Press Releases

WisCARES receives $200,000 grant to help keep pets and people together, #ThanksToMaddie

Maddie’s Fund®, a national family foundation established by Dave and Cheryl Duffield to revolutionize the status and well-being of companion animals, has awarded a $200,000 grant to The Wisconsin Companion Animal Resources, Education and Social Support program at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Over 10,000 Dogs and Cats Reunite with Their Families, Thanks to the Return To Home Challenge

In October of 2022, over 10,000 lost pets were reunited with their families thanks to the Return to Home Challenge. 17 national organizations came together to promote the Challenge that encouraged animal shelters and foster-based organizations to create a culture of return to home within their organization and community. A total of 140 organizations across the United States participated.

San Francisco SPCA announces new workforce development program, #ThanksToMaddie

The San Francisco Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SF SCPA) is offering a three-month paid Community Medicine Education Training (CoMET) program. In partnership with Young Community Developers.

James Evans Receives 2022 Avanzino Leadership Award

Maddie’s Fund® is honored to present the 2022 Avanzino Leadership Award to James Evans for his outstanding leadership and purposeful dedication to the human-animal bond. This award recognizes significant achievement and courage to look beyond the status quo and make bold decisions to improve the lives of pets and their people.

July 10 is Dr. Lila Miller Shelter Medicine Day

-July 10 is Dr. Lila Miller Shelter Medicine Day. Dr. Miller is known for her trailblazing leadership and purposeful dedication to the field of veterinary shelter medicine.

$200,000 in Grant Money Awarded to Animal Welfare Organizations for Being More Welcoming and Inclusive

Sixteen national animal welfare organizations came together for the Open Arms Challenge to encourage animal shelters and rescue organizations to pilot new approaches that increase inclusivity for new adopters and volunteers, and provide a welcoming environment for all community members.

Companions and Animals for Reform and Equity Receives $1.7 Million Grant, #Thankstomaddie

Pleasanton, CA, April 19, 2022 - Maddie's Fund®, a national family foundation established by Dave and Cheryl Duffield to revolutionize the status and well-being of companion animals, announced today a $1.7 million grant awarded to Companions and Animals for Reform and Equity (CARE).

July 10, 2021 Proclaimed "Dr. Lila Miller Shelter Medicine Day"

Maddie's Fund®, a national family foundation established by Dave and Cheryl Duffield to revolutionize the status and well-being of companion animals, has presented the 2021 Avanzino Leadership Award to Lila Miller, Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) for her trailblazing leadership and purposeful dedication to the field of veterinary shelter medicine.

Over 10,000 Dogs and Cats Reunited with Their Families Thanks to Nationwide Return to Home Grants Challenge

June 23, 2021

Ten national animal welfare organizations came together this year to encourage the development and expansion of Return to Home programs, which help reunite lost pets with their loving families.

Investment of $950,000 in 19 Animal Shelter Pilot Communities To Keep Families Together, #ThankstoMaddie

February 4, 2021

Maddie's Fund® announced today $950,000 in grant awards to support 19 U.S. communities implementing the Human Animal Support Services Pilot Project.

Kristen Hassen Receives Maddie Hero Award, Thanks To Maddie

October 21, 2020

Maddie's Fund®, a national family foundation established by Dave and Cheryl Duffield to revolutionize the status and well-being of companion animals, has presented Kristen Hassen with the 2020 Maddie Hero Award.

Dr. Michael J. Blackwell Receives Avanzino Leadership Award, Thanks To Maddie

September 16, 2020

Maddie's Fund®, a national family foundation established by Dave and Cheryl Duffield to revolutionize the status and well-being of companion animals, has presented the 2020 Avanzino Leadership Award to Dr. Michael J. Blackwell for his outstanding leadership and purposeful dedication to the human-animal bond.

Maddie's Fund® Announces $1M National Funding Program for Animal Shelter Foster Care in Response to Covid-19 Pandemic

Thursday, April 9, 2020

Maddie's Fund®, a national family foundation established by Dave and Cheryl Duffield to revolutionize the status and well-being of companion animals, announced a $1 million funding program to address the COVID-19 pandemic.

Best Friends Animal Society Receives $1.5M Grant for Shelter Outreach Program, Thanks to Maddie

Wednesday, July 17, 2019

Best Friends Animal Society received a $1.5 million grant from Maddie's Fund®, a national family foundation established by Dave and Cheryl Duffield to revolutionize the status and well-being of companion animals, to expand its Shelter Outreach Embed Program.

