Nine animal well-being organizations across five Bay area counties are partnering to provide free spay and neuter surgeries and vaccines to pets over a two-day, December 6-7, 2025, event called “Champions for Pet Health: Communities Partnering for Wellness and Spay & Neuter.” This event, all due to the generosity of four national family foundations – La Russa Rescue Champions, Dave & Cheryl Duffield Foundation, Maddie’s Fund® and BISSELL Pet Foundation – represents a collaborative effort to make vital pet services more accessible to the Bay Area community.
Studies have shown that spaying and neutering pets helps them live longer, healthier lives and reduces the number of homeless animals in our communities. This event will have an immediate and meaningful impact on the backlog of spay and neuter surgeries across the Bay Area.
“It also means hundreds of amazing pets will be ready for adoption this December, helping to keep pets and families together, healthy and home this holiday season,” said Tony La Russa, La Russa Rescue Champions Founder, “This event has a goal of providing over 600 spay/neuter surgeries for dogs and cats from local shelters and foster-based organizations as well as family pets.”
“We’re honored to join these remarkable organizations in expanding access to free spay and neuter services,” said Cathy Bissell, Founder of BISSELL Pet Foundation. “Reducing unplanned litters is one of the most effective ways to prevent shelter overcrowding, and this partnership demonstrates the real power of working together to create lasting change for pets and their families.”
Due to popular demand, spay/neuter appointments may not be available in some locations, but the public is encouraged to attend the drop-in wellness appointments with free vaccines and microchip services.
Participating Organizations:
- Berkeley Humane
- Contra Costa Animal Services
- Friends of Alameda Animal Shelter
- Humane Society Silicon Valley
- Marin Humane
- Muttville
- Oakland Animal Services
- San Francisco SPCA
- Valley Humane Society
- Vets in Vans
“Pets with a microchip are more than three times more likely to be reunited with their families,” said Romy Harness, Maddie’s Fund’s Director of Access to Care Initiatives. “Access to veterinary care is essential not just for the health and well-being of animals, but also for the people who love them and the communities where they live.”
“When organizations come together and share resources, we create a catalyst that reaches far beyond one shelter or one weekend,” said Amy Zeifang, Dave and Cheryl Duffield Foundation Director and Maddie’s Fund Board Chair. “This partnership is a perfect example of how collective action can create a more meaningful impact for pets and families alike.”
Get Involved
Visit the event website to find the service and location that is right for your dog(s) or cat(s). Join us in making the Bay Area a community of Champions for Pet Health!
Read the entire press release.
Source: Chew On This
