GRAND RAPIDS — After just successfully completing a multi-state hurricane relief effort with 764 pets adopted, Bissell Pet Foundation announced that its next Empty the Shelters event will be its largest yet in the state of Michigan.

The Grand Rapids-based nonprofit will pay adoption fees at more than 75 shelters and rescue organizations across the state on Saturday. The Cass County Animal Shelter, 323 M-62, Cassopolis, is among the agencies participating, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Hundreds of pets are expected to be available for adoption at ETS locations. Emptying kennels statewide will have a major impact on pet homelessness in Michigan and beyond. Participating organizations are required to partner with other animal welfare groups to help fill the empty spaces after the event.

More than 9,000 cats and dogs have found loving homes through Empty the Shelters in the last 17 months.

“Michigan has served as a model for the Empty The Shelters initiative,” remarked Cathy Bissell, Founder of Bissell Pet Foundation. “We have already expanded our efforts into nine additional states and our hope for 2018 is to continue to grow the program. Our mission is to find every pet a home. “

Nationwide, approximately 2.7 million pets are euthanized yearly because they are unable to find homes. Empty the Shelters combats this problem by increasing adoption rates. From previous ETS events, 96.6 percent of adopters reported pets remained in their new homes; 52 percent of adopters were first-time adopters; 99.4 percent of adopters have already or plan to recommend adoption to their friends/family.

Families that adopt on Saturday will be required to pay licensing fees for their pet — costs may vary by county. BPF will thank families for choosing adoption by providing a leash for dogs, a collar for cats and valuable wellness information and coupons for new pet owners.

Participating organizations will be adhering to their standard adoption requirements for the event and adopters are encouraged to review those requirements prior to Saturday. For more information about Empty the Shelters, including a list of participating shelters and rescue organizations, visit bissellpetfoundation.org/ets.