State of Alabama and National Animal Welfare Leaders Declare April 16th Lynne Fridley Day

Tuesday, April 16th, 2019

To honor Alabama resident and indisputable champion of shelter pets for over 40 years, April 16th has been proclaimed Lynne Fridley Day by the City of Montevallo, Alabama.

National Family Foundation Celebrates 25 Years of Companion Animal Lifesaving, #ThanksToMaddie

Monday, April 15th, 2019

Maddie's Fund®, a national family foundation established by Dave and Cheryl Duffield to revolutionize the status and well-being of companion animals, is celebrating its 25th anniversary milestone this year.

The Get 'em Home Challenge Finds Homes for Over 16,000 of the Nation's Dogs and Cats, Thanks to Maddie

Thursday, March 28, 2019

Over 16,000 dogs and cats from across the country found homes, thanks to a special contest hosted by Maddie's Fund®, a national family foundation established by Dave and Cheryl Duffield to revolutionize the status and well-being of companion animals.

Celebrity Rescue Pugs Return the Favor by Fostering Kittens

Thursday, March 7, 2019

Maddie's Fund®, a national family foundation established by Dave and Cheryl Duffield to revolutionize the status and well-being of companion animals, has created a special PSA to encourage kitten fostering ahead of the hectic kitten season at animal shelters.

Target Zero Passes the Torch to Maddie's Fund® Prompting Next Stage of Animal Lifesaving Efforts

March 5, 2019

Maddie's Fund®, a national family foundation established by Dave and Cheryl Duffield to revolutionize the status and well-being of companion animals, announced that Target Zero will be passing its lifesaving baton to Maddie's Fund.

Maddie's® Fund Announces Retirement of Beloved Staff Member

November 15, 2018

Maddie's Fund®, a national family foundation established by Dave and Cheryl Duffield to revolutionize the status and well-being of companion animals, announced today the retirement of Lynne Fridley, Co-Director of Education, as of December 31, 2018.

Million Cat Challenge Receives $2.5 Million Grant to Continue Revolutionizing Animal Sheltering, Thanks to Maddie

June 26, 2018

Maddie's Fund, a national family foundation established by Dave and Cheryl Duffield to revolutionize the status and well-being of companion animals, is granting $2,580,741 to support the Million Cat Challenge as it expands to into its next phase of animal lifesaving in shelters across North America.

Maddie's Fund Surprises Animal Welfare Superheroes With $100,000 In Grant Awards

April 24, 2018

Maddie's Fund®, a national family foundation established by Dave and Cheryl Duffield to revolutionize the status and well-being of companion animals, has surprised 10 animal welfare leaders with Maddie Hero Awards for their incredible efforts in furthering the no-kill nation mission through community lifesaving and big picture thinking.

Maddie's Fund Grants $4 Million to Support Pet Lifesaving Training Academy in Austin, TX

December 5, 2017

Maddie's Fund®, a national family foundation established by Dave and Cheryl Duffield to revolutionize the status and well-being of companion animals, has awarded a three-year $4 million grant to Austin Pets Alive! to support Maddie's® Lifesaving Academy at Austin Pets Alive! and Austin Animal Center in Texas.

Maddie's Fund Names Dr. Julie Levy As 2017 Avanzino Leadership Award Recipient

November 8, 2017

Maddie's Fund, a national family foundation established by Dave and Cheryl Duffield to revolutionize the status and well-being of companion animals, has presented the 2017 Avanzino Leadership Award to Dr. Julie Levy for her outstanding leadership and significant achievements in lifesaving.

Maddie's Fund Names Dr. Julie Levy As 2017 Avanzino Leadership Award Recipient

November 8, 2017

Maddie's Fund, a national family foundation established by Dave and Cheryl Duffield to revolutionize the status and well-being of companion animals, has presented the 2017 Avanzino Leadership Award to Dr. Julie Levy for her outstanding leadership and significant achievements in lifesaving.

Pima Animal Care Center Receives $573,536 Grant to Implement Model Lifesaving Program, Thanks to Maddie

October 12, 2017

Maddie's Fund, a national family foundation established by Dave and Cheryl Duffield to revolutionize the status and well-being of companion animals, has awarded a three-year $573,536 grant to Pima Animal Care Center (PACC) in Tucson, AZ, to create a large-scale, high volume foster program, as a model program for other U.S. shelters to follow.

