Rochester Animal Services to offer free dog adoptions during BISSELL Pet Foundation Empty the Shelters event on May 2

Rochester, New York – Families across Rochester will have a chance this weekend to welcome a new four-legged companion into their homes without paying an adoption fee, as Rochester Animal Services joins a nationwide effort aimed at helping shelter pets find permanent homes.

On Saturday, May 2, Rochester Animal Services will participate in the BISSELL Pet Foundation’s popular “Empty the Shelters” initiative, opening its doors to the public from noon until 4 p.m. at its facility on Verona Street. During the event, approved adopters will be able to adopt dogs free of charge, removing one of the biggest barriers many families face when considering pet adoption.

The local shelter currently has 15 dogs waiting for homes. Every animal adopted through the program will already have key medical services completed as part of the process, including vaccinations, microchipping, and spaying or neutering. Officials said dogs that have already undergone surgery may be able to leave with their new owners the very same day.

Community members interested in adopting are encouraged to come prepared with a valid identification card, along with a leash and collar for their potential new pet.

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The adoption event is part of a larger campaign organized by BISSELL Pet Foundation, a nonprofit organization that partners with shelters across the country to encourage adoptions and reduce overcrowding in animal facilities. By temporarily lowering or eliminating adoption fees, the foundation hopes more animals can transition from kennels into stable, loving homes.

“In Rochester, every pet deserves a safe and loving home,” said the City’s Director of Animal Services Staci Papadoplos. “Thanks to the BISSELL Pet Foundation, ‘Empty the Shelters’ provides a great opportunity to connect more of our pets with loving families, while making adoption financially accessible.”

Animal shelters nationwide have continued to face capacity challenges in recent years, with many organizations reporting increased intakes and longer stays for animals waiting to be adopted. Programs like “Empty the Shelters” have become increasingly important for municipal shelters trying to create space while also improving outcomes for animals in their care.

For Rochester Animal Services, the event is not only about reducing kennel numbers. Staff members say it is also an opportunity to introduce residents to dogs that may otherwise be overlooked and to encourage responsible pet ownership throughout the community.

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BISSELL Pet Foundation, a charitable 501(c)(3) nonprofit, supports animal welfare efforts through adoption programs, vaccination services, spay and neuter initiatives, microchipping assistance, and emergency response support for shelters. Since launching its national adoption campaign, the organization has helped thousands of pets find homes across the United States.

Saturday’s event is expected to attract both first-time pet owners and experienced adopters looking to add another companion to their households. Shelter staff hope many of the dogs currently waiting behind kennel doors will instead end the weekend settling into new homes with families ready to give them a second chance.