'Crisis point': Austin Animal Center asking for fosters, adopters due to overcrowding

AUSTIN (KXAN) — Austin Animal Center (AAC) said it has reached a crisis point and asked for help finding fosters and adopters due to overcrowding.

As of Wednesday morning, AAC said it was housing 299 medium-to-large dogs, which was 27 more than its capacity limit.

Chief Animal Services Officer Don Bland said the shelter was trying to get as many dogs into foster and adoptive homes as possible to avoid issuing euthanasia notices.

"Currently, we have zero open kennels for any incoming dogs, including emergencies,” Bland said. “We just received notification that 12 dogs from a cruelty case are on their way and we need space for them."

All adoption fees are currently waived. The shelter is open daily from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

In-depth

Just last week, 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 program would only be for animals found within Austin city limits or unincorporated Travis County.