With the Animal Advisory Commission still in disagreement over the recommendation that Austin join a decentralized shelter pilot program, commissioners decided to push the decision to October. While commissioners were entirely in agreement over one item, voting unanimously to ask City Council to unfreeze hiring for all animal services positions and declare the department a […]
Austin Pets Alive!
An animal shelter with unique rescue programs targeting animals that would have been euthanized.
Posted inCity Hall
Animal Advisory Commission to vote for new animal shelter pilot program
The Animal Advisory Commission is voting on a recommendation Monday for Austin to adopt a decentralized, foster home-based approach to animal services. Although the Austin Animal Center is considered an essential service by city ordinance, the shelter has had difficulties managing its continued intake of animals with fewer staff members and adopters. To combat this […]
Posted inAustin
Animal Advisory Commission has questions about potential new shelter model
At its meeting Friday, the Animal Advisory Commission considered whether the city should join Human Animal Support Services, an international coalition led by no-kill organization American Pets Alive! The program would use case management to keep most animals out of the shelter while awaiting adoption. When a person calls with an animal for surrender, the […]
Posted inAustin
Austin Animal Center reopens on-site adoptions
Starting this month, the Austin Animal Center will again offer on-site adoptions as part of the city’s phased effort to reintegrate city employees back into their physical workplaces. City Manager Spencer Cronk released a memo May 29 on the reintegration plan for four city departments: Animal Services, Parks and Recreation, Austin Public Library and the […]
Posted inAustin
In ‘survival mode,’ Austin Pets Alive! flooded with community support
Visitors to the Austin Pets Alive! website are greeted by a pop-up message that says, “We are in survival mode and need your help.” The message redirects to a donation page called “Save Pets in Sweats,” which encourages community members to donate, purchase APA apparel or attend a virtual event. The past month has brought […]
Posted inAustin
Austin Pets Alive! shutters due to COVID-19, still seeking fosters
Over the weekend, Austin Pets Alive! made the decision to close its lobby and bar its clinic from any public visitation due to the COVID-19 pandemic. While the city-run Austin Animal Center shuttered its doors last week, Austin Pets Alive! remained open during its normal business hours until Saturday, when APA Director Ellen Jefferson informed […]
Posted inAustin
Updated: Coronavirus shutters Austin Animal Center, but shelter still desperately needs fosters
The COVID-19 pandemic continues to affect daily life in Travis County with the closure of the Austin Animal Center. AAC announced on its Facebook page Monday that it would close to the public, effective immediately, and not reopen until March 30 at least. The closure includes volunteers who walk dogs and perform other duties around […]
Posted inParks
YMCA and city working together for more parking at Lamar Beach
In late 2016, a revised version of the Lamar Beach Master Plan made its way through City Council. It was designed to benefit all the associated stakeholders of the parkland, West Austin Youth Association, Austin Pets Alive! and Austin High School, which all use the current park facilities. Although the list of changes is long, […]
Posted inAustin
Austin’s reputation as an animal haven may be slowing pet rescues
Six years ago, City Council passed a resolution that animal shelters would no longer kill homeless pets for the sake of space or convenience. But now that Austin has a solid reputation as a no-kill city, Animal Services officials are worried that animal rescue groups and people wanting to adopt are going to other communities […]
Posted inAustin, Texas State Legislature
Animal Advisory Commission wary of animal legislation
Members of Austin’s Animal Advisory Commission requested more time Wednesday night to consider whether to recommend a bill some say would threaten city shelters’ “no-kill” status. The committee considered two bills filed by state representatives concerning veterinarian practice in city shelters, but because of confusion over what the bills would mean for animal care, it […]
Posted inCity Council, Local Politics, Parks, Public Safety
Council split on new deal for Austin Pets Alive!
City Council members Tuesday continued to debate a potential extension of a contract for Austin Pets Alive! to operate a facility at the Town Lake Animal Shelter. The extension would also include additional leeway for the organization to make needed repairs to the facility. The discussion touched on what Council Member Laura Morrison suggested was […]
Posted inAustin, City Hall, Local Politics
Town Lake Animal Center in disrepair, ‘not sound’
Town Lake Animal Center continues to operate in disrepair, and a recent state inspection has the Animal Services Department and Austin Pets Alive! scrambling for temporary fixes. Susan Monger, DVM, conducted the inspection this year. That inspection found that the shelter is not structurally sound, nor is it maintained well enough “to protect the animals […]