The Detroit Barker

If you’re in Michigan, you may have noticed the local news talking about animal shelters participating in the “Clear the Shelters” event going on from October 1 – 15th, 2024. In Michigan, over 40 shelters are participating in the event, offering reduced adoption fees to help overcrowded shelters find loving homes for pets.

This event is nationwide and sponsored by the Bissell Pet Foundation — the same company that makes many of the pet stain removers on the market. Pets available for adoption will be spayed/neutered, up-to-date on vaccines, and microchipped for a reduced fee. This is great for families that have been on the fence about adopting, or that may be worried about the costs associated.

The Benefits of Adopting

Pet overpopulation is still a large issue, especially after the post-COVID pet boom. As a result, shelters are beginning to fill up with dogs and cats as their families have had to go back to work or otherwise give them up.

Luckily, adopting a dog or cat from a shelter or local rescue has many benefits. Most pets in shelters are already spayed/neutered, vaccinated, and microchipped during their stay, helping to reduce initial veterinary costs after adoption. Adopting is also great if you’re looking for an adult or senior pet that already has an established personality — and lets you avoid the pesky pitfalls of potty or litterbox training. And best of all, you’re saving the life of an animal in need; your new best friend.

Many shelters offer other services in addition to adoptions, such as providing free or low-cost veterinary care to low-income families, training and behavior services, and education and outreach that all help the community. By supporting your local shelter through adoption, you’re not only gaining a lifelong best friend, but helping other families in your area.

Looking to adopt this fall? You can follow Bissell’s link to find participating shelters in the Detroit Metro. Or, you can also help by donating to the Bissell Pet Foundation to sponsor the adoption fee of a pet in need.

Have you adopted a pet from a local animal shelter? Share your stories in the comments below!