

Cathy Bissell, founder of the BISSELL Pet Foundation, noted that “This year has placed immense pressure on shelters nationwide as more families encounter financial difficulties and housing instability that lead them to surrender beloved pets.” She emphasized that adopting a pet offers numerous benefits: “Shelters have marvelous animals of all sizes and ages—many have lived in homes before and are already house-trained. They come spayed or neutered and vaccinated—all for a fraction of what you would pay when purchasing from breeders or pet stores.” The Empty the Shelters Holiday Hope event provides an prospect for everyone to end the year by giving shelter pets what they truly deserve—a loving home.

A Proven Track Record of Success As 2016

The Empty the shelters initiative stands as one of America’s largest funded adoption events. Since its inception in 2016, it has successfully placed over 374,000 animals into loving homes across both the United States and canada while collaborating with more than 6,025 shelters and rescues. Founded by Cathy Bissell in 2011 with a mission focused on reducing shelter populations through initiatives like adoptions and spay/neuter programs along with vaccinations and emergency support services—the BISSELL Pet Foundation continues its vital work during this holiday season.