Categories: CommunityLifestyle

Austin Animal Center has no more space, asks community for help

Austin Animal Center announced yesterday that there are no open kennels for medium/large dogs.
 
“Despite making every effort to get as many dogs out as possible through adoption, foster, and rescue partners, stray dogs keep pouring in, “ said Deputy Chief Animal Services Officer Jason Garza. “To be a no-kill community means we need the community’s help.”
 
Normally AAC has at least a few kennels held open in reserve for sick or injured dogs, dogs that pose public safety risks, and abandoned animals, but those kennels are full. Some dogs are being kept in crates until a suitable kennel becomes available, and short-staffing makes caring for those in crates difficult.
 
The most impactful way to help Austin Animal Center is to work with your neighbors if you find a loose dog. Studies out of San Antonio and Dallas show that the majority of stray dogs are owned and are found just a few blocks from home.

By walking the dog around, knocking on doors, and posting on Nextdoor and Facebook, finders can significantly increase the chance of the dog being reunited with its family. Keeping a dog out of the shelter helps keep that pet healthy and saves space for dogs that have no other options.
 
For guidance on what to do if you found a pet, text FoundATX to (844) 764-2125.

Austin Animal Center offers fencing and spay/neuter assistance to help pet owners keep their dogs safely contained; call 311 to be connected to these resources.
 
Adopters and fosters are always appreciated. Austin Animal Center will have staff available onsite Friday, February 11 to process walk-in foster applications for people willing to foster a medium/large dog for a minimum of 2 weeks. An adoption event is also being held on Saturday from 12-2 pm. All adoption fees continue to be waived.
 
No-kill shelters strive to only euthanize animals who are irremediably suffering or pose a significant public safety threat. Austin Animal Center is required by city ordinance to meet or exceed a 95% live outcome rate. Last month, the Center achieved an over 97% live outcome rate.

The Animal Services Office operates the Austin Animal Center and is home to the largest No Kill community in the United States. We provide shelter to more than 17,000 animals annually. Our goal is to provide a safe place for lost and homeless animals and to educate our community in order to prevent animal homelessness and promote compassionate treatment of animals and responsible pet ownership.

View Comments

  • Yeah, there's a Korean BBQ joint north of Austin who'll take all the dogs you've got.

    Even PETA got caught hiding some of the dogs THEY KILL in their freezers.
    As opposed to the Koreans--PETA doesn't want your dogs, they just want your MONEY.

    and see Huffington Post story "PETA Takes First (in Pet Killing)"

  • Austin Animal Center should ask for help from their rich neighbors in Williamson County. The San Marcos Shelter has the same problems, with a whole lot less money to spend.

Share
Published by
Staff

Recent Posts

San Marcos City Council reviews Sidewalk Maintenance and Gap Infill Program

The San Marcos City Council received a presentation on the Sidewalk Maintenance and Gap Infill…

2 years ago

San Marcos River Rollers skate on and rebuild

The San Marcos River Rollers have skated through obstacles after taking a two-year break during…

2 years ago

After 8 Years, San Marcos Corridor News Bids Our Readers Farewell

San Marcos Corridor News has been reporting on the incredible communities in the Hays County…

2 years ago

High bacteria levels at Jacobs Well halts swimming season

Visitors won't be able to swim in the crystal clear waters of the Jacobs Well Natural…

2 years ago

Pets of the Week: Meet Sally & Nutella!

Looking to adopt or foster animals from the local shelter? Here are the San Marcos…

2 years ago

Texas still leads in workplace deaths among Hispanics

The Lone Star State leads the nation in labor-related accidents and especially workplace deaths and…

2 years ago

This website uses cookies.