Graphic promoting BISSELL Pet Foundation's Empty the Shelters National Adoption Event. The top of the graphic features the Empty the Shelters logo and text announcing a reduced-fee adoption event taking place July 5 through July 26, 2026, with 306 participating organizations across 37 states. The bottom half shows a smiling black puppy with a white chest wearing a blue bandana while standing on green grass. An inset circular photo features a gray and cream cat with yellow eyes. The design uses blue and green accents on a white background.
July 1, 2026July 1, 2026

Bring Home a New Pet This Summer During the Bissell Pet Foundation’s Empty the Shelters Event

Summer is one of the busiest times of year for animal shelters, making it one of the most important times to choose adoption. That’s why the Jacksonville Humane Society is excited to once again partner with BISSELL Pet Foundation for its nationwide Empty the Shelters® adoption event, taking place July 5 through July 26, 2026.

Throughout the event, adoption fees for all dogs and cats at the Jacksonville Humane Society will be just $25, giving more families the opportunity to welcome a new pet into their home. Every adopted pet is spayed or neutered, vaccinated, and microchipped before going home, making it easy to start your new life together.

Summer presents unique challenges for animal shelters. Kitten and puppy season brings an influx of young animals, while owner surrenders often increase and volunteer availability declines. As more pets arrive each day, shelters can quickly reach capacity. Every adoption helps create space for another animal in need while giving a deserving pet the chance to experience the comfort and love of a home.

The Jacksonville Humane Society has proudly partnered with BISSELL Pet Foundation on previous Empty the Shelters events, helping hundreds of local pets find loving families. Most recently, during the May 2026 event, 283 dogs, cats, and kittens were adopted into new homes. Since launching in 2016, Empty the Shelters has helped more than 400,000 pets across the United States and Canada begin new chapters with their adoptive families, making it the nation’s largest funded adoption event.

The Empty the Shelters event will take place at the Jacksonville Humane Society, located at 8464 Beach Blvd. in Jacksonville, from July 5 through July 26. Adoption hours are Monday through Friday from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. A leash for dogs or a carrier for cats is required at the time of adoption, and additional fees may apply.

If you’ve been thinking about adding a pet to your family, there’s never been a better time to adopt. Visit jaxhumane.org/adopt to browse available pets, learn more about the event, and find the companion who’s been waiting just for you.

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