Austin Pets Alive!

Austin Pets Alive! 🐾 Helping People Help Pets 🐾
Over 120,000 lives saved since 2008 Austin Pets Alive! Since 2008, APA! Page is maintained by APA! staff and volunteers.
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(APA!) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping to Keep Austin No Kill. has saved over 100,000 dogs and cats from being killed at Central Texas shelters. Comments seen as unlawful, obscene, spam or otherwise offensive will be removed.

Dogs are such an important part of our human experience. And once in a lifetime, if we're lucky, we get to meet our soul...
01/28/2025

Dogs are such an important part of our human experience. And once in a lifetime, if we're lucky, we get to meet our soul dog. And for Amanda, that's exactly who Matilda was, and forever will be.

To honor the life and legacy that Matilda left when she crossed the rainbow bridge, her guardian created a fundraiser, now in its 2nd year, to support Senior shelter pups, who are still waiting to unleash their full potential with someone who believes in them.

Pets like Mole, an 8 year old boy, will benefit from this fundraiser. Will you donate to Matilda's Senior Pet fund in support of sweet Mole and other seniors like him?

https://bit.ly/42wKXEL

01/27/2025

Zeus wearing our volunteer hoodie might just be the cutest thing we’ve ever seen 🥹

When you spend over 1,000 days in a kennel, you kind of become a volunteer by default. Four years is a long time for a senior dog to wait to be seen as their true self by a person who wants to take them home. Luckily, our ✨human✨ volunteers are a soft touch and ensure our dogs are well trained, enriched, and loved while they wait.

Just last month, after relationshipping and dog meet-and-greets, Zeus went to foster with people that saw his true colors! However, the urgency for permanent placement for him doesn’t change just because he’s no longer in a kennel. 1,460 days is long enough to spend without an adoptive home!

🧡 This month, we’re shining the spotlight on our long stay dogs and cats in hopes of finding them the ONE home that will give them their fresh start. Learn more about Zeus and his long stay friends at https://bit.ly/426Sj1C

Join us in celebrating Madame Butterfly! 🦋 This beauty has transformed from mom-cat to house cat – she’s adopted!Like ma...
01/27/2025

Join us in celebrating Madame Butterfly! 🦋 This beauty has transformed from mom-cat to house cat – she’s adopted!

Like many mom-cats, she was a long stay with APA!. Butterfly needed time to bring up good kittizens! Over 101 days, she raised her tiny babies into fat, happy kittens. Once they found loving homes, it was finally Butterfly’s turn to spread her wings.

In her new home, Butterfly’s life is full of lap lounging, paw holding, and turning playtime into a graceful performance.

We’re thrilled to see Madame Butterfly enter this new chapter in her life, along with the 38 other long stay cats that have found homes since January 1st!

🧡 This month, we’re shining the spotlight on our long stay dogs and cats in hopes of finding them the ONE home that will give them their fresh start. Meet the cats still waiting for a home at https://bit.ly/3CyEEGb

We’re not sure what’s cuter – Mole basking in the sun or his sweet smile. 🥹☀️Life as a senior shelter dog isn’t easy, an...
01/26/2025

We’re not sure what’s cuter – Mole basking in the sun or his sweet smile. 🥹☀️

Life as a senior shelter dog isn’t easy, and Mole has been in and out of the shelter way too much since 2021. What brings him back?

Meeting new people is a challenge for Mole, and so is seeing other dogs on walks. But cuddling up with his people on the couch? Easy! According to his previous foster, Mole’s dream day would include “...a brief morning walk to sniff out armadillos, a large breakfast, a nap, a car ride, another nap, treats, another car ride, an evening stroll, a large dinner, and then cuddling couch time.”

Senior dogs, no matter how many days they’ve spent in the shelter, deserve the comfort of a home regardless of their challenges. If you understand Mole’s boundaries and respect them, you’ll get a lovable squish to love, cherish, and devote your heart to. And trust us – he’s worth it!

🧡 This month, we’re shining the spotlight on our long stay dogs and cats in hopes of finding them the ONE home that will give them their fresh start. Learn more about Mole and his long stay friends at https://bit.ly/4h1hx6h

Shh! 🤫 Nobody tell Meowlena she’s 15! This girly is crazy for catnip and crunchy treats, rough skritches and b***y pats....
01/25/2025

Shh! 🤫 Nobody tell Meowlena she’s 15! This girly is crazy for catnip and crunchy treats, rough skritches and b***y pats. She loves spending time outdoors with her foster, exploring the backyard, or snoozing in the sun. But her favorite thing to do? Snuggling up with you!

