Woods Humane Society launches Giving Tuesday match challenge

By Atascadero News · Mon Nov 24 2025

ATASCADERO — Woods Humane Society is inviting the community to make twice the impact this holiday season with a Giving Tuesday Match Challenge, running from Nov. 18 through Tuesday, Dec. 2. Thanks to a generous matching gift from The John and Frank Sparacio Charitable Foundation, all donations up to $15,000 will be doubled to support local dogs and cats in need.

“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.”

Caring for an animal from intake to adoption typically costs $800, and complex medical cases, like puppies suffering from life-threatening illnesses, can require two to three times that amount. Woods Humane Society relies entirely on tax-deductible donations to fund care for approximately 3,000 animals annually, including intake from local families and transfers from overcrowded shelters.

In addition to adoptions, Woods provides spay/neuter services, pet vaccinations, microchipping, behavioral training, youth Humane Education programs, and support for local pet owners through its Pet Pantry.

The Giving Tuesday Match Challenge ends at midnight on Dec. 2. Donations can be made online at WoodsHumane.org, in person, or by mail. Woods’ campuses are located at 875 Oklahoma Ave., San Luis Obispo, and 2300 Ramona Road, Atascadero.