Released by the BISSELL Pet Foundation:

Gainesville, Ga. (June 1, 2026)  —  HSNEGA participated alongside more than 335 shelters in 39 states during the 10th anniversary of BISSELL Pet Foundation’s largest national adoption event, which collectively saved 16,073 pets. During the 17-day event, HSNEGA offered a special $50 adoption fee for dogs and cats six months and older, with 79 total animals getting adopted during the Empty the Shelters promotion.

"Ten years ago, we launched Empty the Shelters with a simple belief: that bringing attention to pets in shelters and making adoption more affordable could save more lives," said Cathy Bissell, Founder of BISSELL Pet Foundation. "Each event reaffirms why we do this work. Pets in shelters deserve loving homes and our nation's overcrowded shelters deserve relief."

The influx of adoptions provided much-needed relief to HSNEGA, which, like many shelters nationwide, faces ongoing capacity challenges.

"This event was an incredible opportunity to make a lasting impact on Northeast Georgia families," said Sandy Holiday, HSNEGA Executive Director. "While we are excited to celebrate these 79 adoptions, our mission doesn't stop here. We rely on the ongoing support of our community through donations, fostering, and volunteering to ensure we can continue to rehome animals quickly and reduce their length of stay."

Kathleen Delehanty, Director, Shelter Operations, noted that the event's success extends beyond the animals adopted this month. "Watching 79 of our residents walk out the door is the ultimate reward, but it also opens up kennel space for the next animals in need," Delehanty said. "We are incredibly grateful to BISSELL Pet Foundation for helping us facilitate these matches."

To view currently adoptable pets or learn how to support the shelter, visit www.hsnega.org.

About BISSELL Pet Foundation

BISSELL Pet Foundation (BPF) is a charitable 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 2011 by Cathy Bissell. BPF has partnered with more than 6,025 shelters across the U.S. and Canada to reduce the number of animals in shelters through pet adoption, spay/neuter, microchipping, and crisis response. To learn more, visit www.bissellpetfoundation.org.

About the Humane Society of Northeast Georgia:

Serving northeast Georgia since 1913, the Humane Society of Northeast Georgia (HSNEGA) is a 501(c)3 non-profit shelter whose mission is to help animals and people live better, together.