Paws Of War Offers Free Care To East Islip Service Animals

EAST ISLIP, NY — A Long Island non-profit is showing its support for both East Islip veterans, first responders, and their furry friends

Paws of War, a Nesconset-based organization, hosted its "Patriotic Paws Pet Wellness" event at AMVETS Post 18 in East Islip on Friday, where they provided 22 service animals with free veterinary care.

Treatments included wellness checks, flea and tick medications, vaccinations and microchipping service.

The event was in partnership with U.S. Congressman Andrew Garbarino and Assemblymember Jarett Gandolfo

“I was proud to partner with the organization for this event to bring free veterinary care to service animals here in East Islip,” said. Rep. Garbarino. “It’s a privilege to be able to give back to the brave men and women who have given so much of themselves to this country and to our community.”

The pandemic has brought financial challenges to veterans and first responders, a representative stated in a press release. Many disabled veterans live on low or fixed incomes and their service animal’s medical care is essential so they can provide the level of support and comfort upon which the veterans depend.

“As a former veteran, I know how critical it is to take care of these pets," said Kelli Porti, veteran and community outreach liaison for Paws of War. "They are more than just pets; these animals provide emotional support and tasks for these heroes when it is needed most.”

Dr. Marissa Altieri, DVM, volunteered her expert veterinary care to the pop-up clinic and its patients, donating her time to assist Paws of War as a way to give back to the community and support the non-profit's mission.

The mobile veterinary clinic is a continual program hosted by Paws of War that gives back to service men and women by providing free veterinary care for their service animals.