LEESBURG, VA — If you’ve been thinking about adding a furry (or even feathered or hooved) friend to your family, this weekend might be the time to do it. Loudoun County Animal Services is hosting an “Empty the Shelters” adoption event on Saturday, May 10, 2025, and every single pet at the shelter will be free to adopt — no fees, no catches.
The event runs from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Loudoun County Animal Shelter, located at 42225 Adoption Drive in Leesburg.
Cats, kittens, dogs, bunnies, guinea pigs — even livestock — will all be available, and the LCAS team says many of the animals are already house-trained or used to living with other pets.
“We have a large number of animals here at the shelter that are housetrained and that have lived with other pets, so we are eager to find each family a perfect match,” said Melissa Heard, LCAS Operations Manager.
The local shelter is part of a national effort led by the BISSELL Pet Foundation, which partners with shelters across the country each spring to help reduce crowding and find loving homes for adoptable pets. This year’s campaign involves over 400 shelters in more than 40 states.
Beyond the fee waiver, there are a few bonuses:
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Adopters get a free starter bag with essential items to help pets settle in.
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Anyone adopting a dog will receive a free dog training class, either in-person or virtual.
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Every dog, cat, and rabbit is spayed/neutered, microchipped, and vaccinated, and will go home with a free GPS tracker code for extra peace of mind.
Pets can be previewed ahead of time at loudoun.gov/animals, and most adoptions can be finalized the same day — though LCAS still screens all applicants as part of their usual process.
With the shelter getting crowded this time of year, this event is not just a feel-good opportunity for adopters — it’s a crucial moment for many animals waiting for homes
