If you’ve been thinking about adding a furry companion to your household, this July could be the perfect time to do it—and make a lifesaving difference!

100.5 FM The River logo
Get our free mobile app

From July 5 through 19, Bissell Pet Foundation is once again partnering with shelters across the country for its Empty the Shelters event. This nationwide adoption effort offers reduced adoption fees of $70 or less at participating organizations.

👇BELOW: 30 FOODS THAT ARE POISONOUS TO DOGS👇

All adopted pets will be spayed/neutered, vaccinated, and microchipped.

More than 300 shelters across the country are involved, including more than 20 here in Michigan!

Some participating shelters include:

Find the full list here.

READ MORE: These 7 Michigan Cat Cafes Serve Up Caffeine and Cuddles 

As someone who's spent years adopting cats and supporting rescue efforts, I know firsthand that kitten season is in full swing, and many shelters are bursting at the seams. That means countless animals—from tiny kittens to senior dogs—are waiting patiently for a loving home like yours!

Since its launch in 2016, Empty the Shelters has helped more than 350,000 pets find homes.

Before heading out, be sure to check with your local shelter to learn about their adoption policies, available animals, and application requirements.

LOOK: Here Are 30 Foods That Are Poisonous to Dogs

To prepare yourself for a potential incident, always keep your vet's phone number handy, along with an after-hours clinic you can call in an emergency. The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center also has a hotline you can call at (888) 426-4435 for advice.

Even with all of these resources, however, the best cure for food poisoning is preventing it in the first place. To give you an idea of what human foods can be dangerous, Stacker has put together a slideshow of 30 common foods to avoid. Take a look to see if there are any that surprise you.

Gallery Credit: Rachel Cavanaugh