BISSELL Homecare, Inc. knows that life with pets can be messy, but it doesn’t have to stay that way. BISSELL is setting out to embrace pet messes, creating a lighthearted campaign around the dirtier side of being a pet parent—like fur balls and garbage raids. To educate consumers on helpful ways to eliminate the messes (and support pet causes), BISSELL launched the #PetHappens campaign.

Through the campaign, BISSELL invites pet lovers to share their stories and photos of pet messes with #PetHappens on Twitter and Instagram from now until February 15, 2015. Each post tagged with #PetHappens will trigger a $1 donation to the BISSELL Pet Foundation^®, up to $50,000*.

Each year BISSELL donates up to $250,000 to the BISSELL Pet Foundation, a nonprofit organization committed to supporting groups dedicated to the humane care and treatment of animals through pet adoption, spay/neuter programs, microchipping and foster care. Since its creation in 2011, the BISSELL Pet Foundation partnered with more than 1,200 shelters in all 50 states. With help from the BISSELL Pet Foundation, BISSELL has assisted organizations that care for homeless animals across the U.S. and provide the tools and resources that help pets ultimately find their way into loving homes.

Surprisingly, 38 percent of Americans** would add a pet to their home if cleaning up after them were easier—a statistic BISSELL hopes to improve by reducing pet cleanup as a barrier to adoption. BISSELL has a long-standing commitment to support and advocate for pets (72 percent of BISSELL employees are pet owners), developing products specifically for pet parents. These products range from traditional upright vacuum cleaners, which collect the shedding aftermath to deep cleaners that go deep to remove pet stains and odors from carpet and upholstery.

“BISSELL has a long history of being pet lovers so we definitely know the trouble our pets can sometimes create,” said Theresa Junkunc, Director of Marketing Communications at BISSELL Homecare. “We thought we would have a little fun with their messes and help support a good cause at the same time.”

In addition to the social campaign, BISSELL has released a series of new television spots to be aired for the first time during Animal Planet’s “Puppy Bowl” on February 1, 2015. The commercials feature real-life pet messes sourced from online pet videos spotlighting several BISSELL products including the SpotBot^® Pet Deep Cleaner, which permanently removes some of the worst stains caused by even the best pets.

Those interested in helping pets in need can share a #PetHappens story—or even a cute pet photo—on Twitter or Instagram. Check out what others are sharing by visiting www.bissell.com/pethappens.

About the BISSELL Pet Foundation

BISSELL Pet Foundation is a charitable 501(c)(3) non-profit organization with a mission to help reduce the number of animals in shelters and to support organizations dedicated to the humane care and treatment of animals through pet adoption, spay/neuter programs, microchipping and foster care. Founded in 2011 by Cathy Bissell, the BISSELL Pet Foundation is an extension of her long-standing love for animals and commitment to their welfare. The foundation is supported by BISSELL Homecare, Inc., a 139-year-old Grand Rapids-based floor care appliance brand in its fourth generation of family leadership. For more information visit: www.bissellpetfoundation.org.