Temple Clinic Launches Pay-What-You-Can Spay Neuter In October

There are thousands upon thousands of homeless animals looking for forever homes. One method of slowing the ever-increasing number of homeless animals is to spay and neuter as many pets as possible. Now, there is an affordable way to do so.

Local Coalition Launches Flexible Spay and Neuter Initiative

In a major push to alleviate pet overpopulation and relieve the strain on local animal shelters, the Human Animal Support Coalition is rolling out a month-long flexible pricing initiative at its local clinic. Throughout October, Central Texas pet owners can access walk-in spay and neuter procedures on a "pay-what-you-can" basis whenever open slots appear on the daily schedule.

How the Spay Neuter Special Works

The program accommodates male and female dogs and cats of all sizes and breeds. On days with available openings, which are announced 24 hours in advance, owners can drop off their pets between 8:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. Clinic staff then notify owners via text message later in the afternoon when their animals are ready for pickup.

Tacking Shelter Capacity Issues at the Root

The coalition believes that money problems should never stand in the way of a family trying to spay and neuter their pets. Amy Dixon, director of the Human Animal Support Coalition, tells KCEN that one particular shelter currently faces a 40 percent euthanasia rate due to severe overcrowding. Dixon said, "Come in the morning. It is first come, first served, but if there is an opening and you have a pet and you need financial assistance, we're going to work with you."

Rescue Partnerships Helping Local Families

To help as many families as possible, the coalition has teamed up with several local animal welfare organizations to offer financial help throughout October:

Free Pit Bull Spays: Female pit bulls receive complimentary surgical procedures.

Happy Tails Ranch Rescue: Subsidizing almost the entire cost for neutering small male dogs.

Journey Home Rescue: Running a dedicated seasonal promotion specifically for black cats.

Human Animal Support Coalition's Services

Beyond surgical services, the organization operates a weekly community pet food pantry every Wednesday, stocking food supplies for puppies, kittens, adult dogs, and adult cats. The pantry is open to all residents without requiring identification or the presence of a pet. Free behavioral training sessions are also offered to help families keep pets in their homes.

Human Animal Support Coalition's "Spay It Forward"

The non-profit's expansion of low-cost services is made possible through a combination of national animal welfare grants and personal contributions from community members who "spay it forward" to cover surgical costs for neighbors in need. Since opening its clinic doors in January, the coalition has completed over 2,300 procedures, with goals to alter several hundred additional animals before the end of October.

Human Animal Support Coalition's Upcoming Fundraiser

Residents interested in supporting the initiative can attend the organization's upcoming "Fall Friend-Raiser" event, scheduled for Thursday, October 17, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. in Temple.