‘Empty the Shelters’ boosts local adoptions

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. (WNKY) – A nationwide adoption initiative is helping clear space and connect animals with families at the Bowling Green-Warren County Humane Society, where staff say the impact has been immediate.

The Bissell “Empty the Shelters” campaign, which offers reduced adoption fees, has helped drive a surge in adoptions at the shelter this month, according to Operations Manager Brandon Taylor.

“We’re incredibly grateful for the Bissell Empty the Shelters campaign. It’s a campaign that saves a lot of lives, helps us adopt a ton of animals out, and we’re incredibly grateful,” Taylor said.

He said the shelter has taken in 185 animals in the past two weeks while adopting out about 135 during the same period.

“Because of the Bissell Empty the Shelters campaign, we’ve been able to adopt out a large majority of those dogs, specifically about 135 in the past two weeks,” Taylor said.

Staff say increased adoptions help reduce overcrowding, which can contribute to stress, anxiety and illness among animals housed in close quarters.

“More animals are able to get out of our shelter and care leads to healthier pets, healthier shelter, healthier community,” Taylor said.

The campaign has also highlighted the emotional connections that can form between families and shelter animals, staff said.

“They see that cat in that corner kennel, they see that dog back in one of the kennels in the back… and there’s that instant connection there. Nothing was forced,” Taylor said.

The Empty the Shelters campaign continues through Sunday, with reduced adoption fees available for many dogs and cats.