Winchester Area SPCA Brings Holiday Cheer to Shelter Pets with Reduced Adoption Fees

This December, the Winchester Area SPCA (WASPCA) is joining the BISSELL Pet Foundation’s national Empty the Shelters™ – Holiday Hope event to help find loving homes for pets in need. From December 3–13, the WASPCA will offer adoption fees of just $50 or less for all cats and dogs, thanks to BISSELL Pet Foundation’s sponsorship. The event spans December 1–17 nationwide, with over 400 shelters in 45 states participating.

Stacy Leach, the Adoption Operations Manager at WASPCA, emphasized the importance of the event, saying, “This event allows us to adopt many pets every year, thanks to the reduction in adoption fees made possible by the Bissell Pet Foundation. All adoptable pets at the WASPCA are spayed or neutered, up to date on age-appropriate shots, and are microchipped.”

WASPCA, located at 111 Featherbed Lane, will open its doors to prospective adopters during the event:

• Tuesday–Friday: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Saturday–Sunday: 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Available pets can also be viewed online at winchesterspca.org/services/adoption.

A Nationwide Effort to Save Lives

The Empty the Shelters event, founded in 2016 by the BISSELL Pet Foundation, has become the largest funded adoption initiative in the U.S., helping over 300,000 pets find homes. “It has been an incredibly challenging year for saving lives, as our nation’s shelters continue to take in more pets than they are adopting out,” said Cathy Bissell, founder of BISSELL Pet Foundation. “Empty the Shelters – Holiday Hope is more than an adoption event; it’s a lifeline for shelter pets.”

The program, which partners with over 800 animal welfare organizations across the U.S. and Canada, seeks to reduce adoption fees and encourage families to adopt or foster pets. The holiday event offers a perfect opportunity to bring a new furry friend into your home and give them the gift of a second chance.

Preparing for Adoption

Adopters are encouraged to research the pets they’re interested in and review adoption requirements. BISSELL Pet Foundation and WASPCA also stress the importance of responsible pet ownership, urging families to ensure they are ready to provide a forever home.

For more details on adopting during the Empty the Shelters event or to make a donation, visit bissellpetfoundation.org/empty-the-shelters and winchesterspca.org/services/adoption.

About BISSELL Pet Foundation

Since its founding in 2011, the BISSELL Pet Foundation has been committed to reducing pet homelessness through adoption, spay/neuter initiatives, vaccinations, and disaster response efforts. Supported by donors and BISSELL Inc., the foundation has partnered with over 6,000 shelters and rescues across the U.S. and Canada. Every BISSELL purchase contributes to saving pets.

A Chance for Pets This Holiday Season

As the holidays approach, events like Empty the Shelters – Holiday Hope shine a spotlight on the urgent need for adoptions. By welcoming a pet into your home, you not only make their holiday special but also enrich your own life with the joy and companionship they bring.

Make this holiday season a time for hope, love, and new beginnings—visit WASPCA or another participating shelter and help save a life.