Pittsboro, NC – The Chatham County Sheriff’s Animal Resource Center is inviting the community to take part in Empty the Shelters, a nationwide adoption event that helps pets find loving homes through waived or reduced fees.
From October 1–15, 2025, the ARC will offer free adoptions for all cats and dogs, including kittens and puppies at its location at 725 Renaissance Drive in Pittsboro.
The event is made possible through support from the BISSELL Pet Foundation, a national nonprofit dedicated to ending pet homelessness, which sponsors adoption fee reductions at more than 300 shelters across 38 states.
“Shelters continue to struggle in 2025, with more pets entering than leaving,” said Cathy Bissell, founder of the BISSELL Pet Foundation. “But together, we have the power to change the story. Our National Empty the Shelters events bring attention to the pets of every breed, size and type waiting in shelters across the country. Each adoption gives a pet a second chance, eases the burden on shelters, and inspires more people to get involved. When you adopt, you become part of a lifesaving movement.”
The Chatham Sheriff’s Animal Resource Center has seen strong community response in past Empty the Shelters events.
“This is one of our favorite events,” said Capt. Stephen Renn of the Chatham County Sheriff’s Office. “Waived fees make adoption possible for more families, and every animal that goes home creates space in our shelter to help another in need. It’s a win for the pets, the adopters, and the community.”
Since its inception in 2016, Empty the Shelters has helped more than 360,000 pets find loving homes and is now the largest funded adoption event in the country. The program partners with more than 815 animal welfare organizations across 49 states and Canada.