Meowlena has been with APA! for over a year. Older cats are often overlooked, and become longstays in our shelters. But don’t miss out on a fantastic friend! Adopting a senior cat is one of the most rewarding decisions you can make, for the kitty AND for you!

APA! waives adoption fees for cats 7 years and up, so Meowlena is ready to join your family at no cost. You’ll bring home a companion who’s been perfecting her cuddle game for over a decade.

🧡This month, we’re shining the spotlight on our long stay dogs and cats in hopes of finding them the ONE home that will give them their fresh start. Learn more about Meowlena* and her long stay friends https://bit.ly/4g8IwM0

*Meowlena’s online profile is having some technical difficulties. If you can’t find her online, email [email protected]!

This is a VGD. What is a VGD you ask? Ollie is a Very Good Dog™️ who we can’t believe hasn’t been adopted in the three y...
01/24/2025

This is a VGD. What is a VGD you ask? Ollie is a Very Good Dog™️ who we can’t believe hasn’t been adopted in the three years he’s been in our care!

Does he have any hang ups? Of course… he likes to take really long naps with his humans. HUGE problem. 😉 But actually – Ollie is quite the catch! He’s been working hard on his reactivity to other dogs while walking on leash with his foster and our behavior follow up team and we’re seeing improvement every day.

If you’re looking for a big cuddle buddy who will keep you entertained with his antics and never fail to happily greet you at the door every day, Ollie is the dog for you!

🧡 This month, we’re shining the spotlight on our long stay dogs and cats in hopes of finding them the ONE home that will give them their fresh start. Learn more about Ollie and his long stay friends at https://bit.ly/4ayfFPR

Jeremy, a 10-year-old Chihuahua, was found in the jaws of a much larger dog, in the middle of a frightening attack. A ca...
01/23/2025

Jeremy, a 10-year-old Chihuahua, was found in the jaws of a much larger dog, in the middle of a frightening attack. A caring human stepped in just in time to pry Jeremy from the other dog’s mouth and rush him to emergency care.

Now, this senior pup’s made his way to us with multiple jaw fractures and lots of healing to do.

Jeremy’s injuries are severe. His broken jaw will take weeks to heal, and while he’s extremely sweet and cooperative, he flinches at the slightest touch to his painful face.

He needs round-the-clock pain management, soft foods to eat, and ongoing monitoring to ensure his jaw mends properly. With your support, we can give pets like Jeremy the medical treatment and love they need to heal and find peace after such traumatic ordeals.

🧡 Can you spare a few dollars for pets like this fragile Chihuahua today? Make a gift by clicking the donate button below or by visiting https://bit.ly/4h3MEOD

01/22/2025

Look at this adventure cat doing his thing! 🐾 Popeye loves his walkies and will happily follow you to find out what sights and sniffs are around the corner.

This friend’s journey has not been easy—he was rescued with extensive damage to the right side of his face. With time, and through the dedication of our clinic and his amazing foster, Popeye bounced back stronger, sweeter, and more handsome than ever (yes, he’s still the most handsome boy to ever live, don’t argue). 😍

Despite his fair share of struggles, Popeye is a remarkably warm and affectionate kitty. He’s more than ready to leave his past behind and find his person—someone who shares his love for snuggles and strolls.

A full year with APA! has given Popeye the strength to move on with his life. We’d love to see this long stay land in a loving home – could it be yours?

🧡 This month, we’re shining the spotlight on our long stay dogs and cats in hopes of finding them the ONE home that will give them their fresh start. Learn more about Popeye and his long stay friends at https://bit.ly/40axn7h

Have you met your soul dog? Amanda met hers more than 18 years ago, a homeless cattle dog who was hiding under her house...
01/22/2025

Have you met your soul dog? Amanda met hers more than 18 years ago, a homeless cattle dog who was hiding under her house in rural Texas.

The shy pup who became “Matilda” lived an adventurous life, traveling deserts, forests, and mountains throughout the U.S. and Africa, sharing her adventures on social media, and touching the hearts of many thousands.

When she passed away—at the incredible age of 18!—on January 17, 2023, her family of fans around the world donated more than $20K in her memory for senior dogs at Austin Pets Alive!. On the first anniversary of her death, they donated an additional $20K.

This year, January 17 was officially recognized as “Matilda Day” in Austin, Texas, a day to support shelter pups. “It’s like Giving Tuesday,” Amanda said, “only for dogs.”

