April 7th, 2016 was a joyful day for cat lovers everywhere. Most people can agree that having cats as pets is a worthwhile experience, but for some, the costs that come with their furry friends is too much to handle. That’s why animal shelters in the Grand Rapids, Michigan area took a big new step to change animals’ lives.
Over 20 animal shelters in Michigan offered to participate in BISSEL Pet Foundation’s Empty the Shelters Day. By waving the adoption fees and offering generous “AdoptBox” donations to new owners, these shelters made adopting pets possible for many.
New owners were spared the $60 (for cats) to $150 (for dogs) adoption fees, only responsible for a licensing fee of $7 to $12 dollars. In the “AdoptBox,” they were given a multitude of essential items for new pet owners, including a pet care guide, a free month of pet insurance, treats, toys, cleaning products, and coupons. This kit jumpstarted hundreds of healthy pets’ new lives with their new families.
This event is planned to occur annually, in order to decrease the number of cats and dogs in shelters, and give the animals happy homes.
