Gainesville shelter joins Bissell’s “Empty the Shelter” push, hoping to find homes for dozens of animals
For the next two weeks, residents around Gainesville, Georgia, can walk into the Humane Society of Northeast Georgia (HSNEGA) and walk out with a furry friend—without paying a single dime in adoption fees.
The shelter, located at 845 W. Ridge Road, has officially joined Bissell Pet Foundation’s “Empty the Shelter” campaign. From now through July 19, adoption fees are waived for all dogs and cats over six months old. Every animal is already spayed or neutered, vaccinated, and microchipped—basically ready to move in.
An Urgent Need That Hits Home
Summers are always tricky for shelters, and HSNEGA is no exception. With overcrowding at record highs, staff say this initiative couldn’t have come at a better time.
“There’s just no breathing room,” said Michelle Gray, a longtime volunteer at the shelter. “We’re seeing a flood of intakes, and every kennel is spoken for.”
The spike is partly seasonal—school’s out, families travel, and sometimes pets get lost or abandoned. But this year, shelter staff say inflation has played a cruel role. Rising costs of food and veterinary care have made pet ownership harder for many.
On top of that, rehoming rates have slowed down.
“It’s heartbreaking,” Gray added. “We’ve had to turn people away simply because we’re at capacity. This campaign gives us a real shot at turning that around.”
A National Push With Local Heart
Bissell’s Empty the Shelter event is no small thing. Since launching in 2016, it’s grown into the largest funded adoption event in the country. Over 200,000 animals have been adopted during the campaign to date.
The math checks out. During a typical week at HSNEGA, about 15 to 20 adoptions might happen. During Empty the Shelter weeks, that number can easily double or even triple.
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Typical Week Adoptions: 15–20
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Empty the Shelter Adoptions: 40–60
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Average savings per adoption: $75–$150
The waived adoption fees don’t mean lower standards either. Bissell covers the cost difference, ensuring shelters aren’t left scrambling for resources. And potential adopters still go through a screening process.
What You Get With Every Adoption
A free pet sounds amazing, sure. But what’s the catch?
Turns out, there isn’t one. Every dog and cat comes fully vetted and ready to settle into a new life. The Humane Society wants people to understand exactly what they’re walking into.
• Spay/neuter surgery: done
• Full set of vaccinations: done
• Microchip with registration: included
• Initial health check by a vet: covered
There’s also a support team to guide new pet owners through the early days—think advice on food, training, even insurance options. It’s not just about handing off an animal and calling it a day.
“It’s about getting it right,” said Stephanie Peters, HSNEGA’s community engagement manager. “The goal isn’t just an adoption—it’s a successful adoption.”
Who’s Waiting for a Home?
The shelter currently houses around 75 animals that are eligible under the campaign. Each one has its own story.
There’s Clover, a lanky hound mix who’s spent over 130 days at the shelter. Then there’s BeeBee, a fluffy gray cat who lost her owner to illness and hasn’t stopped purring since she arrived.
Some pets, like Juno the pit-lab mix, are recovering from past trauma. Others, like Pickles the tabby, are just curious misfits who haven’t found their match yet.
One sentence: Each animal has a personality, and staff members are more than happy to play matchmaker.
And for those unsure about commitment, HSNEGA offers trial adoptions or fostering options.
Here’s What to Know Before You Go
While adoption fees are waived, it’s not exactly a walk-in-and-walk-out situation. There’s a process—and for good reason.
Adopters will need to:
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Fill out an application
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Provide ID and proof of residence
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Pass a basic interview to ensure compatibility
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Be ready to take the pet home same-day if approved
The shelter recommends coming early—especially on weekends—as interest spikes during free adoption periods. “It’s not Black Friday,” joked one volunteer, “but close.”
The address? 845 W. Ridge Road, Gainesville. Open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. except Wednesdays.
Pet Homelessness Is Still a Crisis
Behind all the excitement and feel-good stories lies a serious problem. The U.S. is still battling a pet overpopulation crisis. Millions of animals enter shelters each year, and not all make it out.
Georgia ranks among the top states for animal intake, especially in rural counties where spay/neuter access is limited. Events like Empty the Shelter aren’t a silver bullet, but they chip away at the numbers—and raise awareness.
Here’s a snapshot from national shelter data (2024):
| Metric | Number |
|---|---|
| Total animals in U.S. shelters | 6.3 million |
| Annual adoptions | 3.2 million |
| Euthanized due to overcrowding | ~920,000 |
| Georgia shelter intake (2024) | 230,000+ |
“It’s a crisis that’s hiding in plain sight,” Peters said. “But every adoption, every story—it counts.”
Families Say It’s More Than Just a Pet
Ask around, and it’s clear these adoptions are changing lives on both ends of the leash.
Robin Martinez adopted a husky mix named Tucker during last year’s campaign. “He was wild-eyed, underweight, and scared of everything,” she said. “Now he sleeps in my kid’s bed and howls at the TV.”
Tucker wasn’t just a pet—he became therapy for her autistic son, who rarely connected with people or animals before.
Others share similar tales. A senior citizen found companionship in a quiet, clingy cat. A college student adopted a playful mutt and started a dog walking business to pay tuition.
People aren’t just saving animals. Animals are saving people, too.
