Love was in the air at Austin Pets Alive! (1156 W Cesar Chavez St) when we stopped by the nonprofit rescue organization on Wednesday ahead of National Pet Day on Friday. Stories of loss and the promise of new beginnings unfolded, reminding us of the bond we share with our furry companions.
Information on adoptions, fostering and volunteering is available at austinpetsalive.org.
Grieving hearts seek new furry friends
We met a couple with tender hearts at the nonprofit’s Town Lake Animal Center. Still grieving the recent loss of their beloved cat, Brian and Brenda Mulqueen were on a mission to fill the void in their home — and perhaps, more importantly, in the heart of their 6-year-old dog. “He’s never been an only child before,” Brenda Mulqueen said.
The two walked out from the shelter with a kitten that same afternoon.
In a similar vein, we saw another woman interacting with several feline candidates. Having also recently said goodbye to her own cat, she was encouraged by supportive friends to open herself to the possibility of a new furry friend. The quiet hum of purrs and soft meows filled the air as she contemplated the comforting presence a new cat could bring.
Here’s a poignant truth: the animals finding refuge at shelters like APA! are often companions whose lives have been upended by unforeseen circumstances. As Sanchez explained, “Most of the dogs here were previously owned. They’re potty trained, skilled, good with people. It’s not a bunch of stray animals; it’s often life circumstances — breed restrictions, cost of living, changing life conditions for owners — that bring them here.”
Austin Pets Alive! saves animal lives statewide
Austin Pets Alive! plays a crucial role in the animal welfare ecosystem, receiving 17% of animals from the Austin Animal Center and shelters in the surrounding five-county area. Generous grants also enable them to extend a lifeline to pets across the state. APA! welcomed 30 dogs on Wednesday from South Texas. These dogs were given a second chance as they faced potential euthanasia at their original shelter.
Beyond adoptions, APA! is a beacon of hope for the most vulnerable. Their Parvo ICU program boasts an impressive 90% survival rate for puppies stricken with this highly contagious and often fatal illness. While many shelters are forced to euthanize parvo-positive pups, APA!’s treatment, involving medication and strict isolation, offers a lifeline. APA! strongly advises puppy owners to vaccinate their puppies and avoid public areas before their vaccinations are complete to prevent this devastating disease. This ICU stands as one of the largest in Texas, a testament to APA!’s commitment to saving every life possible.
How to adopt a pet in Austin: Kittens, puppies, dogs, cats
For those looking to open their hearts and homes, Austin Pets Alive! has a delightful array of kittens, pups, and mature cats and dogs all waiting for their forever families. Adopting a pet is a rewarding experience, and Austin Pets Alive! (APA!) will guide you through the process. Here are some tips and resources to help you find your perfect furry companion:
- Explore available pets: Visit the Available Dogs page or Available Cats page on APA!’s website to see the animals currently looking for their forever homes. You can also browse pets at Austin Animal Center’s Adopets.com site. Looking for a purebred dog or cat? Most breeds have dedicated rescue groups.
- Reflect on your needs and lifestyle: Think about what is most important to you in a pet. Are you looking for a playful companion, a cuddly couch potato, or something in between? Consider your living situation, activity level, and experience with pets.
- Visit shelters: You can visit APA! shelters every day from noon to 6 p.m. to meet animals and speak with the APA! team about potential matches. Austin Animal Shelter is open daily from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Get an adoption consultation: During your visit or scheduled meet-and-greet, APA!’s adoption team will work with you to ensure a good match and provide any necessary post-adoption instructions. Austin Animal Shelter also has adoption counselors on-site to assist.
- Consider potential delays: Sometimes, same-day adoption isn’t possible due to factors like required meet-and-greets with resident dogs, additional training needs, or medical reasons. Be prepared to wait.
APA! offers support post adoption. If you encounter challenges within the first 30 days of adoption, you can contact the shelter for support. They can also assist you in rehoming a pet if needed. APA! offers lifetime behavior support for all adopted animals.
Not ready for adoption? Most shelters also offer fostering and volunteering opportunities, which is a great way to learn more about what sort of a pet will work for you.
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