Cathy Bissell: Revolutionizing Animal Welfare with Compassion and Innovation

How the BISSELL Pet Foundation is Saving Lives Through Adoption, Spay/Neuter Programs, and Disaster Response

Introduction

Cathy Bissell stands out as a transformative leader in animal welfare, redefining how foundations can directly and effectively address the challenges faced by shelters and communities. As the founder of the BISSELL Pet Foundation (BPF), Cathy has built an organization that goes beyond traditional grant-making to operate hands-on, innovative programs that save lives on a massive scale. Unlike many national foundations, BPF is uniquely adaptive, tailoring its initiatives to meet the specific needs of under-resourced shelters across the country.

Under Cathy’s leadership, BPF has pioneered groundbreaking efforts such as Empty the Shelters, now the largest funded adoption event in the nation, which has facilitated over 300,000 adoptions since 2016. Her commitment to addressing root causes of pet homelessness is evident in programs like Fix the Future, a high-volume, free spay/neuter initiative that has already sterilized nearly 90,000 pets in just over a year. Additionally, BPF’s Animal Incident Management (AIM) team has set a new standard for disaster response, rescuing thousands of pets from crisis zones with unparalleled efficiency.

What truly sets Cathy and her foundation apart is their proactive and collaborative approach. By maintaining open communication with over 7,000 shelter partners and responding swiftly to emergencies, Cathy ensures that BPF provides immediate and meaningful relief where it’s needed most. Her ability to adapt programs to local needs—whether through emergency adoption events, transport initiatives, or veterinary care—demonstrates a deep understanding of the complexities of animal welfare.

Cathy’s personal connection to this mission began with her own adoption experience in 2008, which ignited her passion for saving pets. Today, we have the privilege of speaking with Cathy to learn more about her vision, her foundation’s transformative work, and the personal passion that drives her to make a difference every day.

“Our country is experiencing a pet overpopulation crisis. Spay and neuter is the only way to get to the root cause of pet homelessness.” - Cathy Bissell

Interview

About Cathy Bissell's Leadership and Vision

Animal Politics: Cathy, your leadership has transformed the BISSELL Pet Foundation into a powerhouse in animal welfare. What inspired you to start this journey, and how has your vision evolved over the years?

Cathy Bissell: In 2008, my life changed when I adopted a black Labrador named Bear, who opened my eyes to the dogs and cats waiting patiently to be adopted in shelters nationwide. His family gave him up because they got a new puppy and didn't have time for him. I couldn't believe it — he was literally perfect. Bear changed the trajectory of my life, leading me to become actively involved in animal welfare and establish BISSELL Pet Foundation (BPF) in 2011. My biggest regret is that I didn’t adopt sooner, but it’s never too late to make a difference.

When the Foundation started, our IRS designation was “non-operating,” meaning we supported the efforts of animal welfare organizations with grants for adoption, spay/neuter, microchipping and other programs to reduce pet homelessness. We have more than 7,000 vetted partners in our network that are eligible to work with BPF. As we grew, we frequently were on the ground, visiting and assisting our partners. The needs were unique in different parts of the country, but I saw the shelters’ struggles and the pets suffering. BISSELL Pet Foundation adapted our approach to save more lives and is now an “operating” foundation that runs large-scale programs to address shelters’ needs. These programs started with Empty the Shelters™ in 2016, which has grown to be the nation’s largest, funded adoption event, and most recently, in 2023, BPF launched our groundbreaking spay/neuter initiative, Fix the Future™.

Animal Politics: 2024 has been a record-breaking year for the Foundation. What do you believe were the key factors behind achieving nearly 100,000 pet adoptions and expanding your spay/neuter and disaster response programs?

Cathy Bissell: Open communication with our shelter partners is at the heart of our success. By understanding their specific challenges—whether it’s overcrowding, lack of veterinary access or illnesses such as heartworm or parvo—we can tailor our programs to provide immediate and meaningful relief. For example, we can offer an emergency Empty the Shelters™ if a shelter is at critical capacity. We do this in Maricopa County, where I know you [Ed Boks] have a distinguished history. BPF offers an Empty the Shelters event every month to Maricopa County Animal Care and Control and Arizona Humane Society (AHS) to reduce their population. Last summer, AHS set a record with 932 adoptions in five days of Empty the Shelters, offsetting about 800 pets taken in during the same period.

