HARRISONBURG, VA (RHSPCA) — BISSELL Pet Foundation, a national nonprofit dedicated to ending pet homelessness, is once again prompting a nationwide call for adoption through its Empty the Shelters event, running October 1-15, 2025. The RHSPCA will participate alongside 300+ shelters across 38 states to help pets find loving homes through reduced adoption fees of $70 or less, sponsored by BISSELL Pet Foundation. 

The RHSPCA will participate from October 1-15, offering fee waived adoptions for cats, kittens, and adult dogs. Visit RHSPCA.org to view adoptable pets and learn more.

“Shelters continue to struggle in 2025, with more pets entering than leaving. But together, we have the power to change the story,” said Cathy Bissell, Founder of BISSELL Pet Foundation. “Our National Empty the Shelters events bring attention to the pets of every breed, size and type waiting in shelters across the country. Each adoption gives a pet a second chance, eases the burden on shelters, and inspires more people to get involved. When you adopt, you become part of a lifesaving movement.”

The Rockingham-Harrisonburg SPCA will also be extending their adoption hours Tuesday-Thursdays until 7pm to give families even more time to stop by and adopt a new family member. 

BISSELL Pet Foundation and Rockingham-Harrisonburg SPCA urge families to research the pet they are interested in adopting, as well as adoption requirements. For more information on adopting or donating to “Empty the Shelters,” visit www.bissellpetfoundation.org/empty-the-shelters and RHSPCA.org.