As dog adoptions continue to decline nationwide, North Carolina shelters are facing a growing challenge: healthy, adoptable dogs — particularly medium and large breeds — are spending longer and longer in shelters, waiting for families that may never come.
To help turn the tide, the BISSELL Pet Foundation has launched an innovative new transport program designed to give these pets a better shot at finding forever homes — without ever having to leave the state.
This week, 20 animal shelters and rescue organizations across North Carolina began participating in the foundation’s new Intrastate Transport Program, an initiative three years in the making. The program enables shelters to list dogs who may benefit from relocation to other NC shelters where adoption demand is higher. Once selected, these dogs are transported to nw communities, where they’ll be seen by fresh sets of potential adopters.
The program addresses a reality that many in animal welfare know all too well: in many cases, a dog’s fate is tied less to their health or temperament and more to geography. As Cathy Bissell, founder of the BISSELL Pet Foundation, puts it: “Too many shelter pets are overlooked simply because they are in the wrong place at the wrong time.”
By moving dogs from overcrowded or lower-adoption areas to locations where families are actively looking to adopt, the foundation hopes to save countless lives. “Transport offers a second chance by introducing these pets to new adopters,” Bissell said.
According to data from Shelter Animals Count, dog adoptions in the U.S. were down 1% from 2023 to 2024. In North Carolina, many healthy, adoptable dogs are spending more than 30 days in shelter care. On average, medium-sized dogs now wait about 18 days to be adopted, while large dogs typically wait 20 days — and often much longer.
For shelters that are already operating at or near capacity, this trend creates an urgent need for solutions. The transport program not only alleviates overcrowding but also helps shelters diversify their adoptable pet populations, making it easier for them to attract adopters and increase placement rates.
Participating shelters use BISSELL Pet Foundation’s newly developed online platform to list dogs that would benefit from transport. Partner shelters across the state can then select dogs to bring into their own adoption programs. The process is designed to be seamless, efficient, and — most importantly — lifesaving.
Community members are encouraged to check with their local shelters frequently, as new dogs will regularly arrive through the program.
“We know transport saves lives because we’ve seen it firsthand,” Bissell said. “Every pet deserves a chance, and we’re proud to provide a solution that helps shelters save more lives.”
She also encourages anyone thinking about adding a pet to their family to visit local shelters — either to adopt or foster.
Participating Shelters
The launch includes a wide range of participating shelters, from urban centers to rural counties:
Alexander County Animal Services
Anson County Animal Shelter
Asheville Humane Society
Charlotte Mecklenburg Animal Care and Control
Chatham Sheriff’s Animal Resource Center
Foothills Humane Society
Forsyth County Animal Shelter
Forsyth Humane Society – Winston-Salem
Humane Society of Charlotte
Iredell County Animal Services
Madison County Animal Shelter
McDowell County Animal Shelter
Mitchell County Animal Rescue
Montgomery County Animal Shelter
Orange County Animal Services
Pitt County Animal Shelter
Robeson County Animal Shelter
Rockingham County Animal Shelter
SPCA Wake County
Surry County Animal Shelter
A Statewide Effort for Change
BISSELL Pet Foundation’s North Carolina Intrastate Transport Program represents an important evolution in the way shelters work together to save lives. By focusing on collaboration within the state, the program makes it possible to help even more animals without the costs and logistical hurdles of out-of-state transport.
The hope is that this initiative can become a model for other states facing similar challenges. In the meantime, the message is simple: if you’re looking to adopt — or foster — visit your local shelter. You might just find the perfect new family member.
For more information about BISSELL Pet Foundation or to donate to their lifesaving programs, visit www.bissellpetfoundation.org.