San Francisco SPCA and Central Valley Rescue Rail Road to Host Central Valley Summit for Animal Welfare, Thanks to Maddie

September 26, 2017

San Francisco, CA -- The San Francisco SPCA and Central Valley Rescue Railroad (CVRR) are partnering to save lives by hosting the first Central Valley Summit for Animal Welfare, thanks to a generous grant from Maddie's Fund. The summit will focus exclusively on developing more opportunities to transfer dogs and cats from rescues and shelters in the Central Valley region to organizations that successfully rehome them. Building a more robust transfer network will lower euthanasia rates, improve welfare at shelters, and help solve the problem of pet overpopulation.

Maddie's Fund Has Committed $1 Million To Help Animals Affected By Hurricane Harvey

September 2, 2017

Maddie's Fund®, a national family foundation established by Dave and Cheryl Duffield to revolutionize the status and well-being of companion animals, has committed $1 million to animal welfare organizations for Hurricane Harvey relief efforts. These funds will support organizations that are helping animals directly affected by the catastrophic Hurricane Harvey. The hurricane, which has poured 20 trillion gallons of water on the Houston, TX, area alone, is predicted to have an aftermath worse than that of Hurricane Katrina in 2005.

Los Angeles County's Agoura Animal Care Center Showcases New Colorful Look as Portraits of Hope Begins to Introduce its Latest Makeovers for the Shelters This Friday

July 27, 2017

Portraits of Hope will introduce the new look for LA County's Agoura Animal Care Center at a showcasing event on Friday, July, 28th at 11A in front of the horse area. All LA County animal shelter revitalizations by Portraits of Hope are imminent with the Carson Animal Center nearing its colorful makeover as well.

Animal Welfare Industry Harnesses Technology To Revolutionize Lifesaving, Thanks To Maddie

July 13, 2017

Maddie's Fund®, a national family foundation established by Dave and Cheryl Duffield to revolutionize the status and well-being of companion animals, has developed and launched a new online platform called Maddie's® Pet Forum. This Forum is an online community developed to increase collaboration, transparency and engagement within the animal welfare industry and with pet caregivers and the general public, all in the name of lifesaving.

Maddie's Fund Launches Revolutionary App To Help Shelter Pets Succeed In Their Journey Beyond The Shelter

May 9, 2017

Maddie's Fund®, a national family foundation established by Dave and Cheryl Duffield to revolutionize the status and well-being of companion animals, has just launched Maddie's® Pet Assistant (MPA), an app to help foster caregivers and adopters with enhanced support for questions and challenges after bringing a pet into their home, while providing valuable insights to shelters and rescue organizations.

Maddie's Fund Surprises Animal Welfare Superheroes With $150K In Grant Awards

April 26, 2017

Maddie's Fund®, a national family foundation established by Dave and Cheryl Duffield to revolutionize the status and well-being of companion animals, has surprised 15 animal welfare leaders with Maddie Hero Awards for their incredible efforts in furthering the no-kill nation mission through shelter medicine, community lifesaving and big picture thinking.

Maddie's Fund Continues Support of Shelter Animals Count Database With $100,000 Grant

April 19, 2017

Maddie's Fund, a national family foundation established by Dave and Cheryl Duffield to revolutionize the status and well-being of companion animals, has made a $100,000 investment in Shelter Animals Count.

ASPCA Partners with Maddie's Fund® to Support the Million Cat Challenge

April 5, 2017

NEW YORK -The ASPCA® (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®) has joined forces with Maddie's Fund®, the UC Davis Koret Shelter Medicine Program, and Maddie's® Shelter Medicine Program at the University of Florida to support the Million Cat Challenge (The Challenge).

Target Zero Receives $750,000 to Help More Communities Across the U.S. Increase Lifesaving, Thanks to Maddie

February 28, 2017

Maddie's Fund, a national family foundation established by Dave and Cheryl Duffield to revolutionize the status and well-being of companion animals has awarded Target Zero $750,000 over three years to expand operations to increase their lifesaving impact in more communities in the country.

Cat Town Receives $162,500 to Increase Lifesaving Capacity at Cat Town Café, Thanks To Maddie

February 15, 2017

Maddie's Fund, a national family foundation established by Dave and Cheryl Duffield to revolutionize the status and well-being of companion animals, has awarded Cat Town $162,500 to expand Cat Town Café.

