BARC Houston to reduce pet adoption fees with return of Empty the Shelter campaign

BARC Houston, the city of Houston’s animal shelter and adoption center, is hosting an Empty the Shelters campaign along with Bissell Pet Foundation from May 3-15 with reduced adoption fees.

Bissell launched the Empty the Shelters campaign in 2016 across the group's locations 45 states and Canada. It has since become the foundation's biggest program with more than 83,000 pets adopted, according to an April 27 press release.

“Shelters across the country are over capacity, and highly adoptable pets are at risk as we face one of the largest crises in recent years,” founder Cathy Bissell said.

During the time the campaign runs, adoption fees will be reduced to $10 for all pets. According to BARC’s website, the standard adoption fees are normally $50 for a dog five months old or older, $75 for a puppy and $20 for all cats and kittens.

BARC officials also partnered on the Empty the Shelters campaign in 2021, which officials called a success. A total of 238 pets were adopted, according to the release.

To adopt an animal, Houstonians can visit BARC’s adoption center from noon-5 p.m. each day of the campaign at 3300 Carr St., Houston.

During the weekend of April 30-May 1, BARC Houston will also have reduced adoption fees to celebrate National Adopt a Shelter Pet Day. Adult dogs will be $10, but puppies, cats and kittens will still be the standard adoption fee.

A number of other animal shelters in the Greater Houston area will also have reduced prices in celebration of Adopt a Shelter Pet Day. A list can be found here.