Cathy Bissell is a name synonymous with pet advocacy, not just through BISSELL Homecare, but profoundly through the Bissell Pet Foundation (BPF). Founded in 2011, BPF stands as a testament to her unwavering commitment to animal welfare, focusing on reducing the number of pets in shelters. Over the past decade, the Bissell Pet Foundation has become a major force, channeling millions of dollars into animal welfare organizations and positively impacting the lives of nearly 400,000 pets globally.
Expanding her impact, Cathy Bissell has initiated subsidiary programs under the Bissell Pet Foundation, addressing pet needs from adoption to crucial spay/neuter initiatives. The Partners for Pets program, a cornerstone of BPF, now includes over 5,400 animal welfare organizations across the United States. Cathy’s vision extends internationally, with growing programs in Germany, Canada, Australia, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom, all driven by a singular goal: to save more animal lives.
From Childhood Compassion to Lifelong Dedication
Cathy Bissell’s deep connection with animals began in childhood. Recalling her early years, she shares a formative memory: “As a child, my family had Irish Setters, a beautiful breed less common today. One dog, Patrick, lived primarily outdoors. At that time, dogs weren’t typically house pets, but I felt sorry for him and would often sneak Patrick inside. He became my best friend. Looking back, I believe Patrick sparked my lifelong love for animals.”
Her childhood compassion was met with understanding parents. Initially unaware of her nightly acts of kindness, they eventually discovered Patrick’s indoor visits. Recognizing the bond between Cathy and Patrick, they allowed him to stay inside with her at night, nurturing her burgeoning love for animals.
Early Career Aspirations and a Pivotal Moment
Cathy’s passion for animals led her to consider a career in veterinary medicine. While attending Miami University of Ohio, she pursued liberal arts studies and simultaneously gained practical experience working at a local veterinary clinic. “I really wanted to become a vet,” she explains. “I loved animals, and it seemed like the right path. I enjoyed working with all kinds of animals.”
However, a profound experience at the clinic altered her career trajectory. A family brought in a healthy dog requesting euthanasia simply because they were moving and didn’t want to take the pet. Despite the veterinarian’s attempts to offer alternatives, the family insisted. Witnessing this heart-wrenching situation, particularly the family’s insistence on their young son being present, was a turning point for Cathy. “That was a life-changing moment,” she recounts. “I realized I couldn’t pursue this path. It wasn’t what I had envisioned. So, I shifted directions, but my love for pets remained as strong as ever.”
A Twist of Fate and a Shared Journey
After Miami University, Cathy transferred to the University of Michigan. At a football game, she met Mark Bissell, who would become her husband of over 40 years. This meeting marked not just a personal partnership, but a future collaboration in business and philanthropy. “I truly wasn’t expecting it, but I couldn’t be more grateful,” she reflects. “Our relationship and partnership have been crucial, especially in our work with BISSELL Homecare and the BISSELL Pet Foundation.”
Following their marriage shortly after college, Cathy and Mark moved to New York City. There, she entered the world of fashion, working for Harper’s Bazaar as an assistant to senior fashion editor Nonnie Moore.
Mentorship and Enduring Lessons
Working with Nonnie Moore proved to be an invaluable experience. Cathy describes Moore as “a phenomenal woman. In a city where everyone strives for the top, she was there, yet family remained her priority. She was more than a boss; she was a mentor and almost like a second mother.”
From Nonnie, Cathy learned enduring lessons, particularly the importance of staying connected to younger generations to remain current and understand evolving trends. “Nonnie always advised me to learn from young people,” Cathy recalls. “She encouraged riding the subway to observe and understand what’s happening in the world.” This advice resonates with Cathy’s approach to animal welfare, constantly seeking firsthand experiences in shelters to understand and address current needs. “This lesson is part of why I visit shelters today,” she explains. “I want to stay informed and see firsthand how animals are being treated.”
Navigating the Challenges of Pet Rescue
Cathy’s deep involvement in pet rescue exposes her to difficult realities. She emphasizes the need for emotional resilience: “You must compartmentalize your thoughts. Taking too much home can be incredibly difficult. I do internalize a lot, and it has changed me. Seeing homeless pets in shelters is heartbreaking, but witnessing their lives transformed through adoption and care is incredibly rewarding.”
