Austin’s animal shelter launches new foster program

AUSTIN (KXAN) — On Thursday, Austin Animal Center (AAC) announced it was launching its new Finder to Foster program.

The program would allow community members who find a lost pet to register them with the shelter, receive medical care and a microchip, as well as be listed as a found pet in the shelter database.

“The pet will not have to stay at the shelter for the length of the 72-hour stray hold; the hold will still occur while in the finder’s home. If an owner does not come forward, the shelter is able to provide foster and adoption support,” AAC said.

The program would only be for animals found within Austin city limits or unincorporated Travis County.

To participate in the program, finders must follow the requirements listed below.

• Live within one hour of the shelter since veterinary care is provided onsite
• Commit to helping reunite the animal with the owner
• Provide food and supplies for the foster pet
• Have up-to-date rabies vaccinations for all animals already living in their home
• Access e-mail regularly and provide transportation to and from AAC
• Follow all policies and procedures of the AAC Foster Program

“We have so many wonderful community members who want to help a stray animal,” said Mary Brown, customer service manager at AAC. “I’m excited that we’re able to offer this option for animals to get the full support of AAC foster program resources while also giving a dog a chance to be reunited with their owner, not having to be stressed in a shelter kennel setting.”