In the rural town of Omak, Washington, a life-changing event took place May 14-16. Thanks to your support, Greater Good Charities hosted a free spay/neuter clinic for dogs and cats.

These free clinics are held in communities with little to no veterinary care available to help reduce the overpopulation of pets through spay and neuter.

“Greater Good Charities believes high-quality, high-volume (HQHV) sterilization, combined with working with local trapping teams, is the most effective and humane method of cat/dog population control. Greater Good Charities helps communities they serve by off-setting costs that local pet shelter, rescue, and community programs incur each year.”

This “Big Fix” clinic helped sterilize owned pets and community cats. Pet owners drove from many towns away and waited in line for hours and even overnight to help their furry companions.

The line of cars stretched as far as the eye could see. Over the three days, a total of 1,132 animals were sterilized. 

Specially trained vets and vet techs make up the surgical team while countless volunteers help make the event a success. After performing these clinics for so many years, the team has the process down to a science.

There are designated areas for intake, surgery, and recovery. Pet owners are also given vital pet food and supplies. Feral cats are trapped, sterilized, vaccinated, and then released back into their communities.

Julia (Greater Good Charities Board Member, GreaterGood Executive Buyer), her daughter Grace, and husband Aaron Christophersen volunteered at the event and not only helped save lives but captured photos of the helped pets and their grateful owners. 

Grace shared, "Everyday we reached capacity, locals spending the night in line to make sure their pets got a chance to be fixed the next day. Not only were these pets fixed, they also got free vaccinations and were microchipped if not already. The team also had a group of skilled professionals going out every evening to catch free roaming cats in the area to be fixed and vaccinated as well." 

She went on to say that her eyes were opened how spay and neuter clinics make a huge difference to low-income people living in areas where vet care is not available or out of their budget. 

After spending hours photographing at the clinic, she jumped in to help in the recovery area. "After my photography shift was over, I had the opportunity to help bring the pups off of anesthesia, again something I have never done before. The team had the system down like a well oiled machine. I was very impressed by how everything was orchestrated. Each animal getting triple checked by multiple nurses. I got to pet and love on each pup as they woke up, as well as trim nails and take temps." 

These life-saving clinics are possible thanks to your ongoing support, so thank you. Help save more lives by helping to reduce overpopulations of dogs and cats with free clinics. Donate today.

Check out more photos from the clinic below.