Rochester Animal Services expands free dog adoption events after nearly every shelter dog found a home last weekend

Rochester, New York – The kennels at Rochester Animal Services were unusually quiet after last weekend’s adoption event. One by one, dogs left the shelter with new families, turning what is often a stressful environment into something closer to a celebration. Now, with that momentum still fresh, the shelter is preparing for two more adoption days aimed at helping even more animals find permanent homes.

On Saturdays, May 9 and May 16, residents in the Rochester area will once again have the chance to adopt dogs free of charge through the BISSELL Pet Foundation “Empty the Shelters” initiative. The events will run from noon until 4 p.m. at the shelter located on Verona Street.

The adoption campaign follows a highly successful kickoff weekend that dramatically reduced the number of dogs waiting for homes. According to shelter officials, 14 of the 16 dogs available during the first event were adopted, a result that staff members say highlights the impact community-driven adoption efforts can have in a very short amount of time.

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Nearly 20 dogs are expected to be available during the upcoming events. Each animal adopted through the program will already be vaccinated, microchipped, and either spayed or neutered as part of the adoption process. Dogs that have already undergone those procedures may even be able to leave with their new owners the very same day.

For shelters across the country, overcrowding continues to be a growing challenge. Programs like “Empty the Shelters” are designed to remove some of the financial barriers that can prevent families from adopting, while also helping local shelters create space for incoming animals needing care.

“Events like these are some of the most effective tools we have to move animals into homes more quickly. Last Saturday, 14 of 16 available dogs were adopted!” said Rochester Animal Services Director Staci Papadoplos. “When animals spend less time in the shelter, we reduce stress, lower the risk of illness, and create space to help more pets in need. The data shows that families who adopt during these events are just as committed, so it’s a win for the animals, the adopters, and the shelter. We thank the BISSELL Pet Foundation for supporting this opportunity.”

The atmosphere during large-scale adoption events can often feel very different from an ordinary day at the shelter. Families arrive curious, children meet dogs through kennel doors, and volunteers guide visitors through introductions that sometimes end with a leash in hand and a new companion heading home.

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Officials say anyone interested in adopting should come prepared with a valid photo ID, along with a leash and collar for their future pet. While adoptions are free for approved applicants during the event, staff members will still work carefully to ensure each match is appropriate for both the dog and the adopter.

For Rochester Animal Services, the goal is simple: fewer dogs waiting behind kennel doors and more settling into homes where they can stay for good.