Many of Matilda’s fans called her “The Betty White of Dogs.” She had the same joyful spirit. January 17 is also Betty White’s birthday.

“Matilda’s impact through her life and legacy has helped countless lives of senior dogs at APA!,” said Dr. Ellen Jefferson, President and CEO of Austin Pets Alive!. “Her legacy shows us what’s possible when a community comes together to care for the animals who need us most. But there are still countless senior pets waiting for their chance. On Matilda Day, let’s honor her memory by turning compassion into action for our companion animals.”

If you would like to donate directly to the Matilda Day campaign, please follow this link: https://bit.ly/42mipOe.

📸 Amanda St***za

01/21/2025

Bet you’d be zoomin’ too if you were a husky mix living in Texas 🌨️🏃💨

Mustafa is available for adoption! Zoom in to meet him tomorrow – we’ll be open from 12-6pm!

Due to inclement weather that may cause poor driving conditions, we are closed tomorrow, January 21. We will reopen on W...
01/21/2025

Due to inclement weather that may cause poor driving conditions, we are closed tomorrow, January 21. We will reopen on Wednesday, January 22.

Many of our animals are out on sleepover thanks to our amazing community and any of the pets still on site are being kept safe and warm.

We'll have essential staff on site to ensure the animals are warm and receiving their routine care such as meals, potty breaks, medical care and necessary clean ups.

We encourage everyone to stay safe and off the roads, but if you're out and about and want to help, our most immediate needed items are:

Straw (not hay)
Snuggle Discs
Heating Pads

https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/2JAF9GU8DFVSJ?

We’re open today, January 20! ❄️ Come meet available pets like Starlight and consider taking a dog on a sleepover during...
01/20/2025

We’re open today, January 20! ❄️ Come meet available pets like Starlight and consider taking a dog on a sleepover during the freezing temperatures.

No appointment necessary – we’re open from 12-6pm!

Adoption isn’t “goodbye” at APA! because it’s our goal to be there for pets (and their people) for a lifetime – pets lik...
01/20/2025

Adoption isn’t “goodbye” at APA! because it’s our goal to be there for pets (and their people) for a lifetime – pets like Elsa.

Almost six years ago, Alaskan Malamute, Elsa, was adopted to a wonderful family who has since spoiled her rotten. Then in November, they reached out to us regarding a concerning growth on Elsa’s face that appeared to be infected.

Their vet estimated that treating the growth would cost at least $3,000 – but due to economic hardship, they wouldn’t be able to afford it. And since we’re unable to treat owned pets, surrendering Elsa for care was a devastating possibility.

In hopes of finding alternatives, the family was connected to our P.A.S.S. team. And in just a matter of days, the team got Elsa an appointment with Emancipet and raised the $500 needed for her surgery!

Elsa had her surgery days later and is now recovering in the comfort of her home! 🧡 Helping People Help Pets isn’t possible without the community’s support. Consider donating today or gifting items from our P.A.S.S. wishlist 🔗 https://amzn.to/4as54pW 🔗 so that we can make more like Elsa’s come true!

Make way, an elephant is coming through! 🐘 🎺 Just kidding, our Elephant is gentle and will stop in his tracks to say hel...
01/18/2025

Make way, an elephant is coming through! 🐘 🎺 Just kidding, our Elephant is gentle and will stop in his tracks to say hello to you. This sweetie even picks up on how you’re feeling, giving you some extra love when you need it!

Elephant has a few minor health concerns (like the occasional bout of constipation) and sometimes needs extra care. Because of this, we haven’t been able to find him an adoptive home and he’s been with us for over 260 days.

We understand that he’s a cat with medical needs, but we know there’s someone out there who would love to watch out for him and soak up all of his love! Could it be you?

🧡 This month, we’re shining the spotlight on our long stay dogs and cats in hopes of finding them the ONE home that will give them their fresh start. Learn more about Elephant and his long stay friends at the https://bit.ly/4gZicoS

Questions about Elephants care? Write [email protected] to chat with his foster. Hand-in-hand with our clinic, we’ll answer any questions you may have and tell you what it’s like to live with this handsome guy!

01/17/2025

Four Christmases in our care is too many for a dog that survived parvo 🥺 and finds joy in the little things like pools, her close friends, and ALL of her toys!

