The Herman Bennett Foundation provides free vouchers for pet spaying and neutering to pet owners needing financial assistance and individuals rescuing cats and dogs.

The foundation also finances trapping efforts for the feral cat population throughout Ventura County and sponsors free spay and neuter days.

In the last fiscal year, the foundation spayed and neutered 2,133 dogs and 2,457 cats.

The foundation is hoping to double those numbers next year.

This year, more than 4,500 vouchers for free pet spaying and neutering were given to individuals in Ventura County needing financial assistance.

Volunteers are always welcome to provide clerical and event support.

Individuals are needed who are willing to collaborate with the foundation’s efforts to raise public awareness regarding pet overpopulation in Ventura County.

A number of outreach strategies are used to promote the foundation’s programs and the importance of spaying and neutering pets, including collaborative efforts through partner veterinarians, residents in nonincorporated areas, board of supervisors, clergy council members, the Spay/Neuter Animal Network, city of Oxnard, libraries, youth groups, school boards and door-to-door canvassing.

Volunteers hand out T-shirts and educational materials to groups and at community events.

The foundation recently moved its office from Calabasas to Camarillo to be in its own building and closer to its partner veterinarians in Ventura County.

For more information about the foundation and upcoming free spay and neuter days, go to www .hermanbennettfoundation.org.