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Commission forms working group to boost turnout for Good Fix spay‑neuter clinics; April clinic set for April 3–7
Summary
After public comment about lower than expected clinic turnout and volunteer concerns, the commission voted to form a working group to support marketing, outreach, and volunteer coordination for Greater Good Charities' Good Fix clinics. The April clinic is scheduled April 3–7 at 4115 S. Capital of Texas Highway.
The Austin Animal Advisory Commission on March 10 unanimously approved forming a working group to improve outcomes for Greater Good Charities’ Good Fix spay‑neuter clinics, including marketing, outreach and volunteer support.
Public commenters and volunteers urged stronger promotion, earlier media outreach, Spanish‑language outreach, and help with transportation to clinics. Volunteer Shelly Leebam reported that the three Good Fix clinics held so far spayed “near a total of 3,140 animals” but said the program has fallen short of the contract target of 8,400 surgeries across seven clinics and the per‑clinic goal of 1,200 procedures.
Jason Garza and staff said the city will increase outreach efforts, use bilingual outreach coordinators, distribute flyers to council offices, and pitch stories to local media. Staff also confirmed the April clinic will run April 3–7 at 4115 South Capital of Texas Highway. Staff described check‑in procedures: attendees will be checked for Travis County residency (examples cited included a utility bill), cats should be in carriers and dogs on leashes, and pets will be picked up after surgery by phone notification. Staff said check‑in begins early in the morning (staff cited an approximate arrival/check‑in window starting about 7:30–8:30 a.m.).
Volunteers and commissioners said transportation remains a barrier for some residents; staff and commissioners discussed recruiting volunteers to provide rides and boosting Spanish‑language outreach. Commissioner Holt and others emphasized that outreach should reach East Austin neighborhoods and that flyers should state accessible proof‑of‑residency rules to avoid confusion about IDs.
The commission’s motion directed staff and the working group to coordinate outreach and report back; no additional funding was approved at the meeting. Volunteers were encouraged to contact commission members and staff to assist with April clinic planning.
Ending: The commission established the working group and encouraged public participation; staff will send the clinic flyer electronically to commissioners and coordinate outreach.
