Austin Animal Center shuts down intake, says shelter at 'crisis point'

AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Austin Animal Center is closing animal intake to the public, citing that its capacity is at a "crisis point," according to a city memo from AAC Chief Animal Services Officer Don Bland.

The memo, released Monday, states the AAC will stop accepting owner-surrendered and healthy, stray animals on Tuesday, July 2. AAC will continue to take on animals through animal protection officers that are a "clear public safety risk or are experiencing life-threatening illness or injury."

In May, the center said in a memo it was restricting intake to two hours a day while operating at "critical capacity."

AAC said it impounds, on average, "14 more animals every week than it is able to find outcomes for, such as foster, adoption, or rescue," according to the memo.

The memo lists multiple efforts the AAC is making to help its capacity issues, including sending dogs to additional, private boarding facilities at a cost of $5,000 to $6,000 a week.

The center is continuing its work with several foster programs and rescue organizations along with waiving adoption fees, the memo said.

AAC says if residents need help with an injured or loose animal, they should call 311 and ask for an animal protection officer and wait for the officer to pick up the animal. The AAC’s Lost & Found Pet website can help with animals that are loose but not injured, the memo states.

"AAC is committed to reopening intake as soon as appropriate kennel space is available for all populations of animals," the memo said.