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Our Programs

BISSELL Pet Foundation supports programs and initiatives that are focused on addressing the pet overpopulation crisis in our country.

Programs Overview

National Shelter Alliance

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Operation Fix the Future™ 

Free Spay & Neuter Clinic in Grand Rapids

BISSELL Pet Foundation’s Operation Fix the Future™ Grand Rapids will provide free spay/neuter, vaccinations and microchips to an estimated 1,000 pets from March 13-16. This event will have six active surgery tables under the direction of veterinarian Dr. Sharon Marsh, and the BPF team, who is coordinating veterinarians, veterinary technicians, and volunteers. The event will be run in cooperation with Big Lake Humane Society, Harbor Humane, Humane Society West Michigan and Kent County Animal Shelter. All services will be free to the community on a first-come, first-served basis. 

Op FTF
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Key Details

  • When: March 13–16, 2024
    • Cats Only on March 13 & 14 
    • Dogs Only on March 15 & 16
    • Registration starts at 7 a.m. 
  • Where: 3900 4 Mile Rd. NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49525
  • What: First come, first served – FREE spay & neuter clinic for the Greater Grand Rapids community. All pets will receive age-appropriate vaccinations and microchips.
  • No food after midnight the night before surgery. (See Rules & Additional information and FAQs below)

Rules & Additional Information

  • Surgeries will be performed on a first-come, first-served basis and the quantity will be limited.
  • Clinic staff will determine the order in which animals are seen.
  • There are no ‘lists.’
  • We cannot guarantee that all individuals and animals present at the clinics will be attended to. Registration will begin at 7:00 in the morning every day. The surgeries will begin at 8:30 in the morning every day.
  • All pet guardians must be at least 18 years of age to register pets.
  • Be prepared to wait. Please prepare accordingly, bring drinks, food and/or snacks with you.
  • Clinic staff have the discretion to reject any animal as a candidate for surgery and may refuse service to anyone for any reason.

Pet Details

  • Dogs must be on leashes (not in kennels). Cats must be in carriers or live traps. 
  • Aggressive animals will not be accepted.
  • Patients must be older than 8 weeks and/or 2lbs to be eligible for surgery.
  • If a female dog/cat has recently had a litter, the young must be weaned.
  • We cannot service dogs over 65lbs at these clinics.
  • We cannot service Brachycephalic Dogs at these clinics (English and French bulldogs, bull mastiffs, Boston Terriers, Pugs, and Pekingese).
  • We cannot service pets over 10 years of age.
  • Adult pets: All pets older than four months should not be given food after midnight the night before surgery. Any patient who has ingested food on the day of surgery will be rejected. You may offer your pet water prior to surgery.
  • Pediatric pets: On the same day of surgery, until 6:00 in the morning, water and food can be provided to all pets four months of age or less. This will prevent their blood sugar levels from falling. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Additional Questions? Please contact: Samantha Harter at Samantha.Harter@BISSELL.com

What type of animals can be spayed/neutered at this clinic?

This free spay/neuter clinic is for cats and dogs. 

Restrictions are as follows:

  • Patients must be older than 8 weeks and/or 2lbs to be eligible for surgery.
  • If a female dog/cat has recently had a litter, the young must be weaned.
  • We cannot service dogs over 65lbs at these clinics.
  • We cannot service Brachycephalic Dogs at these clinics (English and French bulldogs, bull mastiffs, Boston Terriers, Pugs, and Pekingese).
  • We cannot service dogs 10 years of age or older.

How old does my dog/cat have to be to have spay/neuter surgery?

BISSELL Pet Foundation’s Operation Fix the Future™ Grand Rapids will spay/neuter puppies and kittens when they’re 8 weeks old and at least 2 lbs. Young puppies and kittens bounce back from spay/neuter surgery quickly! 

Will you spay my cat/dog if she is pregnant?

Yes, but there is a slight added risk to the procedure. The pregnancy will be terminated at the time of surgery.

My pet is already spayed/neutered. Do you offer low-cost vaccines or any other low-cost services?

This clinic only provides services for pets receiving spay/neuter surgeries. We recommend reaching out to your local animal shelter to learn more about low-cost vaccine and microchipping services. 

How many pets can I bring?

Three pets are permitted per individual each day.

Can you spay a dog or cat while she is in heat?

Yes, cats and dogs can safely be spayed while in heat.

Is my pet required to have vaccinations before it is spayed or neutered?

No, vaccinations are not required to perform spay/neuter surgery during this clinic. However, they are strongly encouraged. We will provide all age-appropriate vaccinations. If your pet is vaccinated and you have records, please bring them with you. BISSELL Pet Foundation encourages regular veterinary care for every pet so they have the best chance at a long, healthy life.

 

Why do I need to withhold food before surgery?

It is safest for your pet if their stomach is empty prior to surgery.

Food in the stomach during surgery may be vomited up while the animal is under anesthesia. An unconscious animal can breathe this material into its lungs, causing potentially fatal pneumonia.

Also, improperly fasted animals are much more likely to vomiting on the way to the clinic or after you get them home.

Can rescue organizations bring pets to be spayed/neutered?

No, this free clinic is intended for individuals seeking access to affordable spay/neuter services for their pets. Rescuers and rescue organizations should visit a veterinarian for services.

Will you accept Trap-Neuter-Release (TNR) cats at this clinic?

Yes, TNR/community cats will be accepted on March 13 -14 until 1 p.m. TNR cats should be brought in a live trap.

Can my pet just receive vaccines and/or a microchip at this clinic?

No, this clinic’s primary focus is to provide spay/neuter services. Only pets receiving spay/neuter surgeries will be provided with age-appropriate vaccines and microchips. 

My pet has an undescended testicle. Can he be neutered?

Yes, your pet can be neutered during this event. 

Do I have to be a Grand Rapids resident to attend this clinic?

No, you do not have to reside in Grand Rapids to attend this clinic. 

Post Operation Care 

Surgical Discharge Instructions

Thank you to the local organizations that helped make this possible!

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