KENTUCKY — The situation is dire for animal shelters across the nation dealing with "unprecedented overcrowding," according to the Bissell Pet Foundation. That's why shelters across Kentucky are offering an extended "Empty the Shelter" event this summer to find forever homes for thousands of pets.

The Bissell Pet Foundation announced its longest-ever National "Empty the Shelters" adoption event this month. From July 11-31, those seeking a furry friend will see greatly reduced adoption fees as shelters work to get pets from kennels to couches.

Over 250 shelters in 42 states are participating in the event, including 11 Kentucky-area shelters:

1. Barren River Animal Welfare Association
2. Clark County Fiscal Court (Clark County Animal Shelter)
3. Lawrence County Humane Society Animal Shelter
4. Leitchfield Animal shelter
5. Paris Animal Welfare Society Inc.
6. Humane Society Of Henderson County
7. Breckinridge County Animal Shelter
8. Kentucky Humane Society
9. Lexington Humane Society
10. Scott County Humane Society
11. Louisville Metro Animal Services

Factors such as increased length of stay for pets, slowed adoptions, staffing issues, the current housing and rental crisis, and more set the stage for the dire situation, according to the Bissell Pet Foundation. That's why they've extended the annual event to three weeks.

“Shelters are calling me daily and Bissell Pet Foundation is feeling the burden of overcrowding. With the euthanasia of homeless dogs up 22% in just the first quarter of 2022 alone, we knew we had to act quickly to help at-risk pets,” said Cathy Bissell, Founder of Bissell Pet Foundation.

The organization noted that not every participating shelter will offer reduced fees for the entirety of the event, so it's best to check with each shelter to learn more.