Giving Tuesday Match Challenge Will Help Transform the Lives of Twice as Many Dogs & Cats
Woods Humane Society announces a $15,000 match challenge, beginning November 18, 2025 and running through Giving Tuesday on December 2, 2025. Thanks to a matching gift from The John and Frank Sparacio Charitable Foundation, donations made to Woods Humane Society will be doubled to help more animals this season.
“We are so grateful for the support of The John and Frank Sparacio Charitable Foundation for this incredible opportunity,” says Woods Humane Society CEO Emily L’Heureux. “Giving Tuesday kicks off our most crucial season of fundraising for the animals in our care. For those who wish to make a difference for pets, now is the best time to give, when gifts will go twice as far for dogs and cats in need.”
L’Heureux explains that it costs $800 per animal, on average, to care for an animal from intake to adoption. However, for puppies like Gerald, pictured, who suffered from life-threatening parvo virus and required emergency medical attention and several weeks of foster care, care can cost two to three times as much, or more.
“In many shelters with less community support, Gerald might have succumbed to his illness. He is now healthy, happy, snuggling with the other dog in the family, and going out on pontoon boats,” L’Heureux says. “Our community is the true reason that beautiful stories like this are possible. Gifts to Woods Humane Society during this important holiday season will enable us to provide animals like Gerald the specialized care they need and the second chance they deserve, all year long.”
As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, Woods does not receive government funding, and instead relies on generous, tax-deductible gifts to meet its budgeted goals for the year and to continue supplying food, shelter, medical care and adoption services to 3,000 animals each year.
Woods Humane Society’s adoption program admits surrendered pets from local community members and transferred pets from over-crowded shelters and animal rescues within San Luis Obispo County and throughout the state and country. Prior to adoption, each animal receives a spay/neuter surgery, microchip, vaccinations, parasite control, and any other needed treatments.
As part of the organization’s commitment to managing companion animal populations, Woods also provides low-cost spay and neuter services to San Luis Obispo County Animal Services Division, other local rescue organizations, and owned animals in the county. Additionally, Woods supports local pet owners through its Pet Pantry program, regular vaccination and microchip clinics, Humane Education programs for local youth, and Woods University dog behavior training classes.
The Woods Humane Society Giving Tuesday Match Challenge runs through midnight on Tuesday, December 2, 2025. Donations can be made in person, by mail, or online at www.WoodsHumane.org. The San Luis Obispo campus is located at 875 Oklahoma Ave., San Luis Obispo, CA 93405, and the North County campus is located at 2300 Ramona Road, Atascadero, CA 93422. For more information, visit www.WoodsHumane.org or call (805) 543-9316.
