Austin Animal Center Reaches Capacity, Pauses Intake

As of Tuesday, the Austin Animal Center is temporarily pausing intake due to overwhelming capacity issues. The center will only take in animals facing life-threatening injuries or illness, and those posing a public safety risk.

According to a news release, "the shelter has taken various actions to ameliorate the overcapacity problem...waiving adoption fees, paying for boarding services, launching a trial-period system, and publishing an urgent placement list."

Despite these efforts, as of Monday, the center had 24 dogs and five cats without adequate kennels. From June 24-26, intake (149 animals) surpassed adoptions (124 animals), leading to the current crisis.

Public Response:

The center advises residents needing help with injured animals to not bring them to the shelter but to call 311 to speak with an animal protection officer. For non-injured loose pets, residents should file a found pet report and check the center's lost animal portal.

The Austin Animal Center remains open for adoption and reclaim every day from 11 am to 7 pm, and intake will resume once kennel space becomes available.