An influx of dogs, puppies, cats and kittens to the already overburdened Austin Animal Center this week has prompted officials to waive adoption fees for all animals through Sunday. Officials report that on Oct. 7 alone, more than 50 animals entered the shelter system. Due to the high number of intakes, the center is confronting a capacity crisis with a deficit of approximately 85 kennels for large- and medium-size dogs. Center officials remind pet owners who have lost a pet recently to immediately check the Austin Animal Center. The center will also be waiving reclaim fees for all altered pets returned to their owners through Oct. 12. The Austin Animal Center, 7201 Levander Loop, is open daily from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. The adoption special also applies to all pets at the overflow kennels at Town Lake Animal Center, 1156 W. Cesar Chavez St.
Mark Richardson is a multimedia journalist, editor and writer who has worked in digital, print and broadcast media for three decades. He is a nationally recognized editor and reporter who has covered government,... More by Mark Richardson