BISSELL Pet Foundation Marks Major Achievement by Helping 1 Million Pets Find Homes

Celebrating a Major Milestone: 1 Million Pets Helped by BISSELL Pet Foundation

In a remarkable celebration of commitment to animal welfare, the BISSELL Pet Foundation has proudly announced that it has impacted over 1 million pets through its nationwide efforts. Founded in 2011 by Cathy Bissell, the foundation has dedicated itself to the mission of reducing pet homelessness by implementing various initiatives, including rescue, adoption, and spay/neuter programs.

Cathy Bissell, the founder, proved to be not just an advocate for pets but a passionate leader dedicated to transforming lives. She states, "This milestone is a testament to the shelters, rescues, and advocates working tirelessly every day to give pets a second chance. 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."

Over the past 14 years, the organization has developed several impactful programs, each designed to provide essential support to shelters and rescue organizations across the nation:

1. Fix the Future®

This initiative is recognized as the fastest-growing free spay/neuter program in the United States. It facilitates direct payments to veterinarians and connects them with both shelters and pet owners desperately seeking assistance. With a network exceeding 340 relief veterinarians, the program enables pets to receive spay/neuter services, vaccinations, and microchipping for an affordable fee of $35 or less, ensuring that cost does not stand in the way of pet health and welfare.

2. Empty the Shelters®

As the nation’s largest funded adoption event, this program strives to make adoption more accessible. By providing financial support to participating organizations, BISSELL Pet Foundation helps cover the costs associated with pet adoption, hence making it easier for families to welcome new furry friends into their homes.

3. Crisis and Disaster Response

BISSELL Pet Foundation has an active Animal Incident Management (AIM) team, working tirelessly to provide emergency rescue and transport support during natural disasters and crises. By collaborating with various shelters across the country, the foundation ensures that pets caught in urgent situations receive the assistance they require, relocating them to safer environments.

4. Transport Program

Recognizing the imbalance in shelter populations, this program acts to move adoptable pets from overcrowded shelters— particularly within high-intake regions—to areas with a higher demand for adoptions. This program has played a crucial role in ensuring thousands of pets find their forever homes.

As part of the celebration of this noteworthy achievement, BISSELL Pet Foundation plans to share inspirational stories highlighting the pets whose lives have been transformed through their lifesaving programs. The organization encourages those who wish to support its mission to visit their website and consider making a donation. Every contribution goes a long way towards continuing this critical work and helping more pets find loving families.

About BISSELL Pet Foundation®

BISSELL Pet Foundation, a recognized charitable 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, is committed to lowering the number of animals in shelters through various initiatives such as pet adoption, spay/neuter programs, microchipping, and crisis response efforts. Since its inception, it has collaborated with over 6,000 shelters and rescues across both the United States and Canada, and continues to respond to the urgent need for improved animal welfare. With support from generous donors and BISSELL Inc., the foundation operates under the philosophy that "Every Purchase Saves Pets™." To learn more about their mission or to contribute, visit bissellpetfoundation.org.