At a presentation on Dec. 16, 2011  the Friends of the Town Lake Animal Center, now known as The Friends of the Austin Animal Center donated veterinary medical equipment valued at more than $31,000 to the City of Austin.

The money was raised by the Friends group at their Fall Green Gala held in October 2011.  More than 200 people attended the fundraiser and major sponsors included the ASPCA and Tomlinson’s Pet Supplies.   “We hosted the Green Gala to raise money to buy the equipment on the veterinarian's wish list as well as to bring positive awareness about our new Animal Center,” said Friends Board President Mindy Vescovo.   “By giving this gift of veterinary equipment, we help do our part in the continuing achievement of the Austin Animal Center being the best no-kill municipal shelter in the country.”

The equipment purchased is much-needed medical and high-end veterinary equipment such as blood analyzers, animal warming units and intensive care unit cages for the new Austin Animal Center. 

“We receive so many animals at the shelter that are severely injured and in critical condition,” said Shelter Veterinarian Dr. Linda Czisny.  “This equipment will help support these animals and give us a chance to save their lives.”

The new Animal Center has modern veterinary facilities which allows for better treatment of injured and sick animals. This gift from the Friends group will make the veterinary medical unit state-of-art.

About the Friends of Austin Animal Center

Friends of Austin Animal Center formed in 2006 as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization which seeks to improve the quality of life for animals at the City of Austin animal center and to support the programs of the animal center.

About Austin Animal Services

Austin Animal services runs the largest animal shelter in Central Texas, providing shelter to more than 23,000 animals each year and animal control services to all of Austin and Travis County. The Animal Center is an open-intake facility where stray and owned animals from Travis County in need of shelter are accepted regardless of age, health, species or breed. It is the goal of the Austin Animal Center to place all adoptable animals in forever homes.

The Austin Animal Center is open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily. More information about Austin Animal Services programs can be found at www.AustinAnimalCenter.org or by calling (512) 978-0500 or 3-1-1 for animal issues after hours.

Contact:

Communications and Public Information

Patricia Fraga, (512)974-2969