Storms inundate Animal Center with displaced dogs

Due to the recent storms, the Austin Animal Center is overwhelmed with dogs in need of shelter. The center has had to evacuate all of its dogs to the Austin Community College campus on Levander Loop because of flooding. Moreover, it has taken in more than 50 new dogs displaced by the storms. Animal Services put out a call yesterday for volunteers who are interested in fostering the pets until their owners are found. Volunteers are invited to visit the center today to get their foster applications processed on the spot. With stormy weather expected to continue, the center asks that people who find stray animals attempt to find them shelter elsewhere before resorting to the Animal Center. “If you find an animal in your neighborhood, please call 311 or use the Austin 311 app to create a Found Animal Report,” said Chief Animal Services Officer Tawny Hammond in a statement. “Please try to find the owner and work with your neighbors and friends to find a safe place you can keep the animal for a few days before bringing it to the animal shelter.” For those who can’t foster but would like to help, there are other ways to contribute. The center needs “clean, flat sheets and wire crates” as well as “enrichment items and treats like Kong toys and Nylabones.” Other needed items are listed here. This is also a good time to adopt. Through April 29, the dog adoption fee has been reduced to $20.