Find your best canine or feline friend during the Empty the Shelters event

“No better time than now to fall in love!”

Susy Ruddle’s comment on the Hawai‘i Island Humane Society’s Facebook post announcing the beginning of a national adoption event at the beginning of the month was 100% barking up the right tree.

Especially when there’s no adoption fee at all.

The Big Island’s humane society is once again one of nearly 400 organizations in 43 states that are part of the Bissell Pet Foundation’s Empty the Shelters program.

During the adoption event, which runs through Oct. 15, the foundation sponsors reduced adoption fees for all adult dogs and cats that are at least 6 months old at each of the participating animal shelters and organizations.

Studies have shown that reducing adoption fees does not compromise the quality of the adopter or the home.

‘’Researchers concluded that adoptions do not require payment of a fee, and free adoption promotions may increase adoptions without compromising the qualify of the animal’s life,’’ according to “The Truth About Free Pet Adoptions.”

With the foundation’s backing, the island’s humane society is able to offer adoptions not for less, but for no fee at all.

“Our shelters are full of wonderful pets who have so much potential to be your favorite companion,” said the Hawai‘i Island Humane Society in its post.

With no adoption fees, future fur baby parents can invest in their new pet in other ways — all because of Bissell’s generous support.

To bring home a new canine or feline family member during the final days of the Empty the Shelters event:

• Visit the Hawai‘i Island Humane Society website or either of the organization’s shelters in Kea‘au, located at 16-873 Kea‘au-Pāhoa Highway, or Hōlualoa, located at 78-6767 Māmalahoa Highway, during open hours to view the available animals.
• Submit an application at the humane society’s website.
• Speak with a member of the organization’s team, who will contact you to schedule a meet-and-greet.

All animals are spayed or neutered, microchipped and up to date on all vaccines and monthly preventative care and tests, including for heartworm for dogs and feline immunodeficiency virus and feline leukemia for cats.

So what are you waiting for? Your best friend is already waiting for you.

“Get ready to meet your perfect match at Hawai‘i Island Humane Society during Bissell’s Empty the Shelters event,” the organization said in its post.

Bissell Pet Foundation won’t stop its work until every pet has a home. For more information about the Empty the Shelters program, click here.

To speak with someone at the Hawai‘i Island Humane Society for any questions or additional information, call 808-329-8002 or email to admin@hihs.org.