🐾 Christmas 2021: Shelter life. Cold morning outings. Loving walks. Treats. Warm jackets.
🐕‍🦺 Christmas 2022: New people, same life. What’s a girl to do?
🏡 Christmas 2023: Scored a foster home! And parties, warm beds, and a present… or five!
🎄 Christmas 2024: Same foster home! Presents to unwrap and ya-yas to be had!

Ursula and her foster do their best with training, enrichment, and simply not being in the shelter – but Ursula doesn’t always show off her best self. She’s nervous meeting new people and can be sassy around other dogs, but she loves playgroup! All we ask is that you excuse her barks when you meet her for the first time and give her the second chance she deserves.

🧡 This month, we’re shining the spotlight on our long stay dogs and cats in hopes of finding them the ONE home that will give them their fresh start. Learn more about Ursula and her long stay friends at https://bit.ly/426Sj1C

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We're opening 1 hour late on Wednesday, January 15th. Our doors will be open to the public at 1pm. We a-paw-logize for a...
01/15/2025

We're opening 1 hour late on Wednesday, January 15th. Our doors will be open to the public at 1pm. We a-paw-logize for any inconvenience.

Murphy is only two months old, but he’s already fighting for his life. This tiny   pup is in critical condition in our c...
01/14/2025

Murphy is only two months old, but he’s already fighting for his life. This tiny pup is in critical condition in our clinic. He is so sick that our vets can’t yet pinpoint exactly what’s wrong, and he’s receiving intensive care for possible infections, parasites, and more while we search for answers.

Murphy just received a lifesaving blood transfusion from Romy, a dog in our care, helping him push through a little longer. But now Murphy needs you. This fragile puppy’s current treatment costs $1,500, and this may just be the beginning.

Murphy is still holding on, but his fragile body needs every bit of support we can provide. Every dollar you give today will help us continue his treatments and give him a chance at the happy, healthy future he deserves.

❤️‍🩹 Can you make a gift right now to help us cover the cost of Murphy’s care? Click the donate button below or visit https://bit.ly/3DRHs1s

Big on love, low on chaos – that’s Dick Dastardly! He loves to curl up on the couch… you bring the skritches, he’ll brin...
01/14/2025

Big on love, low on chaos – that’s Dick Dastardly! He loves to curl up on the couch… you bring the skritches, he’ll bring the purrs.

Dick Dastardly is FeLV+, but don’t let that worry you – he’s a happy, healthy boy living life to the fullest, just like any other cat. 🐾 He’s been with APA! for over 300 DAYS, and while he’s enjoying the comforts of his foster home, he’d truly thrive with a family to call his own.

🧡 This month, we’re shining the spotlight on our long stay dogs and cats in hopes of finding them the ONE home that will give them their fresh start. Learn more about Dick Dastardly and his long stay friends at the https://bit.ly/3DUvRyV

& if you have questions about FeLV drop us a line at [email protected], we love to talk about our FeLVies!

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1156 W Cesar Chavez Street
Austin, TX
78703

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Monday 12pm - 6pm
Tuesday 12pm - 6pm
Wednesday 12pm - 6pm
Thursday 12pm - 6pm
Friday 12pm - 6pm
Saturday 12pm - 6pm
Sunday 12pm - 6pm

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Austin Pets Alive! (APA!) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping to Keep Austin No Kill. Since 2008, APA! has saved over 60,000 dogs and cats from being killed at Central Texas shelters. Comments seen as unlawful, obscene, spam or otherwise offensive will be removed. Page is maintained by APA! staff and volunteers.

Prior to 2008 when APA! started rescuing and adopting cats and dogs, 50%, or 14,000 of the animals entering the city’s shelter were euthanized. APA! examined the gaps in existing lifesaving efforts and found there were groups of animals for which life-saving programs did not exist. APA! created programs targeting the groups of animals facing certain euthanasia. These programs lead to a measurable impact on the community’s save rate – and Austin’s status as the largest No-Kill City in the Nation. Through our innovative programs Austin has become the largest No-Kill city in the United States. Since our inception, we have found that almost every large city in the US has the same gaps as existed in Austin in 2008. We are now a model for communities nationwide, and through our American Pets Alive! program we train other communities on how to create and manage the same lifesaving programs so that ultimately no pets have to die unnecessarily in America.

Donate: www.austinpetsalive.org/donate Adopt: www.austinpetsalive.org/adopt Volunteer: www.austinpetsalive.org/get-involved/volunteer Foster: www.austinpetsalive.org/get-involved/foster Follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/austinpetsalive

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