While the shelter has working heaters in every kennel building, officials said the Town Lake facility features open-air kennels that can become drafty.
AUSTIN, Texas — As a powerful Arctic cold front approaches Central Texas, Austin Pets Alive! is racing to find temporary foster homes for 75 of its shelter animals.
The organization is calling on the community to help ensure dogs and other pets stay warm and safe during the impending frigid weather.
“If we can get these dogs into homes where they can be warm during the day and they can be taken out for very short walks, that’s going to improve their quality of life immediately,” said Suzie Chase, Community Affairs Officer at Austin Pets Alive!
While the shelter has installed heaters in every kennel building, Chase said the Town Lake facility features open-air kennels that can become drafty in cold conditions. She explained that although the shelter has made improvements since the February 2021 winter storm – including adding weather tarps and heating to their 70-year-old building – space remains limited for larger dogs on the “inside room” part of their kennel.
“We don’t have a lot of places for the animals to move around during the day like we would during normal temperatures,” Chase said.
The urgent need for fosters has inspired community members like Naomi Phelps to step up.
“I love animals in general, and I just can’t wait to get to know another one,” Phelps said. “We’re huge animal lovers, and we really want to help out and support our community.”
For those unable to foster, Chase emphasized that there are still many ways to contribute. Donations of time, money and supplies are all welcome. She said the shelter is especially in need of large crates, dog chews, toys and baby gates to help keep the animals comfortable during the cold snap.
The nonprofit rescue is inviting interested people to visit the Town Lake Animal Center at 1156 W. Cesar Chavez between noon and 6 p.m. through Friday. There, they can meet and take home a dog to foster until Jan. 28.