The new Cesar Millan Chihuahua Challenge Fund launched on July 1 in an effort to raise awareness about Chihuahuas in the Los Angeles community. Made possible by the Cesar Millan Foundation (CMF), a grant from the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) with Spay Neuter Project of Los Angeles (SNP LA) and matching peer-to-peer raised funds, the service fund will aim to provide Los Angeles Chihuahua owners access to low cost (or in some cases free) spay/neuter services, animal behavior tips, special pet owner offers and discounts, and information about how to “pay it forward” within their communities.

The greatest concentration of owned Chihuahuas coincides with the lowest income areas in the Los Angeles area and area shelters, a major reason families relinquish their pets is a lack of access to affordable spay/neuter surgeries.

“We want every pet owner in Los Angeles who wants spay and neuter services to have access to this safe and effective procedure,” SNP LA medical director Dr. Katie Marrie said. “To have successfully cared for 100,000 animals since first opening seven years ago is a testament to the dedication of our staff and the continued advocacy for spay and neuter by partners like The ASPCA and The Cesar Millan Foundation.”

The three organizations will collectively provide $20,000 to the fund. With an average cost of more than $100 per dog for spay/neuter services, the initiative,  is seeking help from private donors and worldwide Chihuahua lovers to keep the momentum going and generate continued funds.

Cesar Millan is an animal behaviorist and star of the series “Cesar 911”.

For information, visit www.cesarsway.com/chihuahua.