Austin Pets Alive urgently sought willing participants to temporarily foster animals ahead of the winter freeze. Then, the community came together in an unprecedented move that resulted in Austin’s Pets Alive being relatively empty by Friday.

Nick Johnson (@nickjdogg), a TikTok content creator and advocate who works with the organization, posted multiple videos on Jan. 22, which urged Austinites to consider taking on a dog during the new Texas freeze. Johnson said, “If Ted Cruz can escape to Laguna Beach, then you can help a dog…escape the shelter for a weekend.”

Johnson’s videos hit a large audience. Within a manner of hours, thousands saw a post, which as of Jan. 23, has over 15,300 views. Then, various community members offered their homes as temporary or long term placements for dogs found across the city. In later statements, Austin Pets Alive’s social media team stated, “We’ve never had this few animals on site. Our hearts are exploding. You showed up. You waited in lines. You opened your hearts and your homes to keep pets safe and warm.”

How Can Austinites Still Help Austin Pets Alive?

Based on Johnson’s post, it’s still likely that Austin Pet’s Alive is still seeking “unicorns.” That is, potential foster families with no kids, dogs, or cats. And a backyard.

But, representatives from the group have confirmed via social media that there’s a line “out the door” for fosters. That means that most of their foster needs are technically filled.

That may leave people wondering, ‘if they don’t need any additional foster placements, what’s another way to contribute?’ Well, Austin Pet’s Alive’s biggest need right now is for more people to donate supplies and funds. The rescue group is seeking monetary donations, as well as Purina One dog food (lamb and rice flavor), dog bones, and towels. Monetary donations go toward “vaccinations, flea/tick & heartworm preventatives, and routine medical exams,” as well as transfer fees. They also would appreciate donations of warm weather items like blankets, dog and cat food, bottles of water, and dog chews.

What Other Shelters Can Austinites Support?

Johnson recommended that those who cannot foster with Austin Pets Alive work with Austin Animal Shelter, another group preparing for the inclement weather. Johnson confirmed in his TikTok comments that AAS is looking for short-term and long-term placements.

Then, there are viewer suggestions to support Williamson Regional Animal Shelter, which is also urgently seeking foster placements.

What About Cat People?

For those who are not canine-inclined, there are still opportunities to contribute to Austin Pets Alive’s mission. The rescue organization is also looking for willing barn cat adoptees.

According to the organization’s post, barn cats are “independent working cats who thrive with shelter, food, and a safe place to call home.” Considering the cold weather, these cats need placement as soon as possible.

For those interested, email barncat@austinpetsalive.org.

Austin Pets Alive will be closing at 3 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 24, due to the oncoming weather. On Sunday, Jan. 25, all Austin Pets Alive locations will be closed.

We’ve reached Austin Pet’s Alive via email and Johnson via TikTok direct message for more information on how to help. We’ve also reached out to Austin Animal shelter and Williamson Regional Animal Shelter via email to learn more about the organization’s current needs.