Maddie's Fund Invests $2 Million in Adopt-a-Pet.com

January 19, 2017

Maddie's Fund®, a national family foundation established by Dave and Cheryl Duffield to revolutionize the status and well-being of companion animals, has made a $2 Million investment in Adopt-a-Pet.com to help expand its technology and bolster public interest and involvement in pet adoption and fostering.

Maddie's Fund Awards Avanzino Leadership Award to Dr. Ellen Jefferson of Austin Pets Alive!

November 3, 2016

Maddie's Fund®, a national family foundation based in Pleasanton, CA, awarded the first annual Avanzino Leadership Award to Dr. Ellen Jefferson of Austin Pets Alive! for her outstanding leadership and significant achievement in lifesaving.

Nevada Humane Society Receives $383,000 to Expand Lifesaving Mission in Carson City Thanks to Maddie

October 4, 2016

Maddie's Fund®, a national family foundation based in Pleasanton, CA, awarded $383,000 to Nevada Humane Society (NHS) to outfit the new Carson City shelter, which will aid in their lifesaving mission and allow them to adequately provide for the community. To show their gratitude, NHS is naming the new adoption center Maddie's® Adoption Center, and Carson City Mayor Bob Crowell has proclaimed Tuesday, October 4th Carson City will be renamed "Maddie's City."

Thanks to Maddie, Dogs Playing for Life Receives $50K to Expand Shelter Dog Enrichment

September 7, 2016

Maddie's Fund®, a national family foundation based in Pleasanton, CA, awarded Dogs Playing for Life™ (DPFL) $50,000 to expand the reach of their lifesaving education program model to 10 additional at-risk animal shelters across the nation. This program provides behavioral health enrichment for shelter dogs in the form of playgroups. DPFL will deliver educational seminars for not only the shelter staff and volunteers at these 10 locations, but also to all the neighboring rescue groups' and shelters' staff and volunteers, for maximum lifesaving impact within a community.

Maddie's Fund Invests $442,250 in Lifesaving Training Academy to Help America Get to No-Kill

August 31, 2016

Maddie's Fund®, a national family foundation based in Pleasanton, CA, awarded Austin Pets Alive!, in partnership with Austin Animal Center, $442,250 to support the beginning of an Austin-based Training Academy to teach other organizations a systematic method for achieving no-kill in their home communities.

Fix Our Ferals Receives $50,000 Matching Grant to Reopen Vital Spay-Neuter Center Thanks to Maddie

August 24, 2016

Maddie's Fund®, a national family foundation based in Pleasanton, CA, has awarded Fix Our Ferals a $50,000 matching grant to support the reopening and sustainability of their spay-neuter center to serve Alameda and Contra Costa County community cats, shelter cats and those of low-income families. Maddie's Fund will match every donation up to $50,000 through October 15.

Maddie's Fund Invests $300K for Animal Shelter Revitalization Public Art Project With Portraits of Hope

August 17, 2016

Maddie's Fund®, a national family foundation based in Pleasanton, CA, awarded Portraits of Hope (POH) $300,000 to support their public art initiative to make animal shelters more inviting, appealing and attractive public spaces to help drive people to those venues to adopt dogs and cats in need of a home.

First Coast No More Homeless Pets Receives $300,000 to Support Animal Welfare Model of the Future Thanks to Maddie

August 16, 2016

Maddie's Fund®, a national family foundation based in Pleasanton, CA, has awarded First Coast No More Homeless Pets (FCNMHP) of Jacksonville, Florida with a grant of $300,000 to support the opening of their second low-cost veterinary hospital and to aid in implementing their lifesaving programs across the country.

Allie’s Pals Cat Rescue Receives $62k To Save Special Needs Cats Thanks To Maddie

August 12, 2016

Maddie's Fund®, a Pleasanton, CA-based national family foundation, has awarded $62,000 to the newly formed Allie’s Pals Cat Rescue (APCR) of Pleasanton, CA. The grant will be used to support the lifesaving of special needs cats in the Tri-Valley area.

San Antonio Pets Alive! Receives $318,000 to Bolster Leadership Thanks to Maddie

August 4, 2016

Maddie's Fund®, a national family foundation based in Pleasanton, CA, awarded San Antonio Pets Alive! (SAPA!) with a Maddie's® Fellowship Bootcamp Grant in the amount of $318,000. This grant will fund the hiring and a 12-month mentorship program for three key leadership positions: an Executive Director, Development Director, and Operations Director.