We also provide ongoing spay/neuter support for shelter pets and community-owned pets through Fix the Future™. In late 2023, Cincinnati Animal CARE faced a backlog of 100 shelter pets per week needing spay/neuter to be adopted. BPF eliminated their backlog with 1,000 pets ‘fixed’ in the first four months of our partnership. BPF is proactive and flexible—we strive to stay ahead of issues to support shelters and save pets’ lives.

Adoption Initiatives and "Empty the Shelters"

Animal Politics: The "Empty the Shelters" initiative has become a flagship program for the BISSELL Pet Foundation. Could you share how this program started and how it has grown to achieve such incredible success?

Cathy Bissell: Empty the Shelters began in 2016. Shelters were full, and I wanted to create excitement and awareness to encourage people to visit their local shelter. We started small in Michigan to refine the program, gather feedback, and then launched it nationally the following year. Whenever possible, we ensure multiple participating shelters in an area, giving adopters options, and we created a website tool to help people find organizations near them. Over the event’s history, more than 300,000 pets have been adopted from 800 shelters in 48 states. It is now the largest funded adoption event in the nation.

It was important for BPF to reimburse shelters for each pet adopted and allow them to charge a small fee to help cover spay/neuter, vaccinations, and other care. Initially, we reimbursed $25 per adoption and allowed shelters to charge the same amount. As the event grew, we adjusted the reimbursement model, permitting shelters to charge up to $50. This change expanded participation from 200 to 400 shelters per quarterly event, benefiting more pets and shelters. Our marketing and the scale of these events make them lifesaving tools for our partners.

Animal Politics: Programs like Empty the Shelters have been transformative, but some critics argue that large-scale adoption events prioritize quick placements over thorough adopter education and evaluation. How does BISSELL Pet Foundation address these concerns to ensure that Empty the Shelters balances lifesaving urgency with responsible adoption practices?

Cathy Bissell: During BPF's Empty the Shelters adoption events, shelters offer free or reduced-fee adoptions, but that doesn’t mean placements are rushed. Each participating shelter follows its own standard adoption protocols and screening processes, which vary by organization. BISSELL Pet Foundation does not impose any mandates on how adoptions are conducted—shelters always have the freedom to say "no" if they feel an adopter isn’t the right fit.

Animal Politics: What challenges do you face in organizing large-scale adoption events like "Empty the Shelters," and how do you overcome them to ensure such high adoption rates?

Cathy Bissell: Managing nearly 400 participating organizations and tens of thousands of adoptions per event involves logistical and budget challenges. Shelters attend pre-and post-event webinars to ensure cohesive messaging and marketing that create excitement and attract adopters. Experienced shelters share tips and problems, and we use this feedback to improve. Our streamlined system and strong relationships with shelters ensure smooth execution.

On the budget side, we adjusted the reimbursement model and constantly seek new funding to sustain the program’s growth. Shelters use their standard adoption protocols while we amplify their efforts through marketing support.

Spay/Neuter Programs and Overpopulation

Animal Politics: The "Fix the Future" program is tackling the veterinary care crisis head-on. How is this initiative disrupting traditional models, and what impact has it had on shelter overpopulation so far?

Cathy Bissell: BPF initially gave spay/neuter grants but found shelters couldn’t always use them due to a lack of veterinary access. During and after COVID, a national veterinary shortage worsened backlogs of pets needing sterilization. I learned that in Los Angeles, spay/neuter fees could reach $1,500—forcing rescues to close because they couldn’t afford care. We knew we had to act.

In 2023, after a successful spay/neuter clinic in Puerto Rico fixing 1,222 dogs in six days, we deployed high-quality, high-volume veterinarians to Michigan, establishing the Fix the Future™ model. This program is groundbreaking because it’s free for shelters, rescue groups, TNR programs, and pet owners, regardless of income. Every pet receives age-appropriate vaccines, and shelters may charge up to $25 to cover vaccine costs, but spay/neuter is free. This approach addresses the root cause of pet homelessness.

In its first 14 months, Fix the Future™ has fixed over 89,500 pets, preventing millions of unplanned litters. We’re just beginning, but the results are transformative for shelters and communities.

