Austin Pets Alive! Urgently Seeks Fosters for 75 Dogs Ahead of Freeze

Trinity Surles, Social Media Specialist at Austin Pets Alive, greets Lynette upon its return to the Austin Pets Alive Town Lake Animal Center in Austin, Thursday, Aug. 14, 2025. A man broke into the animal shelter and released several dogs, including Lynette, from their kennels.

If hosting a furry friend would warm your heart as an Arctic blast moves into Central Texas this week, Austin Pets Alive! is urgently asking the community to help keep dozens of shelter dogs toasty.

The nonprofit rescue said Tuesday that 75 dogs currently housed at its Town Lake Animal Center are in need of temporary foster homes as temperatures are expected to drop this weekend. APA! is asking potential fosters to visit its shelter at 1156 W. Cesar Chavez St. between noon and 6 p.m. through Friday to meet and take home a dog. Fosters will be expected to care for the dogs through Wednesday, Jan. 28.

The shelter's building has been weather-proofed with upgraded heating, generators and wind barriers, and dogs are kept warm with blankets and jackets, APA! said. But fosters would still help ease crowding and protect animals from the cold.

For those unable to foster but still wanting to help, the organization is also seeking donations of supplies to support dogs both in the shelter and in foster homes. Items can be dropped off in front of Building C at the Town Lake location. Requested supplies include:

• Medium, large and extra-large dog crates
• Baby gates
• Long-lasting dog chews
• Dog toys

Shelter staff are also offering safety tips for pet owners as freezing temperatures approach. APA! recommends knocking on your car hood before driving, as cats sometimes seek warmth in engines. Pet owners should also limit outdoor time to prevent frostbite.