Austin, Texas — The Austin Animal Center (AAC) urgently seeks community support as kennels overflow beyond capacity limits.

Crisis at AAC

On Wednesday, the AAC sounded the alarm, reporting kennels filled past capacity, prompting concerns over the welfare of animals in their care.

The shelter’s standard capacity stands at 272 dogs, yet as of Wednesday, it grappled with an influx of 299 medium/large-sized canines. By Friday, the number surged further to 304 dogs, exacerbating the crisis.

AAC’s Chief Animal Services Officer, Don Bland, highlighted the severity, mentioning the utilization of larger kennels and half of the nonpublic building. These spaces, typically reserved for special cases like quarantines and medical care, are now repurposed due to the overflow.

Overcrowding not only strains resources but also limits emergency accommodations, hampering the shelter’s ability to respond effectively to critical situations.

Call to Action

To mitigate the crisis and prevent euthanasia, AAC appeals to potential fosters and adopters from the Central Texas community.

What to Know Before Fostering/Adopting

Adoption Process

• All adoption fees are currently waived.
• AAC operates daily from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at 7201 Levander Loop, Building A.
• Prospective adopters must be at least 18 years old and present valid photo identification.

Fostering Opportunities

• Walk-ins for fostering are welcomed between 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. for the remainder of the week.
• Each foster is required to accommodate a dog for a minimum of two weeks.

Stay Informed

Individuals interested in supporting AAC’s efforts can monitor current intake capacities on the shelter’s website.

For those unable to adopt or foster, spreading awareness on social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube can help amplify the call for assistance.

As the crisis persists, solidarity and action from the community remain paramount in safeguarding the well-being of animals in need.

Uniting to Address Animal Welfare Challenges

The current capacity crisis at the Austin Animal Center underscores the ongoing challenges faced by animal shelters in managing influxes of homeless pets. Through collaborative efforts between shelters, communities, and individuals, we can work towards sustainable solutions and ensure a brighter future for animals in need.

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