Here are some resources for those who find themselves struggling to house their animals.
Austin Animal Center After you have exhausted all other avenues, you can surrender a pet to the shelter, by appointment. Fill out a pet profile form (which you can find online at www.austintexas.gov/department/surrendering-pet), wait for city staff to call you with an intake appointment, and bring your pet to the appointment with its veterinary records. 7201 Levander Loop, 512/978-0500. www.austintexas.gov/department/animal-services.
Austin Pets Alive! Before turning to the shelter, visit APA’s website for info on its Positive Alternatives to Shelter Surrender (P.A.S.S.), which helps people find ways to keep their animals (through low-cost medical options, food, and/or behavioral resources). 1156 W. Cesar Chavez, 512/961-6433. www.austinpetsalive.org/get-pet-help/pass.
Emancipet Emancipet offers low-cost spays and neuters, rabies and other vaccinations, heartworm tests, microchipping, and more. Various locations, 512/587-7729. www.emancipet.org.
Love-A-Bull This local nonprofit started as a meetup for pit bull lovers in 2003, and currently uses its Pit Crew and other volunteer opportunities to educate the community about the dogs. Visit their website for a helpful list of animal-friendly housing options in Austin. www.love-a-bull.org.
Canine Good Citizen Find out about local installments of the American Kennel Club’s Canine Good Citizen program on their website. www.akc.org.
This article appears in May 6 • 2016.