Animal Politics: With a national veterinarian shortage, how does BISSELL Pet Foundation prioritize communities or shelters to assist?

Cathy Bissell: We have 330+ veterinarians and 155 host organizations in 27 states participating in Fix the Future™. Matches are based on veterinarians willing to work in specific areas. The need is immense, so we never say “no” when a match is available. With 2,568 surgical days completed since October 2023, our low average cost per surgery shows how cost-effective spay/neuter can be. We aim to double our impact in the coming year.

Disaster Response and AIM Team

Animal Politics: The Animal Incident Management (AIM) team has been instrumental in crises like natural disasters. Can you share a story from 2024 that highlights its importance?

Cathy Bissell: Our work in North Carolina after Hurricane Helene stands out. AIM monitored Helene’s path, coordinated with partner shelters, and prepared for large-scale support. When devastation hit Western North Carolina and Eastern Tennessee, AIM was ready. Within hours, our partner, Animal Search and Rescue Response (ASAR), began transport efforts as airports reopened. AIM’s Executive Director, Eric Thompson, led teams across remote areas, partnering with Forsythe Humane Society to care for pets and store supplies. Over two months, BPF transported 1,200 pets from impact areas. Many are now thriving in loving homes.

Animal Politics: There has been growing concern about how some national animal welfare organizations handle pets displaced by natural disasters, particularly regarding efforts to reunite them with their owners before transporting them out of state. How does BISSELL Pet Foundation’s AIM program ensure that every effort is made to reconnect rescued pets with their displaced owners before considering relocation?

Cathy Bissell: BPF's AIM team only relocates pets that were already in the shelter before the disaster. By moving these long-term, unclaimed shelter pets, we free up space for owned pets displaced during the emergency, allowing shelters to hold them and work on reuniting them with their families.

We collaborate closely with shelters in disaster areas to confirm intake dates and ensure that pets with a chance of being reunited remain in the community. For owner surrenders or stray pets brought in after a disaster, we abide by state-mandated stray hold periods, which are often extended during emergencies. If no extension exists, we work with local communities to advocate for one, giving pets every opportunity to return home.

If a shelter is damaged and cannot house pets safely, we assist in setting up emergency shelters within the community to keep displaced animals nearby. Reuniting pets with their families is always our top priority.

Animal Politics: How does BISSELL Pet Foundation prepare for large-scale disasters?

Cathy Bissell: Preparation hinges on collaboration through our National Shelter Alliance and partnerships with state and national officials. Trusted organizations like Forsythe Humane Society, Arizona Humane Society, and San Diego Humane Society have provided on-the-ground support during disasters from Helene on the east coast to the fire in Maui, while Animal Search and Rescue Response ensures readiness. Connecting shelters with peer organizations for best practices is also vital. Building a robust response network and focusing on preparedness are key to our success.

Collaboration with Shelters and Rescues

Animal Politics: Collaboration seems central to your work. How does BISSELL Pet Foundation foster partnerships with under-resourced shelters, and what role do these collaborations play in your overall mission?

Cathy Bissell: Supporting under-resourced shelters is really where we started as a small foundation, and they remain extremely important to us. As I traveled, I saw the need and disparity. Often, these shelters were overlooked by funders and faced dire circumstances requiring immediate assistance. We listened, adapted programs to fit their needs, and provided training, mentorship, and resources to empower them. They also know we are a 24/7 foundation—they can call me directly, or another BPF team member, to get a fast response. Collaboration is part of everything we do, and we couldn’t serve under-resourced shelters without our National Shelter Alliance network. Strong peer shelters have been instrumental in uplifting struggling shelters. The more we work together in this industry, the more lives we can save.

Animal Politics: Many shelters have praised your transport program for giving animals second chances in new locations. How do you ensure these transports are safe, efficient, and beneficial for both sending and receiving shelters?

Cathy Bissell: We have an incredible network of receiving shelters willing to step up to give pets a chance. They report that the attention from BPF’s transports, especially those coming from a disaster area or a commercial breeding situation, generates media attention and helps all of the pets in their care find homes. An adopter might go in to see a pet evacuated from a hurricane-impacted area and end up taking home a long-stay pet from the shelter. The receiving shelters can choose pets that diversify their population and appeal to their communities.

