Texas Flood Dogs Need Emergency Fosters as Search and Rescue Efforts Continue
Over the weekend, Central Texas experienced a devastating flash flood, causing the Guadalupe River to rise more than 26 feet in just 45 minutes. The result was tragic loss of life and widespread destruction. And it hasn’t only been people who were affected—pets have also been displaced, injured, or lost in the chaos.
Some dogs have been valiantly rescued:
Others are sadly being recovered:
Numerous animal rescue agencies are responding to the emergency, including Kerrville Pets Alive!, which shared an emotional update from the frontlines of the community’s search and rescue efforts:
“Pet recovery effort today in Louise Hays park in Kerrville. He was a beloved pet who lost his life. His owner has yet to be found. Kind people who knew his owner, took him into their arms. Thank you for the assistance from volunteers and Kerr County Animal Services.”
The group also shared the scope of the work ahead:
“There is over 40 miles of river where pets may have been displaced. Please report sightings to us by calling 830.200.0539 or emailing [email protected]
Meanwhile, Austin Pets Alive! has mobilized support teams and is providing ongoing updates via an emergency blog. They wrote:
“There will be a lot of pets hurt and displaced during this, and our support is needed. Our team is already in Kerrville, providing medical care onsite and transporting animals to APA!. We will be working with Kerrville Pets Alive! over the next several days and, if possible, bringing more pets from the Kerr County shelter. This will allow them to make space for the animals they are likely to see over the next few days and keep them closer to home.”
Other dogs and cats found after the flood have been taken to Kerr County Animal Services and are safe but need to be reunited with their families. Pets that were already in shelters before the flood have been relocated to the Williamson County Regional Animal Shelter, creating space for rescued animals. These displaced pets—along with the pets already in the system—urgently need fosters (to help make room for the pets being rescued), adopters, and help reuniting with their families.
What you can do to help
Volunteers:
- People willing to drive to pick up animals, and also to bring supplies.
- Volunteers to support with the intake, care and placement of onsite animals at APA!.
- Volunteers to help accept and sort supplies onsite at APA! for the next few days.
Fosters:
- Emergency fosters to help cats and dogs at APA! Town Lake and Tarrytown locations to make space for incoming animals.
Donations:
Donate supplies by purchasing and dropping them off at the APA! Cesar Chavez location. Drop offs can be made to their main visitor parking between 8:00 am and 6:00 pm.
- Supplies needed include:
- *flea/tick meds, vaccines
- airline kennels for medium to large dogs (26” in length to 36”)
- martingales (medium to large)
- small bags of food
- canned food (both dog and cat)
- cat and dog carriers for the car
- tarps
- towels
- supplies for those displaced from their home
Monetary donations can also be made at Kerrvillepetsalive.com and Williamson County, TX Animal Shelter. Donations can also be made to the Kerr County Relief Fund.
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