LOLLYPOP FARM PARTNERING WITH BISSELL PET FOUNDATION TO EMPTY THE SHELTERS THROUGH SEPTEMBER 30
FAIRPORT, N.Y. – Lollypop Farm, the Humane Society of Greater Rochester, is proud to partner with Bissell Pet Foundation, a national animal welfare organization dedicated to ending pet homelessness, to host its Empty the Shelters adoption event September 18-30, 2026.
During the event, adoption fees will be significantly reduced to help remove financial obstacles for families considering adoption and to help more animals find loving homes. Adoption fees for dogs ages seven months through six years will be reduced to $70, while cats in the same age range will be available for $50. Adoption fees will be waived entirely for senior animals ages six and older, giving these deserving companions an even greater opportunity to find the loving homes they’ve been waiting for. Puppies and kittens under seven months old are not included in this promotion and all adoption protocols remain in place.
“This month, I visited several shelters and the number of incredible dogs and cats I saw was absolutely heartbreaking,” said Cathy Bissell, Founder of BISSELL Pet Foundation. “They are loving, resilient, and deserving of so much more. We work every day to prevent future pet homelessness, but we cannot forget the pets waiting right now. I hope you’ll visit your local shelter during our September Empty the Shelters event. There is a pet waiting for you to change their life, and I promise, they will change yours.”
For those looking to make an impact in another way, Lollypop Farm also offers a comprehensive foster program. This initiative creates much-needed space within the shelter and allows community members to temporarily provide a safe, nurturing environment for animals in need. All necessary supplies, veterinary care, and support are provided by Lollypop Farm. If you’re interested in becoming a temporary foster care provider, complete the registration form.
“We’re grateful to Cathy Bissell and the Bissell Pet Foundation for the tireless efforts and advocacy to help so many deserving pets find a loving home,” added Vicky Pape, Lollypop Farm’s Director of Animal Placement. “Currently, Lollypop Farm is providing care to more than 400 animals, and we know there are many more in our community that will need our help in the days and weeks ahead. Through our partnership with Bissell Pet Foundation, we’re able to highlight the wonderful animals we have available for adoption and create needed space, expanding our capacity to provide help to even more pets in our community by reducing barriers to adoption.”
Upon arrival at Lollypop Farm, each animal is carefully evaluated by licensed staff at the Klingenstein Veterinary Clinic. All dogs and cats are vaccinated, spayed or neutered, and microchipped to ensure they are adoption ready. Adoption staff are available to assist prospective adopters, provide guidance, facilitate meet-and-greet opportunities, and to answer any questions. Additionally, Lollypop Farm has partnered with Petcademy to provide adopters with free training support to ensure a smooth transition. Through Petcademy, adopters gain access to a team of certified trainers available seven days a week via text or email. The service also includes online training videos, step-by-step guides, and resources tailored to each pet’s unique needs.
To explore available animals, review important resources, or learn more about hours and frequently asked questions regarding the adoption process, visit Lollypop Farm’s website. To provide more individualized attention and to serve the community as efficiently as possible, adoption appointments are required Friday through Monday. Appointment availability opens each Wednesday and can be scheduled by visiting lollypop.org.
Empty the Shelters is the nation’s largest funded adoption event and has helped more than 431,000 pets find homes across the U.S. and Canada since its inception in 2016. Sponsored by BISSELL Pet Foundation, the program works with hundreds of animal welfare organizations to reduce adoption fees and make pet adoption accessible to more families. All pets available through participating shelters are spayed/neutered, vaccinated, and microchipped. Each shelter determines its own adoption process—prospective adopters are encouraged to contact shelters directly for details.
To explore available animals, review important resources, or learn more about hours and frequently asked questions regarding the adoption process, visit Lollypop Farm’s website.
To discover how Lollypop Farm is impacting the Greater Rochester region through life-saving animal care, essential services, and impactful educational programming, or to learn how you can get involved, visit www.lollypop.org.
About Kindness for All Kind
Construction is underway on Lollypop Farm’s Kindness for All Kind project! Together, we’re building a brighter future for animals and the people who care for them throughout the Greater Rochester area and beyond. This visionary project will create a safe haven for animals in need, offer compassion to those seeking help, and provide unwavering support to the community and caregivers who make second chances possible every day.
Kindness for All Kind will enhance our abilities to care for animals and serve our community. The innovative project includes a new Animal Intake Center, enhanced Dog Holding Facilities, a community-focused Welcome Center, the Karpus Family Foundation Learning Center, expanded farm facilities, a modernized Maintenance Barn, and a Donations and Support Center to meet the growing needs of Lollypop Farm and the community. To learn more about Kindness for All Kind, including how you can support this generational investment in compassion and community, visit lollypop.org/kindness or contact Cathie Wright, Vice President of Donor Relations, at (585) 223-1330 ext. 245 or at wright@lollypop.org.
About Lollypop Farm
Established in 1873, Lollypop Farm, Humane Society of Greater Rochester, which celebrated its 150th anniversary in 2023, is the largest animal welfare organization helping pets and people in the Greater Rochester area. Lollypop Farm is committed to creating a just and compassionate world for all animals. Together with our community, we better the lives of animals through justice, prevention, and life-saving care. With its main campus in Fairport and a satellite adoption center in Greece Ridge Mall, the organization provides shelter, care, and adoption for dogs, cats, small animals, birds, reptiles, horses, and other farm animals. Lollypop Farm is an independent, nonprofit organization supported through donations and program fees. For more information and to meet current animals available for adoption, please visit www.lollypop.org and follow on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn.
About BISSELL Pet Foundation:
BISSELL Pet Foundation is a charitable 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with a mission to help reduce the number of animals in shelters through pet adoption, spay/neuter, vaccinations, microchipping and emergency support. Founded in 2011 by Cathy Bissell, BPF is an extension of her long-standing love for animals and commitment to their welfare. BPF has since partnered with more than 6,025 shelters and rescues across the U.S. and Canada to help pets find loving homes. The foundation is supported by generous donors and BISSELL Inc. where every purchase saves pets. To learn more, visit www.bissellpetfoundation.org.
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