Carthage Humane Society to participate in 'Empty the Shelters' event

John Hacker, The Joplin Globe, Mo.
·2 min read

Apr. 29—CARTHAGE, Mo. — The Bissell Pet Foundation is teaming up with the Carthage Humane Society for its spring "Empty the Shelters," event, which offers reduced-price adoptions in an effort to move animals out of overcrowded shelters.

The foundation said animals shelters across the country are facing a capacity crisis with nearly 1 million more pets in shelters compared with three years ago.

Carthage Humane Society Executive Director Katie Logan said the situation at the local shelter, just south of Carthage near the Cedar Road interchange with Interstate 49, is no different.

"This will be our first 'Empty the Shelters' event, and we want to make it a huge success," Logan said. "Shelters across the country are experiencing a crisis of low adoptions, which then means our shelters are at full capacity. When this happens we cannot help more unwanted animals within our community. If you are thinking about adding to your family, please come by the shelter and look at all of our beautiful pets available for adoption or visit our website where you can view photos and bios."

The Bissell Pet Foundation's Empty the Shelters event is the largest funded adoption event in the country.

It began in 2016 with the goal of encouraging more families to choose adoption. More than 226,000 pets have found homes since its inception. Empty the Shelters is the foundation's largest program, partnering with 742 animal welfare organizations in 49 states and Canada to reduce adoption fees.

"Our nation's animal shelters are facing a capacity crisis and need your help now. Adoptions have slowed while a surge in owner-surrenders due to families facing economic and housing challenges has left tens of thousands of highly adoptable pets desperate to find homes," Cathy Bissell, founder of the Bissell Pet Foundation, said in a statement. "Our spring national 'Empty the Shelters' will support the adoption of thousands of pets across the country, helping shelters in this critical time. Opening your home to a shelter pet saves a life and creates lifesaving space to help another pet in need."

Logan said the Carthage Humane Society will be participating from May 1-15 during normal business hours.

The shelter, at 13860 Dog Kennel Road, is offering $20 adoptions for all available cats and dogs with an approved adoption application.

This will include all age-appropriate vaccinations, deworming, spay and neuter, heartworm tests on dogs 6 months and older with heartworm prevention care, and a microchip.

During this period, shelter volunteers will bring dogs to Joplin's PetSmart store, 520 S. Range Line Road, on Saturday, May 11.

All interested adopters can fill out an online adoption application at www.carthagehumanesociety.com.