JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The Jacksonville Humane Society is offering reduced adoption fees of $25 for all dogs starting Monday, Sept. 21, 2026. The promotion is part of a nationwide initiative organized by the BISSELL Pet Foundation to mark the 10th anniversary of its Empty the Shelters event.
The Jacksonville adoption drive joins a broader national effort involving more than 335 shelters across 39 states. During the event, the BISSELL Pet Foundation sponsors reduced adoption fees of $70 or less for cats and dogs. All animals available through the program are spayed or neutered, vaccinated and microchipped prior to adoption.
The Empty the Shelters program began in 2016 to lower adoption costs and increase placement rates across the United States and Canada. Since its inception, the campaign has assisted nearly 400,000 pets in finding homes.
Cathy Bissell founded the BISSELL Pet Foundation in 2011 as a nonprofit organization dedicated to ending pet homelessness through adoption, spay and neuter procedures, vaccinations, microchipping and emergency assistance.
“Today, it has grown into a national effort that has helped nearly 400,000 pets find families. Those adoptions have opened space for other pets to enter shelters, provided relief for shelter teams and created the heartwarming joy that only adoption can bring,” Bissell said. “As we celebrate 10 years, we encourage everyone to consider adoption and help more pets find the homes they deserve. It’s never too late to make a difference.”
The Jacksonville Humane Society is participating in the campaign to help connect local residents with shelter animals. “We are thrilled to participate once again in Empty the Shelters with Bissell,” Lawrence Nicolas, CEO of JHS, said. “Bissell has assisted many families in connecting with adoptable pets at shelters by providing funds to lower adoption fees and we are thankful to be part of this initiative!”
Participating organizations determine their own adoption processes and operating schedules. Details on adoptable animals and event hours for the Jacksonville facility are published on the organization’s website.
The reduced-fee adoption event at the Jacksonville Humane Society will run through Sept. 30, 2026.
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