The holiday season often sees a surge in pet adoptions, but this year, shelters are particularly overwhelmed by the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.
The storm displaced many animals, leading to overcrowding in shelters.
To help manage the influx, local shelters in the Upstate have partnered with Bissell Pets to host adoption events and provide resources for new pet owners.
This collaboration aims to ease the burden on shelters by promoting adoptions and waiving or reducing fees. Until December 17, Bissell Pets will cover adoption fees at over 410 shelters across 43 states, making it more accessible for families to welcome a pet into their homes.
Adopters can bring home a spayed or neutered, fully vaccinated, and microchipped pet for $50 or less.
Dr. Kim Sanders from Anderson County PAWs said the Bissell Empty the Shelter event offers the shelter critical financial aid.
“As part of this promotion, Bissell will send us a check for every animal adopted during the campaign,” Sanders said. “We will receive $50 per dog and $30 per cat, which are crucial funds reinvested in the shelter.”
“These contributions support our ongoing efforts to care for more animals in need, ensuring they receive the love and attention they deserve,” Sanders said.
She said events like these are vital in connecting animals with loving homes. “On average, we manage about 50 adoptions per week, depending on the number of animals available. We’re incredibly grateful for our dedicated team, who makes this possible.”
The Bissell Empty Shelter Equals Lives Saved campaign is the nation’s largest funded adoption event, according to the company.
A record-breaking 20,636 pets (10,795 cats and 9,841 dogs) found homes during BISSELL Pet Foundation’s Fall National Empty the Shelters event.
Here is a list of shelters participating in the Bissell Pets fee-free adoption initiative.
Greenville County Animal Care
Greenville County Animal Care, located at 328 Furman Hall Road, is one of the many shelters participating in the Bissell Pets initiative.
Greenville County Animal Care shelter hours are noon to 5 p.m., Monday through Saturday. No appointment is needed. They are closed on Sundays.
Each animal is sprayed or neutered, microchipped, and registered, and it receives a PetHub ID tag for easy identification. Additionally, it is vaccinated, dewormed, treated for fleas, and tested for heartworm, with treatment provided for heartworm-positive dogs and Feline Leukemia/FIV for cats.
Andrea Toro, the Community Relations and Events Coordinator at Greenville County Animal Care and Control, expressed gratitude for participating in the Bissell Pet Foundation’s Holiday Hope Event: Empty the Shelters.
He mentioned. “So far, 61 dogs and 32 cats have been adopted this month at Greenville County Animal Care.”
Meet Bino
Meet Bino, a 2-year-old Black Mouth Cur who weighs 64 pounds.
Bino was brought into the shelter on November 21, 2021, and is now looking for his forever home, according to Greenville Animal Care.
According to the shelter staff, his friendly and energetic nature makes him an excellent companion for an active family. Bino is an enthusiastic and goofy pup who loves to shower you with affection. He greets you with gleeful jumps and pounces, eager to show you his love with plenty of kisses.
Animal health care personnel mentioned that Bino is very food-motivated and loves his plush squeaky toys, though he may lose interest and prefer playing with you.
He is a fun, extroverted companion who loves pets and treats. Bino is slightly rough around the edges regarding leash manners but is eager to learn and improve.
Meet Liz
Meet Liz, a two-year and two-month-old Boxer mix who weighs 48.2 pounds.
Liz was brought into care on November 15, 2024, and is now looking for her forever home, according to Greenville Animal Care.
According to the shelter staff, Liz is a mellow and affectionate dog who enjoys snuggling and being taken for walks. She gets along well with other dogs and children she meets but prefers a calm home environment without young children. Her ideal home would allow her to enjoy indoor and outdoor time with plenty of love and attention.
- Training: Crate trained, partially housetrained, knows “lay down,” “hug,” and “off”
- Has lived with dogs.
- Personality: Easygoing, very affectionate, quiet, calm, and moderately active
- Activity level: Moderate; enjoys snuggles, leash walks, and relaxed play
- Leash manners: Excellent
- Favorite activities: Snuggles, walking, and enjoying peanut butter in a Kong
Liz is currently in a foster home, searching for her forever family. To meet her, call or text the Lifesaving Team at 864-467-3985.
You will need to bring the following to adopt
- Picture ID with your current address. For example, a driver’s license or state ID.
- Proof of age (you must be 18 or older to adopt a pet from Animal Care)
- A carrier for your adopted kitty or a leash and collar for your adopted dog.
Anderson County Paws
Anderson County Paws, located at 1320 Highway 29 S., also participates in the Bissell Pets fee-free adoption initiative. It is open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from noon to 5 p.m.
The shelter is closed on Wednesdays and Sundays. Anderson County PAWS urgently seeks a home for Crystal, Meatloaf, and Barney, who must be replaced in a forever or foster home by 5 p.m. on Saturday, December 14.
According to Anderson County PAW veterinarian clinic health care officials, prolonged kenneling can negatively affect pets. This can lead to distressing behaviors such as excessive whining or crying, continuous panting or pacing, depression, and withdrawal.
Meet Crystal
Meet Crystal, a female brindle and white mixed breed. Shelter staff believe she is about one year and four months old and has been at the shelter since August 1.
Full of energy and enthusiasm, shelter staff describe Crystal as the perfect companion for hiking adventures or keeping kids entertained with her playful antics.
Meet Meatloaf
Meet Meatloaf, a loveable male mixed-breed dog. Shelter staff believes he is about three years old. He has a blue and white coat and has been at the shelter since November 14.
Shelter staff describe Meatloaf as having a playful personality and affectionate nature, bringing joy and laughter to everyone around him.
Meet Barney
Meet Barney, a male mixed-breed dog with white and brown fur. Shelter staff believe he is about one year and three months old. He has been at the shelter since September 21.
Shelter staff describe him as having a playful spirit and an affectionate nature.
Upcoming events: Home-Fur The Pawlidays
Anderson County PAW is hosting a Home-Fur the Pawlidays event at Tractor Supply on the 28 bypass in Anderson.
The event is on Saturday, December 14, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. This winter wonderland event aims to find loving homes for pets in time for the holidays.
Anderson Count PAWs will have pups available for adoption from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and will accept donations. Additionally, the event will feature the local Homeland Park Volunteer Fire Department, which will share important Christmas Tree and Turkey Fryer Safety tips from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Food trucks will be present, offering a variety of tasty treats and hot cocoa beverages.
Photographer Ken Ruinard contributed to this article.
Travis Rose covers Anderson County for the Independent Mail. Reach him via email at trose@gannett.com.
2024-12-12 10:07:29
