The Walker County Animal Shelter is launching its first “Empty the Shelters” event of 2026, offering deeply discounted—and in some cases free—adoptions in an effort to find homes for animals in its care.
The event is part of the BISSELL Pet Foundation Spring National Adoption Event, which supports shelters across the country. Locally, the initiative includes extended hours and reduced adoption fees to encourage more residents to adopt.
Beginning today at 10 a.m., all dogs that have been in the shelter’s care for 45 days or longer are available for free, thanks to a sponsorship from Cathy Bissell. All other animals can be adopted for a reduced fee of $25 for the duration of the event.
Each adoption includes spay or neuter services, age-appropriate vaccinations, deworming, and a microchip with lifetime registration.
To accommodate increased interest, the shelter will remain open until 7 p.m. on the first day of the event. No appointment is required to adopt.
Shelter officials say several animals are already highlighted for adoption, including Dolly, a cat currently in foster care, and Baby Girl, a dog at the shelter. Both are available at no cost through the promotion.
Residents can visit the shelter in person or view adoptable pets online through the county’s website. Shelter staff say the goal is simple—connect as many animals as possible with permanent, loving homes.