Chickamauga, GA (July 7, 2025) – The Walker County Animal Shelter (WCAS) will join nearly 300 shelters across the country to offer reduced adoption fees during the BISSELL Pet Foundation Empty the Shelters® event.

WCAS will waive adoption fees for cats and dogs over four months of age from July 7 through July 19. The adoption fee for kittens and puppies will be reduced to just $25 thanks to the generous sponsorship of the BISSELL Pet Foundation. A current roster of adoptable animals is available to view on the shelter’s page on the county’s website at walkercountyga.gov/residents/animal-shelter.

“Shelters across the country are once again at a break point, facing record intakes and limited space,” said Cathy Bissell, founder of BISSELL Pet Foundation. “Our summer Empty the Shelters event is more than an adoption event, it’s a movement to support local shelters and save lives together.”

This will be the second time WCAS has participated in the nationwide campaign to help pets find loving homes. 63 dogs, 12 cats and 11 farm animals were adopted during the May effort. Shelter staff hope this time, they can find loving homes for 100 pets.

“We’re incredibly grateful to be part of this national event,” said Taylor Baggett, shelter manager.  “There are so many loving, deserving cats and dogs in our care just waiting for their chance at a forever home. Thanks to this generous sponsorship, adopters have the opportunity to take home a pet that’s already spayed or neutered, microchipped and vaccinated, giving everyone the best possible start.”

There are over 100 cats and dogs currently available for adoption at the WCAS. The shelter is located at 5488 North Marble Top Road, near Chickamauga and is open Monday through Saturday.

Since its inception in 2016, Empty the Shelters has helped more than 324,000 pets find loving homes and is now the largest funded adoption event in the country. The program partners with more than 815 animal welfare organizations across 49 states and Canada. For more information on the program, visit www.bissellpetfoundation.org/empty-the-shelters.