For decades, Rescue Village and PetFix Northeast Ohio have shared a common goal: reducing pet overpopulation and creating a brighter future for animals throughout our community.

Rescue Village’s commitment to this mission began more than 40 years ago. In 1984, Rescue Village answered the growing need for affordable veterinary services by establishing a spay/neuter fund for owned pets in Geauga County. The program reflected an understanding that preventing unwanted litters is one of the most effective ways to improve animal welfare, support pet owners, and keep animals in loving homes.

Twenty years later, Rescue Village expanded those efforts through regional spay/neuter partnerships. One of the most meaningful collaborations to grow from that work was with PetFix Northeast Ohio, an organization dedicated to providing affordable, accessible spay/neuter services throughout the region.

Together, Rescue Village and PetFix developed Fix-It-in-the-Farmland, a program designed to address pet overpopulation among owned pets by providing affordable spay/neuter services to community members. Through this partnership, thousands of pets have received essential preventive care, helping families keep their animals healthy while reducing the number of unwanted litters and animals entering shelters.

The partnership has deep roots. PetFix Northeast Ohio began as a mobile spay/neuter clinic, bringing veterinary care directly into communities where access was limited. Over the past two decades, the organization has grown into a regional leader in high-quality, affordable spay/neuter services, helping prevent countless unwanted litters and improving the lives of animals and the people who care for them.

Recently, PetFix invited Dr. Megan Volpe, Medical Director at Rescue Village, for a mentorship session with its veterinary team. The visit provided an opportunity to share knowledge, strengthen professional relationships, and celebrate a history that connects both organizations.

Dr. Volpe was one of the very first veterinarians to work with PetFix when the organization operated from its mobile clinic nearly 20 years ago. The clinic’s first stop was at Friendship Animal Protective League, marking the beginning of a journey that would transform access to affordable spay/neuter services throughout Northeast Ohio.

Her story is a powerful reminder of how far both organizations have come, and how much can be accomplished when dedicated professionals work together toward a common purpose. What began with a mobile clinic and a shared vision has evolved into decades of collaboration, innovation, and lifesaving impact for animals across our region.

Today, programs like Fix-It-in-the-Farmland continue that legacy by making preventive care accessible to pet owners and addressing the root causes of pet overpopulation before animals enter the shelter system. Every surgery performed represents an investment in healthier pets, stronger families, and a more humane community.

As we celebrate our longstanding partnership with PetFix Northeast Ohio, we are grateful for the veterinarians, staff, volunteers, and supporters who have helped make this work possible. Together, we remain committed to building a future where fewer animals experience homelessness, more families have access to affordable veterinary care, and every pet has the opportunity to live a healthy, cared-for life.

Because when organizations come together with a shared mission, the impact can be felt for generations.