CRAVEN COUNTY, N.C. (WITN) – Paws of War and the Craven Animal Clinic worked together Sunday morning to help take care of veterans, active military and first responder pet parents by helping them take care of their animals.
Getting pets micro-chipped, spayed and neutered can be quite expensive. Within the first day of Paws of War posting sign-ups, organizers say 80 people responded to be part of the free clinic.
While they weren’t able to take all those who were interested in the event, roughly 20 pets and owners received free care.
“We have 15 dogs and two cats being spayed and neutered,” said Jackie O’Brien, Paws of War Eastern NC Director.
The response showed the significant need in the community for affordable pet care services.
“It’s really crucial, we put the flyer out for this event, and within two hours we had to shut it down because we had over 80 responses, and then even after that we had another 20. So, over 100 people responded in a short period of time. That shows the need people have here,” O’Brien said.
Many pet owners often have trouble affording care for their animals.
“One of the things we’ve researched is the cost. Low-cost clinics can be from 50 to a couple of hundred, three hundred dollars. Private clinics can be from $200 to $500. That’s a lot of money. People don’t necessarily do that, and if they don’t, then we have challenges with overpopulation health, behavioral issues, stuff like that,” O’Brien said.
Seth Futch, a U.S. Marine Corps member who brought his pet to the clinic, said the free service made a significant difference.
“We were looking at some other places, they were like $150, that’s not too bad up front, but with all the other bills with dogs, it can add up,” Futch said.
Futch said Paws of War was helpful throughout the process.
“We decided to reach out, and they’ve been really helpful; they’ve been helpful in the process and filling everything out,” he said.
The impact extended beyond just the financial savings.
“It really helps us, it really helps the community out here. I’m really thankful for all these people coming out and helping us. It just means a lot to us,” Futch said.
O’Brien says they hope to do another spay and neuter clinic to reach even more four-legged and two-legged friends.
The event was made possible with the help of grant sponsors like Navy Federal Credit Union, Military Officers of America and the Bowlers to Veterans Link, Craven Animal Clinic staff and volunteers with Paws of War.
Copyright 2026 WITN. All rights reserved.
link