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Austin has plenty going for it. The city is diverse, community-minded, and scenic no matter whether you live, work, or play here. Lots of locals have pets, so you'll spot people and their four-legged companions strolling the parks, hanging out by the lakes, and getting a workout in. The city also has a large stray population — at any moment, thousands of lost or abandoned pets are out on the streets.
Charities do exist to help these animals, but they're frequently short on funding and depend on community support to keep up their good work. Volunteers typically need more people to shelter pets, more money for food and veterinary care, and more people willing to give love to animals that badly need it.
So if you'd like to help some adorable four-legged creatures — by giving money, fostering, or adopting — here are some of the best animal shelters and charities Austin has to offer.
Austin Pets Alive is among the first animal shelters to operate in Austin. Since 2008 they've saved tens of thousands of animals. They have both large and small dogs available for adoption, plus cats. They also need volunteers to spend time with the animals, walk them, and pitch in other ways. Families able to foster animals are needed too. Donate to Austin Pets Alive!
Austin Dog Rescue works to end homelessness for dogs of every breed and size. What sets them apart is that all dogs live in volunteer foster homes until they're adopted. As with many shelters, Austin Dog Rescue depends on donations and volunteers who can supply needed items so they can carry on their mission and save as many dogs as possible. Donate here.
The Austin Humane Society has done good, necessary work for years and ranks among the largest no-kill shelters in Austin. It's a non-profit that runs on donations and funds raised through events and other efforts. Their aim is to rescue homeless dogs and cats and keep them safe until the right home comes along. Donate here.
The Austin Animal Center shelters and assists more than 16,000 pets every year. It takes in strays and abandoned animals no matter their health, age, or breed. The aim is to bring animals in and care for them through foster homes until they can be adopted. Austin Animal Center also runs a range of partnership and educational programs to build awareness. Donate here.
Street Cat Rescue is a non-profit charity founded in 2006 by Donna Powell. The idea was to build a feline sanctuary that rescues and rehomes the cats needing the most help. Programs are in place to Trap/Neuter/Return feral cats in the area. They also offer adoptions for socialized cats, veterinary care, educational programs, and a sanctuary for sick or hard-to-adopt cats. Donate here.
Know of other area shelters that could use a hand saving Austin's abandoned animals? Share them in the comments!
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