Thursday, May 4, 2023

Austin Animal Center receives 20-dog seizure, asks for help from community and partners

Today, My 3rd, Austin Animal Center received a seizure of 20 large dogs.


“This sudden influx highlights the crisis we’ve been facing regarding space,” said Chief Animal Services Officer Don Bland. “This morning we started our day with 344 medium/large dogs, and our capacity is 272. We have 33 dogs living in crates and dozens more in non-public kennels that are traditionally saved for situations like this. We have nowhere to place incoming dogs.”

Austin Animal Center is asking the community to consider foster a medium/large dog for at least a month to help alleviate some of the strain. Interested fosters are asked to apply online at www.austintexas.gov/department/foster-pet.

The shelter is located at 7201 Levander Loop and open for adoptions Monday through Sunday from 11 am to 7 pm. Adoption fees are currently $25 for all animals through Bissell Pet Foundation’s “Empty the Shelters” national adoption event. Fees are waived for any dog staying in a crate.

Rescue partners are also being asked to help by pulling available medium/large dogs as able. Interested rescues are asked to email animal.rescue@austintexas.gov

 
 
About the Animal Services Office
The City of Austin Animal Services Office operates the Austin Animal Center, and is the municipal shelter for the City of Austin and unincorporated Travis County. Austin Animal Center provides shelter to more than 11,000 animals annually and safely places more than 95% of all pets. Our goal is to keep pets with their families and in their communities, provide a safe place for homeless animals, promote responsible pet ownership, and preserve the human-animal bond.