AUSTIN, Texas — The Austin Animal Center has temporarily restricted intake of animals as it currently has more than 700 dogs at the shelter. This includes nearly 70 of them living in temporary pop-up crates due to space issues.
Beginning Sept. 13, AAC has stated that intake will take place in cases of emergencies such as when an animal is injured or presents a clear public safety risk.
“We are temporarily restricting intake now to ensure we can continue to provide the level of animal care that our community expects,” said Chief Animal Services Officer Don Bland. “When all animals in our care can be placed in regular kennels instead of relying on temporary pop up crates, we can fully open again.”
Since AAC became a no-kill shelter in 2011, it has only had to restrict intake three times: once in 2020 due to COVID-19 and twice in 2016 due to capacity issues.
The shelter asked for the community’s help at the end of August in a national Clear the Shelter event, and was able to find a new home for 63 cats and 47 dogs. However, overcrowding remains an issue.
“Shelters nationwide are struggling. We really need community members to foster or adopt a dog,” Austin Assistant City Manager Stephanie Hayden-Howard said. “Maintaining our no-kill status takes a village, and our city shelter can’t do it without you.”
Adoption fees are still being waived by the ACC and there will be a “Clear the Crates” event this Saturday, Sept. 17. The event kicks off at 10 a.m. and every dog that is available for adoption staying in a crate will be located in a tent on the front lawn.
For residents who need help with an injured animal, AAC suggests you:
- Call 311 and ask to speak with an Animal Protection Officer.
- Wait for the officer to come pick up the animal. Do not bring it to the shelter.
AAC is currently open for adoptions Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. The shelter will reopen for adoptions on Sundays beginning Sept. 25.