BISSELL’s “Empty the Shelters” Returns to Las Vegas With Adoption Fees Slashed Through December 15

Families hoping to welcome a pet home for the holidays have a rare opportunity this month, as the BISSELL Pet Foundation’s nationwide “Empty the Shelters” campaign is now underway across Las Vegas. Adoption fees have been dramatically reduced to $70 or less, giving would-be adopters a chance to bring home dogs, cats, and other pets at a fraction of the usual cost while easing pressure on overcrowded local shelters.

What the Program Does for Shelter Pets

The BISSELL Pet Foundation’s “Empty the Shelters” campaign continues to stand out as one of the most influential nationwide adoption initiatives, and its return to Las Vegas arrives at a moment when shelters desperately need relief. The program’s central mission is disarmingly simple but profoundly effective: reduce adoption fees so that more families feel empowered to take home a dog, cat, or other pet in need. Since its launch in 2016, the effort has helped more than 374,000 animals across North America reach safety.

For shelters, the timing of the December event is particularly meaningful. This season often brings an influx of surrendered pets, stretching staff and resources at a time when intake is already high. By making adoption more financially attainable, Empty the Shelters provides a vital lifeline that gives animals a better chance at finding homes during a period when many would otherwise be overlooked. It also helps prevent overcrowding from reaching crisis levels during the year’s busiest months.

Las Vegas Shelters Joining the Effort

Two Southern Nevada shelters are taking part in this winter’s event, offering local families a chance to adopt for $70 or less. The Animal Foundation in Las Vegas remains the most prominent participant, drawing residents from across the valley who hope to meet a new companion amid the holiday season. With its steady flow of dogs, cats, and small animals entering the adoption kennels daily, the shelter provides the widest range of choices for potential adopters.

Nye County Animal Services in Pahrump is also participating, giving residents in the outlying areas an opportunity to take advantage of the reduced fees. Both shelters have implemented BISSELL’s discounted rate structure and remain braced for an uptick in visitors as news of the promotion spreads. With capacity stretched thin in both facilities, shelter staff say the event could not have come at a more urgently needed time.

Why Now Is the Best Time to Adopt

This December’s event arrives as Clark County shelters grapple with some of the highest intake numbers seen in nearly a decade. Economic strain, housing disruptions, and rising living costs have contributed to unusually high surrender rates, leaving kennels filled with dogs and cats who once had homes of their own. Adoption during Empty the Shelters isn’t simply a feel-good gesture; it directly reduces overcrowding and helps prevent animals from languishing in stressed environments for weeks on end.

Many of the pets currently waiting in cages are already house-trained adults with calm, steady personalities that make them easier to integrate into households. Families who want to bypass the unpredictable puppy stage often find December a particularly convenient time to adopt, thanks to time off work, more relaxed schedules, and an overall desire to create meaningful memories during the holiday season. For countless adopters, this window becomes the perfect moment to bond with a new companion.

How to Take Part in Empty the Shelters

Participation begins by checking the official Empty the Shelters website, where all participating locations and updated fee information are displayed. From there, most adopters choose to call their preferred shelter directly to confirm available pets, operating hours, and any specific procedures for meeting animals. This helps ensure a smooth, informed visit and reduces the likelihood of missing out on a dog or cat that may be adopted quickly during the busy holiday rush.

Adoption itself is largely a matter of spending time in the kennels, meeting animals face-to-face, and allowing shelter staff to guide the process. Many adopters walk in intending to meet one particular pet only to fall for a completely different animal once they arrive. Staff are available throughout the process to discuss health histories, personality notes, and any special requirements. Once the match feels right, families can finalize paperwork and head home with their new companion.

A Nationwide Adoption Push

This winter’s event spans more than 300 shelters across 44 states, forming one of the largest synchronized holiday adoption efforts in the country. The campaign’s scale is part of what makes it so impactful: an entire network of shelters working toward the same goal at the same time, creating a wave of momentum that significantly increases the odds for pets who may have been sitting unnoticed in kennels for far too long.

For families traveling during the holidays, the nationwide reach also means the opportunity to adopt isn’t limited to their home city. Whether someone is visiting relatives in another state or simply exploring options beyond their local area, the event’s widespread participation allows adopters to find a pet almost anywhere. This flexibility has contributed to its remarkable success year after year.

Planning Your Holiday Adoption

Shelters encourage interested families to call ahead, especially during this high-traffic period, as adoption floors can fill quickly with visitors. Most facilities require a valid ID and proof of residence, but staff are generally eager to guide adopters through the process and answer any questions. Knowing the requirements in advance helps reduce wait times and allows families to focus on meeting the animals instead of sorting out logistics on arrival.

Patience often proves key during these events. New animals arrive daily, and the right match may not always be available on the first visit. Shelter workers frequently emphasize that checking back over the course of the event can be the difference between leaving disappointed and finding the perfect companion. The reduced fees remain in effect throughout the promotion, giving families ample opportunity to return if needed.

What It Means for Las Vegas Families

For Las Vegas residents considering adoption, Empty the Shelters represents the most affordable and impactful moment of the year to bring home a new pet. The discounted fees make it possible for families to redirect savings toward essentials such as food, veterinary care, or training — crucial support as pets transition into their new homes. At the same time, each adoption helps ease the mounting strain on shelters that are fighting to keep pace with intake.

With the event running through December 15, locals have a limited but meaningful window to visit The Animal Foundation or Nye County Animal Services and meet the many dogs and cats waiting for a second chance. The holidays have always been a time for connection, and for countless families, the season’s most memorable gift may turn out to be the pet who had been waiting behind a kennel door for far too long.