Maddie's Fund Surprises Industry Super Heroes with $90K in Grant Awards

May 12, 2016

Maddie's Fund, a national family foundation based in Pleasanton, CA, has surprised nine animal welfare leaders with the first ever Maddie Hero Awards for their incredible efforts in animal lifesaving and furthering our no-kill nation mission.

Maddie's Fund Invests $2 Million In Shelterluv

May 5, 2016

Maddie's Fund, a California-based national family foundation, today announced its investment of $2 Million in Shelterluv, a company focused on software for the next generation of animal rescues and shelters.

Maddie's Fund Steps Up to Million Cat Challenge with Incentive Grants

April 29, 2016

Maddie's Fund, a national family foundation based in Pleasanton, CA, is offering grants to every qualifying animal shelter that joins the Million Cat Challenge between April 29 and May 31.

Maddie's Fund Offers Grants to Boost Participation in National Shelter Animals Count Database

March 25, 2016

Maddie's Fund, a national family foundation based in Pleasanton, CA, is offering grants to boost participation in the national Shelter Animals Count database during the period of March 25th through April 30th.

Social Media Superstars Lend Star Power to The Shelter Pet Project's 2016 Campaign to Find Homes for Millions of Cats and Dogs

January 29, 2016

Three of the Internet’s most beloved pets are teaming up to help the millions of cats and dogs in shelters and rescue groups across the country find loving homes. Fashion icon Toast Meets World, globally recognized pianist Keyboard Cat and life of the party Hamilton Pug are lending their star power to "Start A Story. Adopt,” a new public service advertising (PSA) campaign from The Shelter Pet Project, a collaborative effort between Maddie’s Fund®, The Humane Society of the United States and the Ad Council.

Leading National Animal Welfare Organizations Launch Shelter Animals Count: The National Database Project

December 14, 2015

Several leading national animal welfare organizations today announced the launch of Shelter Animals Count: The National Database Project – a first-of-its-kind platform for the collection and reporting of animal shelter data for organizations across the country.

MaddieCam Spotlights Muttville Senior Dog Rescue

November 16, 2015

Happening Now! In celebration of Adopt-A-Senior-Pet Month, Maddie's Fund is spotlighting Muttville Senior Dog Rescue through its live stream MaddieCam!

$11 Million Grant for Shelter Medicine Education Breaks Record at University of Florida's College of Veterinary Medicine

November 12, 2015

Maddie's Fund® is pleased to announce its grant of $11,220,221 to University of Florida's College of Veterinary Medicine in support of its shelter medicine education program. This is the largest award for veterinary education ever received by the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine from a corporation or foundation.

Thanks to Maddie - Animal Welfare Agencies Serving California Valley Fire Families Receive $30K

November 5, 2015

To honor their great work and help them to continue their lifesaving, Maddie's Fund® has awarded $10,000 grants to three animal welfare organizations, Petaluma Animal Services, Jameson Animal Rescue Ranch and Wine Country Animal Lovers, in the fire stricken regions of Napa and Lake Counties in California.

Empty Shelters in Two Days, Thanks to Maddie

June 2, 2015

Thanks to Maddie, over 5,000 dogs and cats found homes this past weekend at the nation's largest fee-waived pet adoption event, Maddie's® Pet Adoption Days, sponsored by Maddie's Fund®.

Maddie's Fund Joins Brent Carey on KOIT's Today's World

May 20, 2015

Rich Avanzino, President of Maddie's Fund joins Brent Carey from KOIT-FM to talk about Maddie's Adoption Days May 30th & 31st, the importance of adopting a pet from a shelter and the no-kill movement for companion animals.

Dogs and Cats Find Love in Just Two Days

May 7, 2015

Thanks to Maddie, the sweet Miniature Schnauzer who brought her family tremendous joy, the non-profit organization Maddie's Fund® is proud to bring the 2015 Maddie's® Pet Adoption Days to selected geographic counties in California, Nevada and Wisconsin on Saturday and Sunday, May 30-31, 2015.

Maddie's Fund to Host (virtual) Birthday Celebration for All Homeless Pets

April 27, 2015

A virtual birthday celebration for homeless pets is being hosted by Maddie’s Fund® this week. The public is invited to join the fun by sharing the Maddie’s Fund graphic and tagging their own celebration photos using #HappyBdayHomelessPets and #ThanksToMaddie. This celebration is in honor of the Fund’s namesake, Maddie, whose spirit and inspiration have positively impacted the welfare of over 1.3 million U.S. dogs and cats.

