Thank you for helping a found animal in our community!
This new resource available to found pets is vital in helping them be reunited with their owner. The shelter will provide you with initial supplies and resources to set you both up for success. Fosters will be able to utilize shelter programming to help with any medical or behavioral challenges experienced during their stay in foster care.
Participation in the Finder-to-Foster program is considered on a case-by-case basis. It can seem overwhelming bringing an unknown pet into your home but we have staff and volunteers available to help you every step of the way.
Requirements for Participation
- Animals must have been found within City of Austin or unincorporated Travis County.
- Fosters must:
- Live within 1 hour from the shelter (medical care is provided at the shelter and finder must be in close proximity to transport to AAC for medical appointments).
- Commit to helping reunite the animal with their owner and follow all steps in the Reunification Guide.
- Provide ongoing food and supplies for foster pets.
- Commit to keeping the animal for a minimum of 30 days (if not reclaimed or adopted before then).
- Have up-to-date rabies vaccinations for all animals living in their home.
- Access e-mail regularly and provide transportation to and from AAC.
- Follow all policies and procedures as outlined in the Foster Program Manual.
How to Participate
If you’ve found a lost animal and would like to submit a request to determine eligibility to participate in the Finder-to-Foster program here are your next steps:
- Submit a request for approval to participate in the Finder to Foster Program.
- Review the Finder to Foster Program Guide for more information.
- Fill out a Found Pet Report.
- Allow at least 72 hours for Pet Resource Center staff to review and respond to your request form.
Next Steps After Approval
- Staff will reach out to you to schedule a Finder to Foster intake appointment.
- Appointments are offered Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays between 1 - 4 p.m.
- Staff will schedule you for the next available appointment. Due to the amount of requests received, there may be an extended wait for an available appointment. Staff are working diligently to accommodate as many requests as possible.
- When you arrive for your appointment, your found pet will receive a wellness exam with our vet staff, intake vaccines and preventatives, and be microchipped. You’ll be provided a copy of their records and your Finder to Foster packet.
- After your intake appointment, the pet will start their 72-hour stray hold and will be listed online to give owners a chance to search for their lost pet.
- The Foster Program Manual will be your guide for any questions or concerns about caring for your found pet.
- For assistance with coordinating with a potential identified owner, please email animal.reclaim@austintexas.gov.