The holidays are a time of joy, love, and togetherness, and what better way to celebrate the season than by giving a homeless pet the greatest gift of all—a forever home? This December, BARC, the City of Houston's Animal Shelter and Adoption Center, is teaming up with the BISSELL Pet Foundation to bring hope and second chances to countless stray pets through the Empty the Shelters™ initiative. From December 1 through December 17, BARC will join over 400 shelters across 45 states to offer reduced adoption fees, making it easier than ever to bring home a furry friend.

Reduced Adoption Fees for the Win

As part of this nationwide event, BARC is waiving adoption fees for all adult dogs and cats, as well as kittens. Puppies will be available for the reduced fee of just $25. And here’s the cherry on top: BARC is going the extra mile by opening its doors seven days a week during this period to ensure more pets find loving families. Normally closed for adoptions on Mondays, the shelter’s extended schedule reflects its commitment to saving lives.

Adoptions will be conducted on a first-come, first-served basis, so if you’ve been dreaming of adding a new member to your family, now’s the time to act! Prospective adopters must be over 18 and bring a valid ID and proof of address. For more details on the adoption process, visit BARC’s website or email the adoptions team at BARCadoptions@houstontx.gov.

A Lifeline for Shelter Pets

Cathy Bissell, founder of BISSELL Pet Foundation, puts it best: “Empty the Shelters – Holiday Hope is more than an adoption event; it’s a lifeline for shelter pets. Tens of thousands of shelter animals—of all breeds, ages, and personalities—are desperately in need of homes.”

This initiative couldn’t come at a more critical time. BARC Shelter Director Jarrad Mears emphasized the urgency: “Thanks to the Empty the Shelters campaign and BISSELL Pet Foundation, thousands of BARC animals have found their forever homes. This winter is a crucial time for BARC as intake levels for both dogs and cats remain high. Strategic partnerships like these are essential to ensuring we find positive outcomes for our shelter pets.”

A Record of Lifesaving Success

Since its inception in 2016, the *Empty the Shelters* program has helped over 300,000 pets find loving homes. It’s the largest funded adoption event in the U.S., partnering with 800 animal welfare organizations across 48 states and Canada. The initiative is proof that with a little help, we can make a huge difference in the lives of homeless pets.

Adopting Responsibly

While the event aims to place as many pets as possible, BISSELL Pet Foundation and BARC encourage families to research the needs and responsibilities of pet ownership. Every pet is unique, and finding the right match ensures a successful adoption. If you’re not ready to adopt but still want to help, consider fostering a pet or donating to support this life-changing cause.

How You Can Help

For more information on adopting or supporting the *Empty the Shelters* campaign, visit BISSELL Pet Foundation’s website or BARC’s adoption page. Together, we can make the holidays brighter for Houston’s homeless pets.

So, Houston, let’s rally for our four-legged friends. Whether you’re looking for a playful pup, a cuddly kitten, or a loyal companion, there’s a pet waiting for you. Make this holiday season unforgettable—for you and for them.