Rich Avanzino Steps Down as Maddie's Fund President

March 25, 2015

Maddie's Fund® announced today that its president, Rich Avanzino, will retire this summer. "We truly appreciate everything Rich contributed to Maddie's Fund -thought leadership, a no-kill purpose, a dedicated and talented team, and a good sense of humor. He is an inspiration to the entire animal welfare movement, and we are grateful for his vision at Maddie's Fund over the past 17 years," said Maddie's Fund co-founder Dave Duffield.

No Kill Leaders Among 45 People Who Changed the Dog World

February 5, 2015

In its March 2015 45th Anniversary Collectors’ Issue, Dog Fancy Magazine named 45 people they say changed the dog world, and Maddie's Fund® founders Dave and Cheryl Duffield and president Rich Avanzino were on the list for their efforts to make the U.S. a no-kill nation.

Maddie's Fund Surpasses Expectations with a Record Number of Pet Adoptions in 2014 Two Day Event

October 21, 2014

Maddie's Fund today announced the final number of adoptions made at their 2014 Maddie's Pet Adoption Days event. An unparalleled 16,665 dogs and cats found homes during the nation's largest free pet adoption event, sponsored by Maddie's Fund. This represents a 98% increase over last year's 8,432 adoptions for this two-day event. Maddie's Fund originally set aside $10 million to underwrite the adoptions managed by participating organizations this year, however, the total donation awarded to groups for qualifying adoptions this year was actually $13.3 million.

Maddie's Fund Celebrates the Pawsitively Incredible Science of Dogs at Chabot Space & Science Center

July 31, 2014

Can the relationship between dogs and people lead us to a better world? Maddie's Fund President Rich Avanzino thinks so, and will join the Chabot Space & Science Center as the keynote speaker to celebrate the "Pawsitively Incredible Science of Dogs" at the Second Annual Dog Days of Summer on August 9, 2014, in Oakland, California. And yes, dogs are allowed!

Maddie's Fund Exceeds Goal with 15,000 Adoptions in Two Days

June 3, 2014

An unprecedented 15,000 dogs and cats found homes this past weekend at the nation's largest free pet adoption event, Maddie's Pet Adoption Days, sponsored by Maddie's Fund. This represents a 78% increase over last year's 8,432 adoptions during this annual two-day event. Maddie's Fund originally set aside $10 million to underwrite the adoptions managed by participating organizations this year, but the total donation amount is likely to be much higher.

Maddie’s Pet Adoption Days Sets Goal of 10,000 Homes for Pets

May 14, 2014

Maddie’s Pet Adoption Days will be held the weekend of May 31 – June 1, 2014, and will expand to include 200 animal shelters and rescue groups in 591 cities across the U.S.

Maddie's Fund Awards $3M to Austin Coalition for Saving All Healthy and Treatable Shelter Pets

April 10, 2014

Maddie's Fund has given the Austin Coalition a $3M Maddie's Lifesaving Award for saving all the healthy and treatable shelter dogs and cats in Travis County, TX.

Shake Hands with The Shelter Pet Project's New Round of PSAs!

February 20, 2014

Since its inception in 2009, The Shelter Pet Project has worked to lift public perception of animal shelters and shelter pets. The new campaign introduces a face-to-face experience with adorable shelter pets, inviting viewers to find out how amazing shelter pets really are by meeting one.

Maddie's Fund and Tri-Valley Animal Rescue Team Up to Save More Lives

January 20, 2014

To increase lifesaving of dogs and cats in Alameda County and beyond, on February 1, 2014, Maddie’s Fund and Tri-Valley Animal Rescue will begin their mutually beneficial relationship.

Maddie's Fund Pays Tribute to Military Working Dogs

October 28, 2013

To celebrate military dogs and their service to our country, Maddie’s Fund helped finance the design and construction of the country’s first national monument to honor military working dogs.

Maddie's Pet Adoption Days a Record-Breaker

September 17, 2013

Nearly 8,500 dogs and cats found homes during the nationwide Maddie's Pet Adoption Days on June 1 - 2, 2013. Held in eight communities at 192 locations across the United States, it was the nation's largest free pet adoption event.

Dr. Sheila D'Arpino to Head Maddie's Center

June 18, 2013

Maddie's Fund today announced that Dr. Sheila D'Arpino will direct Maddie's Animal Care Center, a model animal shelter and educational center slated to open next year in Pleasanton, CA.

