Mayor Kirk Watson, City Of Austin | City Of Austin website
Mayor Kirk Watson, City Of Austin | City Of Austin website
Austin Animal Center (AAC) has recently implemented a new initiative following a City Council ordinance change on February 1. The program, known as Finder to Foster, aims to facilitate the process for community members who find lost pets within the City of Austin or unincorporated Travis County.
Mary Brown, the customer service manager at AAC, expressed enthusiasm about the program, stating, "We have so many wonderful community members who want to help a stray animal." She further added, “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.”
Finder to Foster allows individuals who find lost pets to register them with the shelter, ensuring they receive necessary medical care, microchipping, and listing in the shelter database. The pets will not have to remain at the shelter during the standard 72-hour stray hold period; instead, the hold can occur in the finder’s home. In cases where the original owner does not come forward, the shelter can provide assistance for fostering and adoption.
The program sets specific requirements for participating finders, who must be residents and adhere to guidelines outlined by AAC. Interested individuals can find more information and submit a Finder to Foster request on the Austin Animal Center's website.
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