Cadillac, MI — Baker College is partnering with BISSELL Pet Foundation to host a three-day Fix the Future® spay and neuter event, bringing together veterinary professionals, faculty, staff, and students to provide critical services for approximately 500 shelter and feral community cats while giving students valuable hands-on clinical experience.
Made possible through generous supply contributions from BISSELL Pet Foundation, Idexx Laboratories, and Midwest Veterinary Supply, the event will take place July 18-20 at Baker College’s Cadillac campus (9600 E. 13th Street) and will serve participating animal shelters from across the region. The initiative is open to animal shelters only and is designed to help address the growing need for feline population control and healthcare in regional cat communities.
Faculty, staff, alumni, and students from Baker College’s Veterinary Technology programs across multiple campuses will collaborate throughout the event. Working alongside experienced, high-quality, high-volume (HQHV) veterinarians through BISSELL Pet Foundation’s Fix the Future® initiative, students will gain real-world experience while helping improve the health and well-being of hundreds of animals.
Fix the Future® was created by BISSELL Pet Foundation to increase access to affordable spay and neuter services for shelters and pet owners by connecting host organizations with experienced HQHV veterinarians. Through this collaborative model, veterinarians perform surgeries while local organizations coordinate staffing, medical supplies, and logistics, enabling thousands of pets nationwide to receive life-saving care each year.
“Our partnership with BISSELL Pet Foundation reflects the heart of our Veterinary Technology program by combining high quality compassionate care with hands-on learning experiences to prepare students for meaningful careers,” said Anya Petersen, Veterinary Technology Program Director at Baker College. “This event gives our students the opportunity to work alongside experienced veterinary professionals while making a tangible difference for animal shelters and the communities they serve. We’re proud to help improve animal welfare while preparing the next generation of veterinary professionals.”
The event also highlights Baker College’s commitment to experiential education, allowing students to apply classroom knowledge in a high-impact clinical setting while supporting organizations dedicated to animal welfare.
By bringing together education, industry partners, and community organizations, Baker College continues to create opportunities that benefit both students and the communities they serve.
Baker College is an independent, private, non-profit institution that grants associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees on six campuses across Michigan and online. Founded in 1911, the institution’s mission is to provide an inclusive, innovative, and transformative educational experience, driven by a student-first philosophy. Learn more at baker.edu and follow on X, Meta, and Instagram.