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Austin Pets Alive! Finds Homes for Hundreds of Dogs Ahead of Winter Storm
Shelter sees record number of fosters as community steps up to help keep pets warm
Jan. 27, 2026 at 10:15pm
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Austin Pets Alive! (APA!) made history this week by finding temporary homes for over 200 dogs ahead of an arctic blast that hit Central Texas. The shelter's kennels, usually full, were left with only 18 dogs remaining as the community responded to APA!'s call for fosters. This allowed the shelter to provide better care and attention to the dogs that remained on site.
Why it matters
The successful foster effort highlights the strong community support for Austin's animal welfare organizations. With fewer dogs in the shelter, APA! was able to improve the quality of care and attention given to the remaining animals. This comes at a critical time as the shelter prepares to take in more dogs from rural partner shelters.
The details
APA! originally asked for 75 fosters to care for dogs during the winter storm, but ended up with over 200 dogs placed in temporary homes. This allowed the shelter to have only 18 dogs on site, compared to the usual 150. With fewer animals to care for, the staff was able to provide more one-on-one attention and outings for the dogs. APA! is now asking fosters to consider making the placements permanent or extending their stays as the shelter prepares to receive more dogs from partner organizations.
- On January 25, 2026, APA! put out a call for 75 fosters to care for dogs during the winter storm.
- Over the next 3.5 days, APA! placed over 200 dogs in foster homes, a record for the organization.
The players
Austin Pets Alive!
A non-profit animal shelter and rescue organization based in Austin, Texas that works to save the lives of homeless pets.
Allison Swearingen
The dog placement senior program manager at Austin Pets Alive!
What they’re saying
“Austin stepped up. We had hundreds of people come through our doors. We got over 200 dogs into foster in three and a half days, which is insane.”
— Allison Swearingen, Dog Placement Senior Program Manager (FOX 7 Austin)
“Just really thankful that our community is here for pets in Austin that aren't even necessarily their pets, but everyone just really wants to help. Everybody comes together to help the dogs and the cats, and it's just really a heartwarming experience to be a part of.”
— Allison Swearingen, Dog Placement Senior Program Manager (FOX 7 Austin)
What’s next
APA! is asking fosters to consider making the temporary placements permanent or extending their stays as the shelter prepares to receive more dogs from partner organizations in the coming days.
The takeaway
The overwhelming community response to APA!'s call for fosters demonstrates the strong support Austin residents have for their local animal welfare organizations. This effort not only kept hundreds of dogs safe during the winter storm, but also allowed the shelter to provide enhanced care and attention to the remaining animals on site.
