Bissell Pet Foundation waives adoption fees at Hancock County Animal Shelter

HANCOCK COUNTY, W.Va. ( WTRF ) – Shelters throughout the Ohio Valley are operating at max capacity amid animals being surrendered, strays not being claimed and kitten season in full swing. Hancock County Animal Shelter (HCAS) is no exception.

If you’ve been looking to adopt a cat or a dog, there is no better time than right now, because HCAS is offering free pet adoptions all thanks to the Bissell Pet Foundation .

Currently, HCAS is housing 94 cats, 17 dogs and even a rabbit.

7News Reporter Annalise Murphy got to visit the shelter to meet some of the animals who are a part of the month-long adoption event.

For the entire month of July, animals located at the HCAS and the animals the shelter sends to PetSmart in Weirton, W.Va., and Robinson, Pa., will find their “fur-ever” homes free of charge to their new owners.

“They’re [Bissell Pet Foundation] doing a national adoption event [Empty the Shelters]. It’s going from July 8 to July 31 where they actually pay for the adoption fees so we can help get animals into homes without that financial hurdle to go over.”

Hope Sayre | Daily Operations Manager, Hancock County Animal Shelter

Daily Operations Manager, Hope Sayre says they try to keep their pet adoptions affordable but know it can sometimes be what stops families from adopting.

“Sometimes $100 is a lot for our community to come up with. And we really rather see the animals in homes with families where they’re getting love every day.”

Hope Sayre | Daily Operations Manager, Hancock County Animal Shelter

Sayre also mentioned this is the perfect opportunity for someone who may have been saving up to cover an adoption fee to adopt a cat or dog.

“Now they can use that money to buy extra treats or toys for their new family member,” Sayre said.

The first lucky pet to find their forever home during this event sponsored by the Bissell Pet Foundation was Brute.

Brute was a stray who wandered around Wellsburg, W.Va., for nearly two months before his new owners were able to gain his trust and bring him to the shelter.

“Two weeks ago, I laid down in the field. I knew how much everybody was looking for him, and he just came right up to me and started licking me. And we didn’t need another dog. But obviously, you know, he was meant to be. I’ve already cried three times today, so I can’t wait to start a life with this guy.”

Emily Beall | Brute’s New Owner

Emily Beall, Brute’s new owner, says they just got home from a weeklong cruise and were so excited to expand their family of four to a family of five.

“We are just so thankful. Hope has taken wonderful care of him,” Beall said.

If you’re interested in opening your heart and your home to the animals at the Hancock County Animal Shelter, you can complete an application online by clicking this link .

They are open Tuesday through Saturday from Noon until 4 p.m.; however, they can make appointments outside of these operating hours for approved applications.

You can stay up to date with the shelter by following their Facebook Page !

Some of the other shelters who are partnering with Bissell Pet Foundation throughout the Mountain State include Greenbrier County Humane Society, Kanawha-Charleston Humane Association and the Mercer County Animal Shelter.

Bissell Pet Foundation was founded in 2011 by Cathy Bissell who has been able to touch the lives of nearly 775,000 pets across the country.

“Shelters are struggling with a variety of challenges right now – some are evacuating pets because of wildfires, tornadoes, or even loss of air conditioning in extreme heat, and others are overcrowded and having to euthanize highly adoptable pets to make space, a tragic situation,” said Bissell.

“BISSELL Pet Foundation’s upcoming Summer National Empty the Shelters event is a crucial opportunity for people to make a real difference in their community through adoption. Every single adoption saves a life and creates space to save another. Please adopt and give a pet a chance it might otherwise not have. If you can’t adopt, fostering saves lives when shelters are full. Deserving pets across the country are counting on all of us.”

Cathy Bissell, Founder of Bissell Pet Foundation

Participation dates will vary depending on the shelter.

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