Free spay, neuter clinic returns to Okanogan County Oct. 29

OKANOGAN COUNTY — Team Okanogan Animal Rescue and Greater Good Charities will hold a four-day clinic offering free spay and neuter surgeries, vaccinations and microchipping Oct. 29 through Nov. 1 at the Okanogan County Fairgrounds.

The event, known as Big Fix 6.0, will also include a pet food and supplies distribution center expected to serve more than 300 families.

The clinic marks the sixth large-scale Big Fix event organized by Team Okanogan Animal Rescue (TOAR). Since the program began in 2024, the organization and its partners have facilitated 5,473 spay and neuter surgeries across Washington, according to an Oct. 14 news release.

The event comes as Okanogan County continues to face limited access to affordable veterinary services and lacks a publicly funded animal shelter. Organizers said recent wildfires have added to the challenges facing pet owners in rural communities.

“Big Fix 6.0 comes at a critical time. Our rural communities were already facing an overwhelming need for affordable veterinary care, and the devastation of the wildfires added another layer of uncertainty for the people and animals who call this region home,” said Jill Servais, president of TOAR.

The clinic will be operated in partnership with Greater Good Charities, with licensed veterinarians and veterinary technicians performing procedures. Community volunteers, local animal rescue organizations and cat trappers will assist with outreach, transportation, logistics and animal recovery.

“In a county without a publicly funded animal shelter, access to affordable spay/neuter services is critical to keeping pets healthy and preventing unwanted litters. Over the past two years, our partnership with TOAR has helped us serve more than 5,400 animals, and we’re proud to continue that work through Big Fix 6.0. Together, we’re helping ensure that pet owners and animal caretakers have access to free, high-quality veterinary care that makes a lasting difference for animals and the community,” said Dr. Ruth Parkin, executive vice president for veterinary services at Greater Good Charities.

The clinic is supported by a private donor from Issaquah, the Anonymous Fund of the Whatcom Community Foundation, the Jason Heigl Foundation, the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation and Humane World for Animals.

TOAR, a nonprofit organization established to assist companion animals in Okanogan County, has provided free spay and neuter clinics, vaccination services, pet food distribution, emergency veterinary funding and animal transfers since 2022.

The organization reports distributing more than 420,000 pounds of pet food and supplies through its programs.

Additional information about Big Fix 6.0 and TOAR's services is available at www.toarwa.org.