Three animal welfare organizations receive NAVC Gives award

The North American Veterinary Community (NAVC) has announced more recipients of its 2025 NAVC Gives award. The board-directed award program recognizes individuals, groups, and organizations globally that have made a difference in the lives of veterinary professionals and animals. Unlike many award programs with a fixed nomination schedule, NAVC Gives recognizes notable accomplishments year-round based on the merit and impact of each application.

Since August, NAVC Gives has honored Paws 4 Purpose, Rancher Navy, and Wings of Rescue with the award, giving each of these organizations $10,000 for their dedication to animal welfare.

Paws 4 Purpose, a North Carolina-based nonprofit looking to improve the care and wellbeing of animals in Onslow County received the award in August for the creation of a county-wide program that set up sites that allow people to scan lost pets for a microchip, helping to reunite these pets with their owners.1

“The inspiration for my scanning stations came from seeing lots of loose pets in the area,” Susan Passey, founder and director of Paws 4 Purpose, said in an NAVC news release.1 “Our goal was simple — to keep them out of the shelter system. We want this to become a movement across the country, with the goal of encouraging people to microchip their pets. It’s the best way to ensure they make it home if they’re ever lost.”

“Sometimes, the simplest solution is the best one. Paws 4 Purpose proved that innovation does not need to be overcomplicated, tackling a widespread problem that will help save pets and inspire others to do the same,” added Gene O’Neill, CEO of NAVC.1 “NAVC Gives is proud to recognize this group for their creativity and commitment to the safety of animals in their community.”

Meanwhile, Rancher Navy and Wings of Rescue were awarded in September. Both organizations received the award for their animal rescue efforts during the Texas floods in the central part of the state earlier this summer. The two Texas-based organization are committed to animal support and rescue amid natural disasters.2

Rancher Navy is a 24/7 organization focused on providing help to Texas farmers, ranchers and the livestock community. During the Texas floods, Rancher Navy provided more than 35 local ranches with feed, hay, and fencing materials. They distributed 100 round bales, more than 500 square bales of hay, 50 pallets of livestock feed, and 30 tons of additional donated materials throughout numerous communities. The organization also coordinated collection and drop-off stations and found families in need through social media.

"We understand that the needs of the Texas ranching and livestock community don't follow a 9-to-5 schedule, and neither do we,” Amy Houston, founder and director at Rancher Navy, said in a news release.2 “Our team is ready and available to assist whenever our community needs us the most. Recognition like this from NAVC Gives helps propel our efforts forward and raise awareness of our mission.”

Wings of Rescue is dedicated to transporting pets that are at risk from overcrowded shelters and disaster areas to safe locations where they can get adopted. The organization also brings veterinary essentials to disaster areas, as well as offers humanitarian aid during and after the event. After the floods in central Texas, Wings of Rescue dropped off 20,000 pounds of pet food and veterinary supplies, and 2 flights to rescue more than 700 displaced pets. They also partnered with local shelters and other animal welfare organizations to help reunite lot pets with their owners, match them with foster families, or find their forever homes.

“When disaster strikes anywhere in North America, Wings of Rescue will quickly be there, delivering humanitarian and veterinary aid to those who need it,” Ric Browde, CEO and co-president of Wings of Rescue, said in the release.2 “We fly out shelter pets who were in the affected areas prior to the disaster, to make space for the wave of incoming displaced pets — pets who we hope will be reunited with their families. This award from NAVC Gives helps fuel future flights while spreading the word of our important work.”

“Rancher Navy and Wings of Rescue remind us that resilience is built by people who care deeply and step forward when it matters most,” said O’Neill.2 “These organizations provided not only critical support, but also hope and NAVC Gives is proud to recognize their extraordinary efforts.”

References

1. Celebrating community power: Paws 4 Purpose recognized by NAVC Gives. News release. North American Veterinary Community. August 15, 2025. Accessed September 5, 2025. https://navc.com/celebrating-community-power-paws-4-purpose-recognized-by-navc-gives/
2. Heroes in the hardest hours: Rancher Navy and Wings of Rescue honored by NAVC Gives. News release. North American Veterinary Community. September 3, 2025.