Four National Family Foundations Collaborate to Bring Free Spay/Neuter Event to the Bay Area on December 6-7

Contact:
Sharon Fletcher, Director of Marketing & Communications
925.310.5458
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Pleasanton, CA, November 20 - 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. Full details are available at: www.maddiesfund.org/champions-for-pet-health.htm.

Participating Organizations:

  • Berkeley Humane Contra Costa Animal Services
  • Friends of Alameda Animal Services
  • 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!

About La Russa Rescue Champions

Longtime Bay Area residents Elaine, Bianca, Devon and Tony La Russa have leveraged their passion for animals to inspire the animal rescue field through La Russa Rescue Champions dedicated to companion animal welfare. The family’s commitment to the cause began in 1986 when they arrived in the Bay Area and continues today on a personal level and through the new organization.

About the Dave & Cheryl Duffield Foundation

The Dave & Cheryl Duffield Foundation (DCDF) carries forward the Duffield family's legacy of supporting transformational programs and services in three core areas: pairing Veterans with Service Dogs, expanding access to care for companion animals, and strengthening local public service organizations. Founded in 2016, DCDF is part of the Duffield Foundation Family, which also includes Maddie’s Fund—a national leader in advancing the well-being of companion animals—and Liberty Dogs, a new Service Dog training facility dedicated to providing life-changing support for Military Veterans living with PTSD.

About Maddie's Fund

Maddie's Fund® is a family foundation established in 1994 by Dave and Cheryl Duffield and is the fulfillment of a promise to their inspirational dog, Maddie. She provided them much joy from 1987 – 1997 and continues to inspire them today.

The Foundation has awarded over $301.3 million in grants toward increased community lifesaving, pioneering shelter medicine education and establishing foster care as a standard across the U.S.

Maddie's Fund proudly offers the industry a national voice, important funding opportunities for bold ideas, learning resources and access to collaborate and share innovative solutions. The Foundation invests its resources in a commitment to keeping pets and people together, creating a safety net of care for animals in need and operating within a culture of inclusiveness and humility. #ThanksToMaddie.

Maddie's Fund is part of The Duffield Foundation Family which also includes Liberty Dogs and Dave & Cheryl Duffield Foundation.