The Jacksonville Humane Society is offering a reduced adoption fee of $25 for all dogs starting on Monday, September 21, 2026. This initiative is part of the nationwide Empty the Shelters event, organized by the BISSELL Pet Foundation, which celebrates its 10th anniversary this year.
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This adoption drive is part of a larger national campaign that includes over 335 shelters across 39 states, where reduced fees of $70 or less are available for both cats and dogs. All animals participating in this program will be spayed or neutered, vaccinated, and microchipped prior to adoption.
The Empty the Shelters program was launched in 2016 to reduce adoption costs and improve placement rates for pets in the U.S. and Canada. Since its inception, it has helped nearly 400,000 pets find homes. Cathy Bissell, who founded the BISSELL Pet Foundation in 2011, stated that the organization is dedicated to ending pet homelessness through adoption, spay and neuter procedures, vaccinations, microchipping, and emergency assistance.
Bissell emphasized the significance of the event, saying, "Today, it has grown into a national effort that has helped nearly 400,000 pets find families. Those adoptions have opened space for other pets to enter shelters, provided relief for shelter teams, and created the heartwarming joy that only adoption can bring. As we celebrate 10 years, we encourage everyone to consider adoption and help more pets find the homes they deserve. It’s never too late to make a difference.”
Lawrence Nicolas, CEO of the Jacksonville Humane Society, expressed enthusiasm about participating in the event, recognizing BISSELL’s role in connecting families with adoptable pets by reducing fees.
Details about the adoptable animals and event hours for the Jacksonville facility are available on the organization's website. The reduced fee adoption event will continue through September 30, 2026.