Austin Animal Center Needs Community’s Help As Shelter Remains At Capacity

The Austin Animal Center remains at capacity and is asking the public to only bring pets to the Center who are sick, injured, or otherwise in danger.

With more than 50 animals per day arriving and 1,350 animals in their care, the Animal Center is asking for the community’s continued help during this time.

Since the Memorial Day weekend, the AAC has been operating at capacity and has been accepting animals on a case-by-case basis after assessing each situation and the needs of the particular animal.

During this current time, AAC is only accepting a limited number of surrenders is asking for people who find a lost dog or cat to keep the animal in a safe environment until the Center resumes normal operations.

“During this challenging time, we need to ensure we are able to help the animals who are sick or injured,” says Chief Animal Services Officer Tawny Hammond. “If residents can hold on to stray animals to give owners time to find them, we will provide crates, food and other supplies.”

Here’s what residents need to know:

• The Austin Animal Center is open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. every day for adoptions, lost and found and reclaims. Reclaim fees will be waived until further notice.
• Animal Services staff will deliver animals back to their owners at no cost if they can identify their pets through a photograph, rabies certificate, tag or microchip. An emergency hotline has been set up to address lost pets; dial 3-1-1 within Austin or 512-974-2000 outside of Austin or pet owners can email Animal.CustomerRelations@atxad.org.
• Residents who have lost a pet should check the website regularly at www.austinanimalcenter.org and come into the shelter to search for their lost pets.
• Temporary foster families are needed for adult cats as well as medium and large dogs, particularly seniors. Come in to the center, sign up, and a shelter staff member will help you take home a pet on-the-spot.
• Beginning June 10 through June 13 those adopting a pet will be able to
• name their own adoption fee. All pets come spayed or neutered, microchipped and vaccinated.

For more information, go to www.austinanimalcenter.org, call 3-1-1, or visit the Animal Center’s Facebook page for daily animal updates.