It’s also been a lifeline for sending shelters that are overcrowded and lack adopters. They know BPF is vetting the organizations where their pets are going and can feel confident they are in good hands. We are very particular about our transports, using flights for longer distances, strictly following protocols, and doing everything we can to reduce stress on the pets.

Philanthropy and Community Engagement

Animal Politics: Your Foundation ensures that 100% of donations go directly to saving pets, which is quite rare in philanthropy. How do you maintain this commitment while managing such a wide-reaching organization?

Cathy Bissell: BISSELL Pet Foundation is a separate entity from BISSELL, the vacuum and floorcare company. BISSELL provides generous support, a portion of which offsets the Foundation’s administrative fees, including salaries, marketing, and other expenses. This allows 100% of donations to impact pets in need through our lifesaving programs.

While many people think that having a company like BISSELL behind us means we can respond to every request, call, or emergency, the need is far greater than one company, one family, or one person can meet. The demand for our programs consistently outpaces our funding. Because of this, every donation received makes a profound difference in our ability to reach more pets in more places.

Animal Politics: With the recent holiday giving season still fresh in our minds, what message would you like to share with potential donors about the impact of their contributions on pets in need?

Cathy Bissell: In a world filled with many causes that tug at our hearts, pet charities may not always be at the forefront. Contributions to charitable organizations representing animals and the environment (combined) typically make up just 3% of all donations. Yet, each year, millions of animals are left homeless due to neglect, surrender, abandonment, or mistreatment. By giving to BISSELL Pet Foundation, you directly help pets find loving families through our Empty the Shelters™ program, support shelters in crisis with our Animal Incident Management team, and prevent future homelessness through our Fix the Future™ spay/neuter initiative. Together, we can create a brighter, safer future for pets.

Future Goals and Challenges

Animal Politics: As you look ahead to 2025 and beyond, what are your top priorities for addressing challenges like shelter overcrowding, access to veterinary care, or disaster preparedness?

Cathy Bissell: In 2025, we’re prioritizing an aggressive expansion of Fix the Future™, with the goal of doubling the number of pets served. This program is poised to make a monumental difference in reducing the homeless pet population. While we will continue to refine and grow our other programs, we see the desperate need for spay and neuter services and will do as much as our budget allows. This is our number one priority. Even though we have an extremely successful adoption program, we will never solve the pet homelessness problem unless we can reduce the population.

Animal Politics: What advice would you give to other leaders or organizations seeking to make a significant impact in animal welfare?

Cathy Bissell: It’s really important to understand that animal welfare is not one-size-fits-all. We’ve been careful to listen to our partners to understand different geographic needs and challenges and provide appropriate responses. Shelters need leaders who will meet them where they are and give them the support they need to save more lives. While I can’t save every pet, the knowledge that I can take action to save more of them is my driving force every day.

Personal Connection to Animal Welfare

Animal Politics: Finally, Cathy, your love for animals is evident in everything you do. Can you share a personal story or experience that continues to fuel your passion for saving pets?

Cathy Bissell: Right now, BPF’s Fix the Future™ is fueling my passion because I know we are proactively saving millions of lives through this program. Spay and neuter is the answer, and by expanding this program to make it available to as many pets as possible, we can prevent unnecessary suffering.

Animal Politics: Cathy, thank you so much for sharing your journey and the incredible work of the BISSELL Pet Foundation with us. Your unwavering dedication to saving lives, your innovative programs like Empty the Shelters and Fix the Future, and your hands-on approach to addressing shelter challenges are truly inspiring. It’s clear that your passion for animals drives everything you do, and your impact on shelters, pets, and communities across the country is nothing short of transformative.

Before we wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers—perhaps a message of hope or a way they can get involved in supporting your mission to create a brighter future for pets?

Cathy Bissell: You can make a difference for so many unwanted pets across the country by simply spaying or neutering your own pets or by supporting BISSELL Pet Foundation's Fix the Future program. Together, we can save lives.

Ed Boks is a former Executive Director of the New York City, Los Angeles, and Maricopa County Animal Care & Control Departments, and a former Board Director of the National Animal Control Association. His work has been published in the LA Times, New York Times, Newsweek, Real Clear Policy, Sentient Media, and now on Animal Politics with Ed Boks.