Vegas Pets Need You: Empty the Shelters Offers Free Adoptions July 5–18
If you’ve ever thought about adopting a pet, this July might be the perfect time to make it happen. Empty the Shelters is back, and it’s one of the biggest, most impactful adoption events of the year. For a limited time, you can bring home a cat or dog from The Animal Foundation without paying the usual adoption fees, all thanks to the BISSELL Pet Foundation’s commitment to helping shelter pets find the loving homes they deserve.
From waived fees to the chance to be part of a nationwide movement, there’s a lot to know about how this event works—and why it matters now more than ever. Here’s what you need to know about Empty the Shelters and how you can get involved.
What is Empty the Shelters?
Empty the Shelters is one of the biggest adoption events of the year, and it’s all about giving shelter pets a second chance at love. From waived adoption fees to nationwide awareness campaigns, this initiative removes the financial barriers that often keep animals waiting in shelters far longer than they should. Launched by the BISSELL Pet Foundation in 2016, Empty the Shelters has already helped more than 190,000 pets find forever homes—and it continues to grow every year.
Here in Las Vegas, The Animal Foundation is taking part in this important effort by offering free adoptions for large dogs and adult cats for a limited time. Whether you’ve been thinking about adopting or just want to help spread the word, this event makes it easier than ever to make a difference.
When and Where is Empty the Shelters?
This year’s Empty the Shelters event runs from July 5–18, 2025 at The Animal Foundation, located at 655 N. Mojave Road in Las Vegas.
During this time, adoption fees are waived for all cats over 6 months old and for large dogs over 30 pounds and at least 6 months of age. A small licensing fee may apply, but thanks to generous funding from the BISSELL Pet Foundation, the rest of the adoption cost is covered.
If you’ve been waiting for the perfect moment to bring home a new furry family member, this is it.
Why You Should Consider Attending Empty the Shelters
Animal shelters across the country are facing an overwhelming challenge right now—more animals are coming in, and fewer are finding homes. Empty the Shelters shines a light on this crisis and gives people a real, tangible way to help. By adopting, you’re not only saving a life, but you’re also opening up space and resources for the next pet in need.
For many families, waived fees can be the difference between thinking about adoption and actually making it happen. That’s why events like this are so powerful: they break down barriers, celebrate the joy of rescue, and remind us all that there’s a perfect match waiting in every shelter.
Whether you’re ready to adopt, want to volunteer, or simply plan to share this event with someone who’s looking for a pet, Empty the Shelters is your chance to be part of a movement that changes lives—one happy tail at a time.
