Bissell Pet Foundation has reached a major milestone, reporting that its national initiatives have impacted 1 million pets since the organization’s founding in 2011. The nonprofit supports shelters and rescue organizations across the U.S. through spay/neuter services, adoption events, emergency response, and transport efforts.
“This milestone is a testament to the shelters, rescues, and advocates working tirelessly every day to give pets a second chance," said Cathy Bissell, founder of Bissell Pet Foundation. "While we celebrate 1 million pets impacted, our mission continues—too many pets still need help, and we won't stop until every pet has a loving home."
The foundation operates several large-scale initiatives, including:
- Fix the Future: A free or low-cost spay/neuter program that connects shelters and pet owners with a network of more than 340 relief veterinarians. It offers services such as sterilization, vaccinations, and microchipping for $35 or less.
- Empty the Shelters: The nation’s largest funded adoption event, helping reduce adoption costs for families and easing shelter crowding.
- Crisis and Disaster Response: The Animal Incident Management (AIM) team provides rescue, transport, and shelter support for pets impacted by natural disasters or large-scale emergencies, in coordination with Animal Search and Rescue (ASAR) and shelter partners.
- Transport Program: Relocates adoptable animals from overcrowded, high-intake shelters to areas with more demand for adoptions.
Bissell Pet Foundation plans to commemorate the 1 million milestone by sharing stories of pets impacted by its programs.
Founded in Grand Rapids, Michigan, U.S., the nonprofit has worked with more than 6,000 shelters and rescues across the U.S. and Canada. For more information, visit bissellpetfoundation.org.
