AUSTIN, Texas — Two Central Texas animal shelters are asking the community to take dogs home temporarily as heavy rain and possible flooding approach the region this week.
Austin Pets Alive! is looking for people to take dogs home for at least a one-week “sleepover,” with a focus on dogs with medical needs, senior dogs and heat-sensitive dogs.
The nonprofit said its facilities team has been flushing kennel drains and swapping out sump pumps, but flash flooding could still reach some of its kennel buildings.
People interested in fostering can visit the main shelter at 1156 W. Cesar Chavez St., which will have extended hours from noon to 7 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, to get matched with a dog. Those willing to take a senior dog or a dog with medical needs can skip the line by emailing rescuedog@austinpetsalive.org.
All available dogs can be viewed online here.
The shelter is also looking for adopters for its barn cats.
In Georgetown, the Williamson County Regional Animal Shelter is seeking short-term fosters for medium and large dogs through the weekend.
No application is required ahead of time. If enough dogs find foster homes, the shelter said it can close its second adoption center, Red Poppy Adoptique, and keep the remaining pets under one roof, where staff can care for them more efficiently.
The main shelter at 1855 SE Inner Loop and Red Poppy Adoptique at 110 W. L Walden Drive are open daily from noon to 6 p.m.
A Flood Watch covers most of the CBS Austin viewing area, including Austin, from 7 p.m. Wednesday to 7 p.m. Friday.
CBS Austin meteorologists said the greatest flood threat is Thursday into Friday morning, with 2 to 5 inches of rain widespread and isolated totals of 8 to 10 inches possible.