Austin citizens have many opportunities to help with families and pets affected by Katrina. You can:
How can I volunteer to foster an animal?
You can offer your home to foster a pet by calling 512-646-PETS(7387)
or filling out an online form. We are collecting
this information and use it to match up evacuees' needs with what you
are able to offer.
What animals will I be fostering?
Currently, we are facilitating fostering in two ways. First, we are
housing pets that came in with their owners to the Austin Convention
Center. These pets are currently at the Austin Humane Society. They will
only be fostered if their families are unable to find lodging that will
accept their pets. Second, many evacuees are contacting the Austin Humane
Society directly seeking temporary care for their pets. In those cases, we
are putting them in contact directly with foster volunteers.
Are you only fostering dogs and cats?
We are mainly fostering dogs and cats, but if you can foster other animals please indicate that you
can over the phone or on the form.
When will I find out if I am fostering an animal?
It may be several days or weeks before we know if an animal will be
fostered or not. We are vaccinating all animals at the Shelter and are
giving them each a physical exam before placing them. Ideally, all of the
pets could be reunited with their families. We are waiting for their
families to find housing before fostering their animals, which may take
some time.
Will I need to cover the costs of caring for an animal? What about medical
emergencies?
All animals coming from the Austin Humane Society will be vaccinated and
have physical exams before being fostered. Ordinarily, foster families
cover the costs of regular medical care for the animals. The Texas
Veterinary Medical Association and local veterinarians are offering their
services and clinics to house pets who may be too ill to be placed in
foster care. Some are also volunteering their services at the Austin
Humane Society during this time. In cases of medical emergencies, the
ASPCA may cover a foster family's costs. The ability of the Austin Humane
Society to cover other costs will depend on the donations we receive.
How long will I be fostering the animals?
We can't say for certain at this time. It may be several months. We will ask how long you can commit
to fostering and place animals based on that time frame.
What if I want to foster a family with pets?
You can offer housing at hurricanehousing.org
How can I donate my time to the Austin Humane Society?
The Austin Humane Society can use volunteers to answer calls at the phone
bank and help maintain our list of foster families. To volunteer your
time, please call 512-646-PETS(7387) for the latest information about when
volunteer shifts are available.
You can also donate your time by signing up to be a regular volunteer.
Are you still accepting volunteers at the Convention Center?
We are not accepting volunteers at the Convention Center at this time.
Can I directly volunteer to work with the animals at the Humane Society?
Currently, only medical staff and the most experienced Austin
Humane Society regular volunteers are able to work with the evacuated
animals.
Can I volunteer in or around New Orleans?
If you'd like to volunteer in or around New Orleans, call 1-225-925-3980 or email Katrina@ldaf.louisiana.gov.
How can I donate goods for the animals?
There are a few ways you can donate items for the animals. Due to limited
space, the
Austin Humane Society is not accepting drop-off donations right now.
However, we can always use gift cards to Tomlinson's, Wal-mart,
PetsMart, PetCo, Bark-N-Purr, and Target. This will allow us to
buy the things that we need for the animals once our current supply is
depleted.
If you would like to donate supplies immediately, the Pet Food Bank of Austin is accepting donations.
How can I donate money to the Austin Humane Society?
The Austin Humane Society needs funds to help support the new arrivals.
You can drop off cash or check in person at the Austin Humane Society,
donate through the Austin
Humane Society Website, or send a check to:
How else can I donate money for the animals affected by Katrina?
Financial donations can also be made to the ASPCA, who is partnering with us on this effort, by
donating at www.aspca.org or by calling 1-212-876-7700 ext.
4700 or 1-866-275-3923.
What is the process for animals arriving in Austin?
The City of Austin shelters (AHS and City of Austin Town Lake Animal
Center) are working together with the ASPCA to safely transport animals
from the relief center to a shelter that will provide food, water, and
medical attention as needed. We will also help evacuees find foster homes
for their pets during this time as they recuperate and start rebuilding
their lives.
We will also be working with local rescue groups and area-wide shelters to house any additional animals that we can't house at the AHS while maintaining the list of foster families.
Can I take my pet to hotels in Austin?
AHS has compiled a
list of pet-friendly hotels in Austin.
How can I find shelter for my pet while I try to find housing?
If you're located at the Convention Center, a booth has been set up to
process incoming animals and take them to the Austin Humane Society for
care and fostering. If you are located elsewhere in the Austin area, call
the hotline at 512-646-PETS (7387) for information on placing pets in a
foster home or receiving supplies.
Are evacuees able to visit their pets at the Humane Society?
Yes! Shuttle service currently runs between the Convention Center and the
Austin Humane Society at 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM. People can meet at the
information desk. Families can visit their pets while the building is open
(8 AM to 7PM).
How are the animals being tracked after they leave their owners
so they can be reunited later?
The Austin Humane Society is currently tracking all available information about pets and their
families so that they can be reunited as soon as possible.
What is happening in the flooded areas with the animals left
behind?
The Humane Society of the US, ASPCA, Best Friends Animal League and the
local shelters are in Mississippi and Lousiana helping stranded animals
and going door-to-door to rescue animals left behind in the aftermath of
Katrina.
We are not sure where these animals will be housed yet, but we are confirming what help we can provide in transport, placement, and care.
Who do I contact if my pet was left in an evacuated area?
There are several avenues you can pursue.
How can I be try to find my missing pet?
Currently, the sites listed in the previous question have information on finding lost pets.
Additionally, pictures and other information can be found at katrina.petfinder.com.
Have you heard about the "shoot to kill" order?
Yes, we have heard that rumor but cannot confirm anything.
Do you know anything about "Snowball"?
We also heard the heart-wrenching story that worried animal lovers in our community. We do not
currently know what's happened to Snowball, but are following the news about
Snowball. A reward has
been offered for finding Snowball.
Who do I contact if my question wasn't answered on this list?
You can call the hotline at 512-646-PETS(7387) or sending a message to help@austinhumanesociety.org.