Humane Society Silicon Valley to Honor Dr. Cristie Kamiya at The Fur Ball
Signature Gala Celebrates Lifesaving Leadership in Shelter Medicine
MILPITAS, CA, March 31, 2026 -- Humane Society Silicon Valley (HSSV) will honor Dr. Cristie Kamiya, Chief of Shelter Medicine, at The Fur Ball, the organization's signature annual gala, on Saturday, May 2 at PayPal Park. The annual celebration brings together supporters, community leaders, and their well-dressed canine companions for an evening dedicated to advancing HSSV's mission to save lives, keep families together, and create a better future for pets and their people.
Since joining HSSV in 2012, Dr. Kamiya has played a critical role in advancing the organization's medical programs and lifesaving capacity. A nationally recognized leader in shelter medicine, she has helped shape innovative approaches to animal care, expanded HSSV's ability to treat vulnerable animals, and strengthened partnerships that support pets and families across the region.
"Cristie represents the very best of what modern animal welfare can be," says Nancy Willis, Interim President of Humane Society Silicon Valley. "Her leadership, expertise, and tireless commitment to both animals and the people who love them have helped expand our ability to save lives and serve our community. Honoring her at The Fur Ball is a celebration of the extraordinary impact she has made here at HSSV."
Advancing the Future of Shelter Medicine
Dr. Kamiya first came to HSSV as a contract veterinary surgeon, working Saturdays in the organization's surgery suite while completing her shelter medicine residency at UC Davis. Through that work, she supported the Chihuahua Project, often performing up to 30 spay/neuter surgeries in a single day. Earlier in her career, she served as a shelter veterinarian with humane societies, municipal shelters, and rescue organizations across Colorado, Arizona, and Northern California.
In 2013, she completed a three-year intensive residency training program in shelter medicine at the University of California, Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, making her one of only a small number of residency-trained shelter veterinarians in the United States. She holds both a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine and a Master of Business Administration from Colorado State University.
Under Dr. Kamiya's leadership, HSSV became the first shelter in the nation to meet the Association of Shelter Veterinarians' Guidelines for Standards of Care, a milestone that helped establish the organization as a national leader in progressive shelter medicine and animal welfare.
"At its core, this work is about making sure every animal has the chance to live a healthy life and every family has the support they need to keep their pets," says Dr. Kamiya. "It's incredibly meaningful to be part of a team that is constantly looking for new ways to expand access to care and increase our lifesaving impact."
Compassion Without Borders
Beyond her work at HSSV, Dr. Kamiya has volunteered with veterinary organizations that provide medical support to underserved communities both across the United States and internationally. She has also contributed to training and knowledge-sharing efforts that help advance shelter medicine practices around the world.
Closer to home, she remains deeply connected to the daily realities of shelter life — often fostering underage kittens and spending time gardening or playing outdoors with her adopted shelter dogs.
Her work reflects HSSV's broader commitment to expanding access to care, strengthening community partnerships, and ensuring that animals receive not only medical treatment, but the emotional, behavioral, and overall support they need to thrive.
Join the Celebration
The Fur Ball will take place from 5 to 10 p.m. on Saturday, May 2, at PayPal Park. Tables and tickets are available for purchase. For more information, visit thefurball.org, call (408) 942-3003, or email TheFurBall@hssv.org.
About Humane Society Silicon Valley
Humane Society Silicon Valley (HSSV) is an independent, privately funded, 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that has served people and pets for over 90 years. In 2017, HSSV became the first organization to earn Model Shelter status according to the guidelines set forth by the Association of Shelter Veterinarians. Unlike national humane societies, HSSV does not receive government funding and relies solely on community support to continue its work.
Since 1929, HSSV has adopted more than 500,000 animals into loving homes, provided critical medical care to thousands of at-risk pets, and expanded access to veterinary services and pet resources to keep families together. Its mission is to save lives, support families, and create a brighter future for pets and their people.
For more information, visit HSSV.org
Media Contact:
Katie Evans
katie.evans@hssv.org
408-262-2133 x220
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Milpitas, CA
United States
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