As animal shelters across the country face overcrowding, Bissell Pet Foundation is aiming to Empty the Shelters by sponsoring reduced adoption fees of $25, in May.

This event will be hosted in more than 275 shelters in 40 states, including Sun Cities 4 Paws Rescue, May 3-May 7 at the Peoria and Youngtown adoption centers, offering $25 adoption fees for adult cats 1-7 years old, and fees waived for senior cats 8 years old and up, along with fees waived for FeLV+ or FIV+ cats. Kittens are not included in this promotion.

All interested adopters can find more details online at www.4pawsrescue.org.

Empty the Shelters, Bissell Pet Foundation’s largest program, began in 2016 as an effort to encourage more families to adopt a pet into their home. More than 83,000 pets have found adoptive homes through this reduced fee adoption event. Since its inception, this lifesaving event has expanded to organizations in 45 states and Canada, partnering with a total of 443 animal welfare organizations.

“Shelters across the country are over capacity, and highly adoptable pets are at risk as we face one of the largest crises in recent years,” said Cathy Bissell, founder of Bissell Pet Foundation. “Bissell Pet Foundation is calling on people to visit their community shelters during Empty the Shelters to save a life through adoption. Without you, there is no tomorrow for these deserving pets.”

Deb Heise, executive director of Sun Cities 4 Paws Rescue, said her organization has participated in this event previously and adopted quite a few cats.

"With kitten season upon us, we are hoping to adopt many cats to help make space for more to be saved," said Deb Heise, executive director of Sun Cities 4 Paws Rescue.

Bissell Pet Foundation and Sun Cities 4 Paws Rescue urge families to do their research about the pet they are interested in adopting, as well as adoption requirements.

For more information on adopting or donating to Empty the Shelters, visit www.bissellpetfoundation.org/empty-the-shelters as well as www.4pawsrescue.org.