Georgetown Animal Outreach is Saving Lives, One Foster at a Time
Q&A with Laura Hobgood, vice president of Georgetown Animal Outreach
What inspired the founding of Georgetown Animal Outreach?
GAO was founded over 20 years ago to help alleviate some of the over population at local animal shelters by taking dogs and cats into our foster program, particularly pulling pregnant moms so they would have a quiet environment to have their puppies. It was also founded to assist with several feral cat colonies and to provide low-cost spay/neuter services for local owners of cats and dogs who could not afford that surgery.
What need are you addressing in the community?
Right now, shelters are extremely overpopulated. So we assist in fostering and keeping dogs/cats out of the shelter population to start. For example, a resident of Cedar Park recently accepted a dog from a friend who no longer wanted her, then he found out she was pregnant! GAO took charge of getting photos to post on social media to find homes, provide veterinary care, and make sure the puppies were all altered. Soon after, a resident of Coupland had a cat wander on her property. A few days later she had kittens in the barn. GAO has taken those kittens into foster care and will find them homes (and provide veterinary care and spay/neuter).
What is your favorite part about being involved with Georgetown Animal Outreach?
We are involved primarily with the Williamson County Regional Animal Shelter and Texas Humane Heroes and we love fostering and seeing dogs and cats go to their permanent homes!
What impact has your outreach had on the animal community?
There are the two recent stories above, but over the course of 20-plus years, we have fostered and found homes for more than 500 dogs and cats, maintained feral cat colonies (ensuring all are spayed or neutered and vaccinated). We often hold adoption events at Wag Heaven or other local pet stores and continue to provide low cost or no cost spay/neuter services. As well, Texas Humane Heroes contacts us frequently to assist with the cost of spay/neuter for people bringing pets to their facility who can’t afford the surgery. We cover those costs when funds are available.
Are there any upcoming projects or events you are excited about?
Right now we have six lovely cameo kittens (the ones from Coupland) and will be holding adoption events for those interested in meeting them!
How can people get involved and learn more about Georgetown Animal Outreach?
We always need fosters! People can contact [email protected] for more information.