AUSTIN, Texas — Austin Pets Alive! (APA!) is in need of emergency help as it deals with a power outage on Wednesday afternoon.
APA! said it does have water, and generators are running in critical areas. Staff and volunteers are on-site, working on sleepover placements for the dogs and cats in their care.
But with some of the animal enclosures exposed to the elements, APA! said temperatures like what Austin is currently experiencing severely strain the shelter's facility, located on West Cesar Chavez.
APA! is asking for people to pick up animals on Wednesday and foster them in homes, away from resident dogs, until Friday. If you are able to foster a dog or cat, fill out this form.
KVUE caught up with some of the volunteers who stepped up to foster animals over the week. Abbey Kirkland is fostering a dog named Strawberry, while Jessica Andrews is fostering a cat named Scout's Honor.
"I can't imagine them sitting in a kennel, sad and lonely. I'm just a big dog lover. I think about dogs before I think about work or anything else," Kirkland said.
"I'm excited. I hope I'm not going to be be a foster fail. I think having three cats in my apartment is going to be hilarious. I have my whole weekend open, so I'm just going to let them socialize and have a fun time," Andrews said.
APA! is also taking this moment to remind pet owners how to keep their dogs and cats safe during the winter weather. Here are five tips from APA!:
"Bring pets inside. The best thing you can do for your pet is to bring them inside with you. While some breeds of dogs are more tolerant of cold weather than others, no pet should be left outside for long periods of time when it is below freezing (32ºF). You know your pet best, so be vigilant about watching for signs of their cold tolerance and limit outdoor activities accordingly.
Check your car for cats. Our feline friends like to hide from this weather in car engines and/or wheel wells, so thump the hood of your car a few times and check your wheels for stowaways before you start the engine and take off.
Provide a makeshift enclosure for outdoor animals. If you’ve noticed outdoor cats or other animals in your community suffering from the cold (shaking, curled up, etc.) and you are worried about them, create a makeshift shelter for them to stay warm. A closed box or Rubbermaid bin with a cut out in the side, with STRAW inside (not hay and not blankets), will help keep them safe in the frigid temperatures.
Put a sweater on your pup. If you have a dog with a short coat, you can keep them a bit more insulated on walks by putting a sweater or dog coat on them. Be sure the sweater and coat is completely dry for each outing, though, as damp or wet outerwear could actually make them chillier.
Check paws. After outdoor activity, check your pet’s paws for any signs of cracking on the paw pads, redness between toes, or bleeding. Wipe them down after each outing, too, to remove any salt, ice, or chemicals."