Empty the Shelters Summer 2026 Comes To Charlotte
Adopt. Don't Shop.
Every pet deserves a safe home, a loving family, and a second chance. If you've been thinking about adding a dog or cat to your family, this is one of the best times of the year to adopt.
“The greatness of a nation can be judged by the way its animals are treated.”
– Mahatma Gandhi
The quarterly BISSELL Pet Foundation's Empty the Shelters adoption event returns this summer, helping participating shelters reduce overcrowding while making pet adoption more affordable. Adoption fees are reduced, and participating pets are typically spayed or neutered, vaccinated, and microchipped, giving them a healthy start in their new homes.
Did you know that Empty the Shelters is the nation's largest funded adoption event? Since its launch in 2016, Empty the Shelters has helped more than 408,623 pets find loving families through 917 participating partners in 49 states and Canada.
Summer is one of the most critical times for animal shelters. Spring litters often leave shelters filled beyond capacity, stretching staff and resources while thousands of wonderful pets wait for someone to give them a chance. Every adoption not only saves one life—it creates space for another animal in need.
Adopt a New Best Friend in Charlotte This Summer
"Unconditional love is as close as your nearest shelter."
- Anonymous
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Animal Care & Control is participating in this year's Empty the Shelters event July 13th through July 19th and offering reduced adoption fees. Bonus: In August, CMPD Animal Care and Control will also participate in the Clear the Shelters event sponsored by waiving adoption fees.
The Greater Charlotte SPCA will offer offer adoption specials throughout the month of August through the Clear the Shelters event sponsored by
If you live outside the Charlotte area, check to see whether a participating shelter near you is taking part in this summer's Empty the Shelters events. A quick search by city or ZIP code can help you locate nearby adoption opportunities.
"We can stop the cycle of animal homelessness and save lives by open our hearts and homes to a loving cat or dog from an animal shelter."
- Amy Jackson
Save One Life. Change Two Lives.
When you adopt a shelter pet, you're doing much more than bringing home a new companion. You're giving an animal a future while opening a kennel for another pet that desperately needs help.
"Pets are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole."
- Roger Caras
Each year, millions of dogs and cats enter shelters across the United States. Far too many never get the opportunity to experience the love and security of a permanent home simply because shelters run out of space.
If you can, adopt don't shop. The love, loyalty, and gratitude you'll receive in return are priceless.
If adopting isn't possible right now, you can still make a difference by volunteering, fostering, donating, or sharing this event with family and friends. Even a small contribution helps shelters care for animals while they wait for their forever homes.
Together, we can help Empty the Shelters—one adoption at a time.
Looking for a Pet-Friendly Home in Greater Charlotte?
"For me, a house becomes a home when you add one set of four legs, a happy tail, and that indescribable measure of love that we call a pet."
- Anonymous
Whether you're welcoming a newly adopted companion into your family or already share your home with dogs, cats, or other beloved pets, choosing the right home can make all the difference.
As Charlotte's Pet-Friendly Real Estate Agent, I've been helping Greater Charlotte home buyers and sellers since 1999. Along the way, I've also had the privilege of helping countless families find homes that are a great fit not only for them, but for the dogs and cats who are part of their family. I understand the features that matter to pet owners—from fenced yards and nearby greenways and dog parks to pet-friendly neighborhoods and homes that fit every member of the family, including the four-legged ones.
If you're planning to buy or sell a home, I'd love the opportunity to help. Call or text me at 704-779-0813 or visit www.GreatHomesInCharlotte.com. I'd love to help you and your four-legged family members find the perfect place to call home.
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