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.

Good morning, Texas. Here’s what you need to know today. 

Your Weather Planner

The first half of our Friday will be the final hours of preparation before the winter weather moves in. Expect rain on and off through the day for much of the state. A winter storm warning and extreme cold warnings go into effect over the weekend as our winter storm begins to unfold. 

Get your 7-day forecast: Austin | San Antonio | Dallas

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Around Texas 

1. ERCOT issues Weather Watch ahead of cold temperatures, grid conditions expected to be ‘normal’

The Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) has issued a Weather Watch for Jan. 24-27 ahead of incoming cold temperatures.

ERCOT says the Weather Watch is due to “forecasted below-freezing temperatures with the possibility of frozen precipitation, higher electrical demand, and the potential for lower reserves,” adding that grid conditions are expected to be normal during this period.

2. Airlines offer no-cost flight changes during winter weather threat

If you’re scheduled to fly out during the threat of severe cold weather this weekend, a few of the nation’s largest airlines are offering some relief.

Delta, American, Southwest and United Airlines are allowing passengers who are scheduled to travel starting Jan. 23 to change their travel plans at no extra cost.

3. TxDOT prepares roads for incoming winter weather

The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) has begun preparations in response to the incoming winter weather.

Texas Department of Transportation snow plows sit idle as a work crew, nearby, takes a lunch, Friday, Feb. 3, 2023, in Dallas. TXDOT continues cleaning off busy highways and streets that still have ice build up as the temperature is expected to dip down overnite in North Texas in the the low thirties. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)

Around The Nation

1. Major winter storm will bring heavy snow and dangerous ice across the country this weekend

2. Border Patrol says it won’t leave Minneapolis until all undocumented immigrants are detained

3. Trump says deal framework would give U.S. ‘everything we wanted’ in Greenland

Deep in the Heart of Texas 

Kristine Crump, right, and her husband Todd clean up debris from fallen branches Friday, Feb. 3, 2023, in their northwest Austin, Texas, neighborhood. Nearly every house in the neighborhood had trees damaged by an ice storm earlier in the week. (AP Photo/Nell Carroll)

Austin Energy says it’s ready for the potential storm

Andrew Anstrom has vivid memories of the 2023 winter storm that left Austin covered in ice. He’s the owner of a tree service company and was out helping the community clean up their neighborhoods.

The ice and snow were so heavy that they caused trees to topple over onto homes, cars and power lines. The damage left over 400,000 Texans without power at the peak of the storm. Over 170,000 Austin Energy customers were without electricity, according to Austin Energy. The utility company reported that 10.5 million trees were damaged.

Over two years since the ice brought the city to a standstill, Austin Energy officials said their modernized program is leading to improvements.