It’s a familiar chorus this time of year: wagging tails, hopeful eyes, and the sound of possibility. But for the Walker County Animal Shelter, the next two weeks may be the most important of the summer.
From July 7 through July 19, the shelter will participate in Empty the Shelters®, a nationwide adoption campaign sponsored by the BISSELL Pet Foundation. The initiative, which includes nearly 300 shelters across the country, aims to ease overcrowding and connect shelter pets with loving homes.
In Walker County, the effort will mean waived adoption fees for cats and dogs over four months old, and a reduced $25 fee for younger kittens and puppies. The sponsorship covers essential vetting, too—every adopted pet comes spayed or neutered, microchipped, and vaccinated.
“There are so many loving, deserving cats and dogs in our care just waiting for their chance at a forever home,” said Taylor Baggett, manager of the Walker County Animal Shelter. “Thanks to this generous sponsorship, adopters can bring home a new best friend and know they’re giving them the best possible start.”
The shelter, located at 5488 North Marble Top Road near Chickamauga, currently houses more than 100 cats and dogs. Staff are hoping to place at least 100 animals into permanent homes during the event.
This is the second time Walker County has joined the Empty the Shelters effort. In May, the shelter successfully placed 63 dogs, 12 cats, and 11 farm animals.
Nationwide, shelters continue to face record intakes and limited space, making events like this more crucial than ever. Cathy Bissell, founder of the BISSELL Pet Foundation, calls it a “movement to support local shelters and save lives together.”
Since its launch in 2016, Empty the Shelters has helped more than 324,000 pets across the U.S. and Canada find forever homes, making it the largest funded adoption event in the country. The campaign partners with more than 815 animal welfare organizations across 49 states.
The Walker County Animal Shelter is open Monday through Saturday, and a full list of adoptable pets can be found at walkercountyga.gov/residents/animal-shelter.
For more information on the BISSELL Pet Foundation’s program, visit bissellpetfoundation.org/empty-the-shelters.