Maddie's Fund Joins Ad Council & NBC's TODAY Show for Weeklong Series Debut of Public Service Ads Featuring TODAY's Anchors

February 11, 2013

NBC's TODAY Show anchor Natalie Morales rescued her dog Zara from a shelter, so she chose to support The Shelter Pet Project campaign!

Maddie’s Pet Adoption Days Goes Nationwide

January 17, 2013

The fourth annual Maddie’s Pet Adoption Days is sure to be one for the record books. Find out all about America's biggest free pet adoption event coming nationwide on June 1 and 2, 2013.

Announcing Maddie's Treatable Assistance Program

October 16, 2012

A new adoption subsidy program gives qualifying Bay Area shelters and rescues the means to find more homes for older and/or medically treatable shelter dogs and cats.

Maddie’s Matchmaker Adoptathon Saves 2,601 Bay Area Shelter Pets

September 11, 2012

Pet adoptathon saves over 2,600 Bay Area shelter dogs and cats.

Maddie's Fund Aims To Find Homes for All Shelter Dogs and Cats in Three Bay Area Counties on June 9 & 10

June 9, 2012

Maddie's Fund will hold its third annual Maddie's Matchmaker Adoptathon on June 9 and 10. Due to the success of previous Adoptathons, Maddie's Fund has decided to grow the event – both geographically and financially. This year, 14 shelters and rescue organizations from San Francisco County have been added to the roster. A total of 62 groups will hold adoptions in more than 80 locations throughout Alameda, Contra Costa and San Francisco Counties. In addition, Maddie's Fund has set aside $3 million for this year's Adoptathon to meet its goal of finding loving homes for 3,000 dogs and cats in all three participating counties.

The Shelter Pet Project Launches Next Wave of PSAs

November 15, 2011

Pet adoptions rise, shelter deaths fall as the Ad Council launches second wave of historic pet adoption campaign.

Maddie's Fund Releases First Comparative Database of Shelter Statistics

July 6, 2011

Intake, adoption, and euthanasia numbers from 474 animal shelters and 56 communities reveal status, trends and progress of US animal sheltering

Pet Adoptathon Saves 2,200 East Bay Shelter Animals in Single Weekend

June 6, 2011

Maddie's Matchmaker Adoptathon finds homes for more than 2,200 shelter dogs and cats.

Despite Court Setback, Leading Animal Welfare Groups Vow to Press Ahead to Make Sure Leona Helmsley's Final Wishes are Honored and Dogs Benefit from her Multi-Billion Dollar Trust

May 3, 2011

Court denies animal welfare advocates in Helmsley Trust case.

Maddie's Fund to Expand Into Hands-On Animal Care

November 22, 2010

The largest foundation in the world focused strictly on dog and cat welfare intends to get into the animal sheltering business.

Maddie's Fund to Provide $51,000 in Cash for Good Customer Service

July 14, 2010

Starting July 19 and running until September 24 (10 weeks), cash prizes will be given to Petfinder.com member shelters and rescue groups throughout the U.S. who demonstrate good customer service.

Maddie's Matchmaker Adoptathon Places 1,809 Shelter Dogs and Cats in One Weekend

June 25, 2010

It's a pet adoption event for the record books: 1,809 shelter dogs and cats in two counties found homes on a single weekend.

Maddie’s Fund Earmarks Half a Million Dollars to Support Free Pet Adoptions at 43 Bay Area Shelters and Rescues

May 28, 2010

Maddie’s Fund, in partnership with 43 animal sheltering organizations in Contra Costa and Alameda Counties, will sponsor Maddie’s Matchmaker Adoptathon on June 12 and 13. Free adoption of dogs and cats will be offered to qualified homes throughout the weekend at each participating organization as well as many PETCO, PetSmart and Pet Food Express locations.

Seven Years of Success at Maddie's Pet Rescue Project in Alachua County, Florida

March 8, 2010

Read about the life-saving success of Maddie’s Pet Rescue Project in Alachua County, Florida.

Maddie's Fund Awards $541,550 to Erie County Coalition

October 9, 2009

Maddie’s Fund has awarded a $541,550 grant to support the first year of Maddie’s Pet Rescue Project and Maddie’s Spay/Neuter Project in Erie County, New York.

The Ad Council, Maddie's Fund and The Humane Society of the United States Launch First National PSA Campaign to Encourage Pet Adoption From Shelters

September 24, 2009

The Shelter Pet Project is the first national PSA campaign to bring together the largest animal welfare organizations and many shelters across the country for one unified goal - to increase pet adoption.

