North Carolina-Based Paws 4 Purpose Recognized by NAVC Gives
The North American Veterinary Community (NAVC) named Paws 4 Purpose a 2025 NAVC Gives recipient, recognizing the organization for its innovation and dedication to animal welfare with a $10,000 award.
Paws 4 Purpose, a North Carolina-based nonprofit organization, strives to improve the care and well-being of animals in the local community. The group provides support, resources and education to shelters and pet owners in Onslow County. Last year, Paws 4 Purpose launched a program that set up microchip scanning stations across the county, making it easier for lost pets to be reunited with their owners. Having easy access to scan microchipped pets also keeps shelters from becoming over-crowded, which is where many lost pets end up.
“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,” said NAVC CEO Gene O’Neill. “NAVC Gives is proud to recognize this group for their creativity and commitment to the safety of animals in their community.”
To date, Paws 4 Purpose has installed 13 scanning stations in Onslow County, four in a neighboring county with 12 more planned in the near future in New Hanover, Craven and Duplin Counties. The organization also has future plans to expand into Raleigh.
Demonstrating the power of the grassroots effort, a photo of the scanning station went viral on social media and generated more than 100 requests for information from shelters across the country in just 24 hours. Even a year later, these requests continue to come in. By addressing a need in their local community, Paws 4 Purpose was able to relieve the stress of local clinics, successfully reuniting more lost pets with their owners while also inspiring other shelters to do the same.
“The inspiration for my scanning stations came from seeing lots of loose pets in the area. Our goal was simple — to keep them out of the shelter system,” said Susan Passey, Founder and Director of Paws 4 Purpose. “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.”
Paws 4 Purpose worked with shelters and non-profits across the country, reaching as far as Anchorage, AK. The organization plans to continue installing stations in their local community and launch new programs to assist the local shelter and protect animal welfare.