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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 650 pets from June 30–July 2.

All services will be free to the community, and appointments are required; walk-ins are not permitted.

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Key Details

  • When: June 30 – July 2, 2024
    • Cats Only on June 30 & July 1
    • Dogs Only on July 2
  • What: FREE spay & neuter clinic for community pets throughout the counties of organizations listed below. All pets will receive age-appropriate vaccinations and microchips.

How it Works

  • Where: You will drop your pet off at the organization in your area that you signed up through.

Services are by appointment only. Contact the organization nearest to you below to register your pet for this clinic: 

   

Grand Rapids Pitbull Alliance

Foster Based: Grand Rapids, MI

ACCEPTING DOGS ONLY: Leave a voicemail at 616-710-1968 or email grpitbullalliance@gmail.com. In your message, include your full name, phone number, dog name and dog age. A volunteer will return your call within 2–4 days.

 

 

   

Harbor Humane Society

14345 Bagley St, West Olive, MI 49460

SPOTS ARE FULL

 

 

   

AuSable Valley Animal Shelter

5786 Fairground Ln, Grayling, MI 49738

SPOTS ARE FULL

 

 

   

Al-Van Humane Society

07591 Blue Star Hwy #9769, South Haven, MI 49090

SPOTS ARE FULL

 

 

   

Berrien County Animal Control

1400 S Euclid Ave, Benton Harbor, MI 49022

SPOTS ARE FULL

 

   

Kent County Animal Shelter

740 Fuller Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503

SPOTS ARE FULL

 

 

   

Wishbone Pet Rescue Alliance

Foster Based: Douglas, MI 49406

SPOTS ARE FULL

 

 

   

Big Lake Humane Society

2640 Marquette Ave, Muskegon, MI 49442

SPOTS ARE FULL

 

 

   

Heaven Can Wait Animal Haven

Foster Based: West Michigan Lakeshore Counties (Muskegon, Norton Shores, Holland, Ferrysburg & more)

SPOTS ARE FULL

Rules & Additional Information

  • No food after midnight the night before surgery.
  • Surgeries will be performed FOR SIGNED-UP PETS ONLY and the quantity will be limited, reserve your spot now.
  • All pet guardians must be at least 18 years of age to register pets.
  • 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 2 lbs 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 before 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: info@bissellpetfoundation.org

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. 

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 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