AUSTIN, Texas — Central Texas is set to get hit with its first Arctic blast of the winter season, and local animal shelters are doing what they can to ensure their animals are protected.
At Austin Pets Alive! (APA!), Public Relations Director Luis Sanchez said the organization is trying to clear its Town Lake shelter in Downtown Austin before the temperature drops and has been putting the word out in hopes that more people consider fostering.
"We have a lot to do to keep them warm here, but it's not really enough," Sanchez said.
Sanchez said past winter experiences have taught APA! staff to be more "reactive" and put more procedures in place to keep animals warm, such as kennels having coverings to help with wind chill, space heaters and heat lamps inside of kennels and extra blankets and jackets for dogs who need it the most.
However, even with all the extra precautions, Sanchez noted that the best option would be a roof over the animals' heads.
"A home is a better spot," Sanchez said.
APA! has roughly 240 to 245 dogs in need of a home, and Sanchez hopes most, if not all, will be able to achieve that.
The goal is to get enough dogs out by Sunday at 6 p.m. when the shelter closes – and when the frigid weather is expected to roll in.
With little time left to achieve that goal, Sanchez knows there's a lot of work to do and hopes more Austinites are willing to take dogs into their homes.
If you would like to help out and foster a dog, you can learn more by visiting APA!'s website.