Initially, her involvement with animal welfare was primarily through financial support. However, her role evolved as she became personally engaged, first locally in Michigan and then nationally. “I saw firsthand the realities and the immense effort dedicated to saving lives,” she notes. “Shelter workers are amazing, doing so much good. To create lasting change, we need community involvement and understanding.”
Despite witnessing distressing situations, Cathy remains driven by the positive impact of her work. “Understanding that we are helping is crucial and keeps me going,” she says. Drawing strength from her upbringing, she adds, “My mother instilled strength in her daughters, which has been essential in navigating these challenges.”
Family, Pets, and Shared Passions
Family plays a significant role in Cathy’s life and her commitment to animal welfare. She recounts how her mother, initially fearful of pets, became an animal lover through family influence: “We are a very close family, and we all have many dogs. To be part of our lives, she had to be around pets. She was somewhat forced into it, but she grew to love them.”
Cathy’s sister also shares her passion for animal welfare. Together, they launched Lost Pet USA, a website aimed at reuniting lost pets with their owners. This initiative stemmed from a personal experience when her sister found a cat. “We started Lost Pet USA to highlight the importance of checking for microchips and to encourage positive actions when finding lost pets,” Cathy explains.
While Lost Pet USA is no longer active due to increased microchipping awareness, Cathy emphasizes the critical role of microchips in pet recovery. “Microchips are essential,” she states. “Every pet the Bissell Pet Foundation assists must be microchipped. We even provide microchips to shelters that can’t afford them. Every pet deserves to find its way home.”
Bear: The Transformative Rescue Dog
Among all the pets Cathy has loved, one stands out: Bear, her first adopted dog. “I’ve loved all my dogs equally, but Bear changed my life the most,” she says.
Bear came into Cathy’s life during a charity event for a local humane society. Describing their first meeting, she recalls, “The director brought Bear to me while I was with my two black labs. He was completely unfazed by my dogs, just perfect. He was gorgeous inside and out.” Learning that Bear had been surrendered simply because the family got a puppy and deemed him “too old,” deeply affected Cathy.
Despite her husband Mark’s initial reservations, Cathy brought Bear home. Bear quickly became an integral part of the family, winning over Mark’s heart. “He definitely fell in love,” Cathy smiles. Bear’s adoption was a transformative experience for both Cathy and Mark, solidifying their shared commitment to pet rescue.
Launching the Bissell Pet Foundation
The Bissell Pet Foundation was established in 2011, growing from Cathy’s local animal welfare efforts. “I was supporting a local organization and decided to expand fundraising,” she explains. “Seeing the significant impact, I realized a foundation was the most effective way to help rescue animals.”
Over the past decade, the Bissell Pet Foundation has expanded its reach, focusing on four key pillars: Adoption, Emergency Response, Spay/Neuter, and Microchipping. “We support adoption and spay/neuter programs to reduce pet homelessness,” Cathy emphasizes. “Microchipping and emergency care are also crucial. We are now heavily involved in transporting pets across the country to areas where they have a higher chance of adoption.”
The foundation’s impact is substantial, having touched nearly 400,000 animals across the US and internationally through grants and programs.
Navigating Pet Welfare During COVID-19
The COVID-19 pandemic presented unique challenges to animal shelters. Cathy describes the foundation’s response: “We continued to promote adoption, especially for shelters with sufficient staffing. Many shelters faced staff shortages and closures. We developed online adoption events to ensure safety, allowing virtual pet selections and outdoor meet-and-greets.”
The pandemic also highlighted regional disparities in pet homelessness. “While some metropolitan areas like New York City saw shelters emptied due to increased adoption, many pets remained in overcrowded shelters, particularly in the South,” Cathy notes. The Bissell Pet Foundation facilitated pet transports to address these imbalances, despite logistical hurdles during lockdowns.
Passion, Perseverance, and Pet-Centric Philanthropy
Cathy’s lifelong passion fuels her tireless work. Asked about advice for others finding their passion, she says, “Go with your gut. What does your heart tell you? Passion drives perseverance. If you truly want to make a difference, you can.”