Landmark Helmsley Legal Trust Challenge by America's Three Pre-Eminent Animal Welfare Organizations

August 11, 2009

Maddie's Fund, HSUS and ASPCA charge that Helmsley Trustees are misdirecting funds despite clear direction from late heiress to help dogs.

Maddie's Fund to Award $50,000 for Good Customer Service

July 8, 2009

Maddie’s Fund will provide cash prizes totaling $51,000 to shelters and rescues through its second customer service awards program for Petfinder.com members.

Maddie's Fund Awards $230,200 to Richmond Coalition for Saving All Healthy Shelter Pets

May 1, 2009

Maddie's Fund has given the Richmond SPCA and Richmond Animal Care & Control a $230,200 Lifesaving Award.

Maddie's Awards $474,000 to Berkeley Alliance for Saving All Healthy and Treatable Shelter Pets

April 13, 2009

Maddie's Fund announces a $474,000 Lifesaving Award grant to the Berkeley Alliance for Homeless Animals Coalition.

Maddie's Fund Awards $296,000 to Marketing Competition Winners

February 20, 2009

A total of 117 organizations will receive prize money ranging from $500 to $20,000 each.

Groundbreaking Ad Council Campaign Will Promote U.S. Shelter Pet Adoptions

November 12, 2008

The goal of this campaign is to encourage pet lovers who are looking for a pet to make animal shelters and rescue groups their first choice, saving the life of a dog or cat in need, rather than buying from other sources. It is the first time ever that the prestigious, 66-year-old Ad Council has focused a nationwide public service campaign on an animal welfare issue.

Shelter Animals Often Overlooked

August 10, 2008

Shelter animals in Nevada still play second fiddle when it comes time to choose a new pet, according to the findings of a recent telephone survey. Despite ongoing efforts to promote adoption of shelter animals, only 39% of the people surveyed had obtained one or more of their pets from a shelter or a rescue group. The rest were obtained from breeders, pet stores, friends, and family.

Maddie's Fund Awards $252,000 to Dane County, Wisconsin Coalition

August 1, 2008

Maddie’s Fund the Pet Rescue Foundation (www.maddiesfund.org), has awarded a $252,000 grant to support the first year of Maddie’s® Pet Rescue Project and Maddie’s® Spay/Neuter Project in Dane County, Wisconsin. As goals are achieved, Maddie’s Fund will provide animal welfare groups and veterinarians over $1 million to end the killing of Dane County's healthy and treatable shelter cats. (Dane County is already saving all of its healthy and treatable shelter dogs.)

Maddie's Fund Gives $1.7 Million to the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine

June 2, 2008

Maddie's Fund has awarded the University of Florida, College of Veterinary Medicine a $1.7 million grant to support the first three years of a comprehensive six-year shelter medicine program. The Program will begin on July 1.

Maddie's Awards $412,000 to the Charlottesville-Albemarle SPCA for Saving All Healthy and Treatable Shelter Pets

May 1, 2008

Maddie's Fund has given the Charlottesville-Albemarle SPCA a $412,000 Maddie's Lifesaving Award for achieving and maintaining an adoption guarantee over two years for healthy and treatable shelter dogs and cats in the City of Charlottesville and County of Albemarle, Virginia.

Maddie's Fund Awards $1.1 Million to Purdue University School of Veterinary Medicine

February 1, 2008

Maddie's Fund has awarded $1.1 M over the next three years to support the development of a comprehensive shelter medicine program at Purdue University's School of Veterinary Medicine. Maddie's Shelter Medicine Program will focus on three areas: research, shelter medicine education, and training future leaders in the field.

New Maddie's Grant for Nevada Spay/Neuter Project

February 1, 2008

Maddie's Fund has approved a new $200,000 grant to spay and neuter dogs and cats belonging to low-income residents in Northern Nevada. Officially launched on February 19th , Maddie's Spay/Neuter Project in Nevada provides low cost surgeries to Medicaid or Nevada Check-Up recipients living in Carson City, Churchill, Douglas, Elko Lyon, or Washoe Counties.

Maddie's Fund Awards $300,000 for Competition to Adopt Hard to Place Pets

February 1, 2008

One hundred and ninety five rescue groups, traditional shelters, animal control agencies and adoption guarantee shelters described all manner of methods for re-homing elderly, disfigured, blind, deaf, unattractive and shy pets as well as dogs and cats with medical and behavioral problems in the Maddie's Fund/Petfinder.com marketing competition for adopting hard to place pets.