Following a February 1 ordinance change approved by City Council, Austin Animal Center (AAC) has launched a finder-to-foster program.

Finder to Foster is a lifesaving program that allows community members who find a lost pet to register them with the shelter, receive intake vaccines, other necessary medical care, and a microchip, and be listed as a found pet in the shelter database. The pet will not have to stay at the shelter for the length of the 72-hour stray hold; the hold will still occur while in the finder’s home. If an owner does not come forward, the shelter is able to provide foster and adoption support.

“We have so many wonderful community members who want to help a stray animal,” said Mary Brown, customer service manager at AAC. “I’m excited that we’re able to offer this option for animals to get the full support of AAC foster program resources while also giving a dog a chance to be reunited with their owner, not having to be stressed in a shelter kennel setting.”

The program will be for animals found within the City of Austin or unincorporated Travis County. Finders willing to participate in the program must adhere to the following requirements:

• Live within one hour of the shelter since veterinary care is provided onsite
• Commit to helping reunite the animal with the owner
• Provide food and supplies for the foster pet
• Have up-to-date rabies vaccinations for all animals already living in their home
• Access e-mail regularly and provide transportation to and from AAC
• Follow all policies and procedures of the AAC Foster Program

Residents interested in participating in the program can learn more and submit a Finder to Foster request at www.austintexas.gov/page/finder-foster