Okanogan clinic spays and neuters record 1,240 pets in four days

OKANOGAN — Veterinary teams spayed and neutered 1,240 dogs and cats in four days at the Okanogan County Fairgrounds, the most for any clinic Team Okanogan Animal Rescue has held, the nonprofit said.

Big Fix 6.0 ran Oct. 29 through Nov. 1. The surgeries were free, and the group also gave out more than 43,000 pounds of donated pet food and supplies to families. TOAR said it has now served 6,713 animals.

Some families slept overnight in their vehicles in the cold to get a spot, said Jill Servais, president of TOAR.

"Their patience and commitment inspired our entire team and reminded us why we do what we do," Servais said. "The true heroes of Big Fix 6.0 are the pet owners who made sacrifices to get their animals the care they deserve."

Okanogan County has no publicly funded animal shelter. TOAR, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, has held large free spay and neuter clinics since 2022.

During the clinic, volunteers also trapped community cats at more than 60 sites around the county, from Oroville and Brewster to the Methow Valley and Grand Coulee, so they could be neutered and returned. The group said it will make follow-up visits to those sites.

"In a county without a publicly funded animal shelter, the dedicated folks at TOAR continuously show up for this community and are making a real difference for its people," said Dr. Ruth Parkin, executive vice president of veterinary services at Greater Good Charities, which partnered on the clinic.

Other support came from an anonymous donor from Issaquah, the Anonymous Fund of the Whatcom Community Foundation, the Jason Heigl Foundation and the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation. Humane World for Animals and Chewy donated supplies.

The next Big Fix is scheduled for Oct. 28-31, 2027, at the fairgrounds. Information about volunteering and donating is at toarwa.org.