If it’s not a drought in Austin, it’s something else. Now the dogs and cats need our help.

Strong January storm floods animal shelter with lost pets
38 dogs, cats found; waiting to be claimed

Following one of the worst rain storms to hit the Austin area in five years the Austin Animal Center received a higher number of lost pets than normal.

On Jan. 25, the day after the storm, 33 dogs and 5 cats were found and turned into the animal shelter — the highest animal intake for the year.

These pets do not have identification so there is no easy way to locate the owners. Many of the pets found look like they have owners as they are well groomed and healthy. The dogs most likely got scared and ran away due to the thunder and lightning.

The Austin Animal Center asks residents to come to the animal shelter today if they have lost a pet. The holding period for a lost dog is three days before the pet becomes available for adoption. Additionally, people can view the website for pictures of lost pets. A sampling of some of the lost pets can be found on Flckr.

The center will offer free identification tags, collars and HomeAgain microchips to all pet owners who reclaim their lost pets.

The Austin Animal Center is at 7201 Levander Loop, off Airport Boulevard and U.S.183.

If a pet is lost, owners should call 3-1-1 right away and check the Animal Center’s website for a picture of the lost animal. Tips to locate a lost pet include placing fliers in neighborhoods; and posting information on social media outlets and on lost pet websites such as www.lostfoundpets.us

The Austin Animal Center is open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily. More information about Austin Animal Services programs can be found at www.AustinAnimalCenter.org or by calling (512) 978-0500 or 3-1-1 for animal issues after hours.

Contact: Patricia Fraga, Communications and Public Information Office, (512) 974-2969.

Photo credit: Dog and ball by degreezero on stock.xchng.

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