Her dedication is evident in her demanding schedule. “If you ask my husband, I work too many hours,” she laughs. “But when you love what you do and know you’re saving lives, you keep going.”
BISSELL’s Pet Focus and Innovation
Cathy’s influence extends to BISSELL Homecare’s pet-centric product development. She even holds a patent for a pet shedding tool, ShedAway. “The ShedAway idea came from my own need as a pet owner,” she explains. “Brushing my labs created clouds of hair. Being in the vacuum business, I wanted to innovate a tool that vacuums shedding hair directly.”
BISSELL’s history dates back to 1876, starting with carpet sweepers. The company evolved into vacuum cleaners through acquisitions like Singer Vacuums. Today, BISSELL prominently features its pet focus, with adoptable pets even appearing on product packaging. “We sadly learned that some people surrender pets due to cleaning challenges,” Cathy explains. “We needed to offer solutions that support pet ownership. We developed better pet cleaning products and embraced the message: ‘There’s no better stain than a pet stain to inspire us.’”
BISSELL’s corporate culture also reflects Cathy’s pet-friendly vision. Headquarters in Grand Rapids, Michigan, is a pet-friendly campus. “I proposed making our campus pet-friendly,” she recalls. “Initially hesitant, we started with a small area, and employees loved it. We then opened the entire campus and built a pet spot, an indoor-outdoor kennel.”
Family, Legacy, and the Future of BPF
Beyond her professional life, Cathy is a mother of three. Her youngest son, Merrick, has a unique name origin. “We call him ‘dream baby’ because I dreamt his name and spelling,” she shares. While her children aren’t all in Michigan, her eldest son and son-in-law are part of the BISSELL family business.
Looking to the future, Cathy’s focus remains firmly on the Bissell Pet Foundation. “Saving more lives is what’s next,” she states. Celebrating its 10-year anniversary, the foundation is gearing up for continued growth and impact. Strategic planning and field experience guide BPF’s direction. “Being in the field allows us to quickly adapt and address emerging needs, like heartworm in the South, which has become a key focus,” she explains. Transport initiatives are also expanding to maximize pet adoptions.
Cathy envisions a long and impactful future for the Bissell Pet Foundation. “Absolutely, the Bissell Pet Foundation will be around in 20 years, stronger and bigger than ever,” she affirms.
Focused Efforts in Key Regions
Recognizing regional disparities in animal welfare, Cathy highlights key focus areas, particularly in the Southern United States. “Awareness and resources are often lacking in the South,” she notes, pointing to states like Arizona, Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas, Mississippi, Alabama, and South Carolina as priorities.
Louisiana holds a special place for Cathy, marking her introduction to the shelter world after Hurricane Katrina. “Louisiana taught me so much,” she reflects. “Before Katrina, I had never been in a shelter. Witnessing the devastation and the animals impacted was heartbreaking and transformative.” While acknowledging the horrific situations she has seen, Cathy chooses to focus on the positive outcomes. “I focus on the thousands of lives saved and impacted, rather than the sad memories.”
International Expansion and Future Goals
From its US roots, the Bissell Pet Foundation has expanded internationally. “Canada was the first to reach out, wanting to replicate our adoption events,” Cathy explains. “As BISSELL became more pet-focused globally, our international divisions wanted to get involved.” BPF now has projects in Germany, Canada, Australia, and the Netherlands, with ongoing growth.
Looking ahead, Cathy’s primary focus remains on pet welfare, although BISSELL’s broader philanthropy includes education and children’s causes. For Cathy, “Pets are and always will be my heart.”
Offering advice to young women, Cathy shares a Steve Jobs quote: “Don’t let anyone tell you how to live your life. Follow your passion and do what you believe is best for you. No one else can dictate your path.”
Cathy Bissell’s journey exemplifies this advice, transforming a childhood passion into a global force for animal welfare through the Bissell Pet Foundation, saving countless lives and inspiring a more compassionate world for pets.
Editor’s note: Cathy Bissell founded the Bissell Pet Foundation in 2011, with the mission to support a growing network of animal welfare organizations across all 50 states, ensuring every pet finds a loving home. She also co-founded LostPetUSA, a nationwide database dedicated to reuniting lost pets with their families.
