Tuesday, Jan 27
Our staff have been asked to take their time and use caution while driving into work tomorrow. Still, only a few animals are on site because of our generous community. With temps rising in the late morning, we'll open to the public at our regular business hours.
Clinic: Normal operating hours, with a skeleton crew in place for the first few hours. Thank you in advance for your patience.
TLAC, Tarrytown Dog and Cat and APA! Thrift: Open to the public, back to normal hours, 12:00–6:00 PM.
Friday, Jan 23, 2026 - FREEZE BEGINS
APA! has received communications from surrounding area shelters, asking for our help. We’re bringing about 30 more dogs and around 20 cats today! Because so many community members came out yesterday and we didn’t have enough pets to send to these homes, we currently are connecting with those people to help take the incoming animals at this moment!
For today, the best way to help us is by making a monetary donation: When we intake animals in urgent situations like the approaching winter weather, we’re taking on additional medical needs, like vaccinations, flea/tick & heartworm preventatives, and routine medical exams. Many of these new incoming pets will be transported to different states via our transport program. Your donations support these animals’ entire journey from stepping foot on our campus to heading to their new futures. In times like these, additional costs rise very quickly.
(A complete list of needs can be found below) -
CLOSURES:
Friday, Jan. 23rd:
Tarrytown Cattery = Closed
Saturday, Jan. 24th:
All APA! Locations EARLY CLOSURE 12pm-3pm
Sunday, Jan. 25:
All APA! Locations closed. (TLAC, APA! Shelter Pet Hospital, Tarrytown Cat/Dog, All 5 Thrift locations, Elgin Transport Hub)
Monday, Jan. 26:
All APA! Locations closed.
COMPLETE LIST OF NEEDS: January 23, 2026
Warm blankets
Dog and Cat Food
Dog Beds
Bottles of water
Durable Dog Toys and Chews
Ongoing Fosters: We need fosters who can help after the winter storm
Thursday, January 22
We’re seeing an amazing turnout of people coming to pick up dogs and cats! At this time, most of our animals that can go to any home set up have left! Now, we’re hoping to find homes that can take in a dog or cat with more specific needs.
For dogs, we’re looking for homes that can offer one or more of the following:
No other pets
No children
A quiet, safe space for scared or nervous dogs to decompress
For cats:
People who can help with medical needs, like bladder expressions
People who have a spare bathroom/area that can offer a warm spot for kitties with ringworm
If you can provide one of these homes, please visit our shelter anytime between 12 pm and 6 pm.
If you’d like to sign up to be an APA! foster in the future: Sign Up Here
In addition to these more specific homes:
In light of preparing for the storm and ensuring our shelter animals as well as our community have all the supplies needed, we're requesting the following
Dog food (Purina Lamb & Rice preferred)
Items to keep our staff and volunteers fed and warm during long shifts. Examples include: hand warmers, hot chocolate mix or tea, etc.
January 21
As temperatures drop later this week, Austin Pets Alive! (APA!) is asking the community to step up for pets who need warmth and safety during this Winter Storm Warning.
Right now, 75 dogs urgently need short-term foster homes to get them out of the cold. While our team has worked hard to weather-proof our shelter, nothing compares to a warm home during extreme weather. We are also asking for adopters for Barn Cats (cats who just need a place to shelter and can live outside).
We’re asking community members to stop by APA!’s Town Lake Animal Center to meet a dog who needs a temporary place to stay warm.
APA! Adoption Centers are open daily from 12–6 PM:
Town Lake Animal Center: 1156 W. Cesar Chavez St., Austin
Tarrytown Adoption Center (Small Dogs & Cattery): 3118 Windsor Rd., Austin
Time commitment: Short-term fosters are welcome — even a few days helps. Ideally, we are asking fosters to host an animal until Wednesday, January 28, 2026.
Who Can Foster: Anyone interested; no previous fostering experience is required. Our team will match you with a dog that fits your home set-up. Talk with your matchmaker about the support we can provide!
What to do: The easiest way to get matched with a dog or cat to foster is to stop by our shelter. You may potentially experience extended wait times as our teams move quickly to get animals into homes.
If fostering isn’t an option, donating supplies makes an immediate impact for pets staying in the shelter and those heading to foster homes.
Item Drop-off location: Austin Pets Alive, 1156 W. Cesar Chavez St., Austin, In front of Building C
Most-needed items:
Medium, large, or extra-large dog crates
Baby gates
Long-lasting dog chews
Dog toys
Make a Monetary Donation Today to help our life-saving mission, including supplies, care, and medical support: Donate Now
The Town Lake Animal Center is a 70-year-old facility, and while it is heated, it is considered an open-air shelter, meaning cold air and wind can still affect kennel temperatures.
To keep pets safe, APA! has:
Installed improved heating systems and backup generators
Added wind barriers, drainage improvements, and weather tarps
Provided blankets, jackets, and warm bedding 24/7
Increased overnight safety checks and temperature monitoring
During freezing weather, staff and volunteers also:
Zip and secure weather tarps
Place coats on all dogs
Monitor electrical systems for safety
Adjust kennel setups to keep pets warmer
Close the most vulnerable dogs (seniors and short haired dogs) inside bedroom area
Even with these efforts, a home is always a better option than a kennel during extreme cold.
Freezing temperatures can be dangerous for pets — even those used to being outdoors. Here’s how to keep them safe:
If you normally keep your petoutside, bring them indoors during freezing weather. Sudden temperature changes are hard on pets and people alike.
Keep walks short and watch for shivering, lifting paws, or seeking warmth — all signs your pet is too cold.
Cats may seek warmth near car engines. Knock on your hood before starting your vehicle to make sure no one is hiding underneath.
Cold pavement and ice can hurt paws. Wipe them clean after walks to remove moisture and any chemicals.
Many ice-melting products are toxic to pets. If your pet steps in them, rinse paws right away.
Blankets, pillows, and elevated bedding help pets retain heat, especially overnight.
Leaving a pet in a vehicle during freezing temperatures can be deadly.
If you’re concerned about frostbite or hypothermia, check ears and paws for pale, white, or gray skin and seek veterinary care if needed. If you’re cold, they’re cold.
Make a Monetary Donation Today: Donate Now
For more information:
For available pets and more information, visit www.austinpetsalive.org.
For city information on cold weather shelters and warming centers, visit www.austintexas.gov/alerts
