Austin Pets Alive!
Our Mission
Austin Pets Alive! pioneers comprehensive, innovative programs designed to save the animals most at risk for euthanasia. We are dedicated to providing the resources, education, and support needed to eliminate the killing of companion animals.
Our Story
Founded in 2008, Austin Pets Alive! emerged as a safety net when vulnerable, homeless pets in Austin needed us most. By identifying why animals were being lost in shelters and developing specialized care programs, we helped Austin transform into the largest No Kill city in the country.
How We Save Lives
We are a unique, results-driven organization that works alongside the community to save lives. Many of our animals live in foster homes, which allows us to provide personalized, loving environments that directly impact our ability to rescue more pets. Our specialized programs address specific needs—such as our Parvo Puppy ICU, Neonatal Kitten Nursery, and behavior support—ensuring every animal gets a fair chance to thrive.
Your Role in Our Journey
Adoption is a joyful partnership that saves two lives: the pet you welcome home and the space you create for another animal in need. Whether you are looking for a playful kitten, a distinguished senior, or a faithful companion, our team is committed to finding the right match for your home and lifestyle. We offer follow-up support to ensure that every transition into your family is a successful one.
Join Us
Ready to meet your new best friend? Visit our available pets online to see who is waiting for their second chance, or reach out to our team to start your adoption journey today. Together, we can continue to ensure every animal gets the life they deserve.
- Commitment to rescue mission
- Staff dedication
- Inadequate health disclosures
10/3 - Emancipet's East Austin Clinic Reopens, Renamed for Amy Mills
Austin's original low-cost vet clinic just got a 4,000-square-foot glow-up and a new name.
9/30 - Kyle City Council talks animal shelter, potential animal advisory board
We are your official news source that has been serving the Hays County community since 1903.
9/30 - PAWS merger aims to expand animal care in Hays County, reopen Kyle shelter
We are your official news source that has been serving the Hays County community since 1903.
9/30 - Central Texas animal shelters seek temporary fosters ahead of heavy rain
Two Central Texas animal shelters are asking the community to take dogs home temporarily as heavy rain and possible flooding approach the region this week.Austi
9/30 - Justin Theroux’s Rescue Dog Kuma Goes From Mange-Covered Shelter Pup to Protective Big Sister | GreaterGood
Heartwarming story: Justin Theroux’s rescue dog Kuma becomes a calm, protective big sister to the family’s newborn.
9/24 - Photos Taken 432 Days Apart Show What Waiting Did to This Shelter Dog
After 432 days in a shelter, one-eyed dog Spinach finally finds the loving family his devoted rescuers never stopped hoping for.
9/22 - PAWS Shelter, Austin Pets Alive! merge to expand animal lifesaving in Hays County
PAWS Shelter of Central Texas and Austin Pets Alive! announced a merger creating Hays County Pets Alive!, a partnership aimed at expanding adoptions, medical care and lifesaving services.
9/15 - Pet Friendly Housing Update – August 2026
APPA updates on August's pet-friendly housing initiatives across various states, highlighting ongoing projects aimed at improving rental policies for pet owners.
9/9 - Austin Pets Alive! Seeks Foster Families for Tiny FeLV-Positive Kittens Featured on Studio 512
Two tiny kittens from Austin Pets Alive! made a special appearance on Studio 512, and now the shelter hopes viewers will step up to help give them the care they need before they are ready for adopt…
9/6 - Shelter Pup Who ‘Just Needs a Friend’ Is the Sweetest Boy Alive
When he got what he needed, he was so happy!
8/13 - How Dogs Can Improve Your Health
Sponsored Content Dogs may be known as our best friends, but they can also have a positive impact on our health. Dr. Jessica Best of Ally Medical Emergency Room says that owning a dog encourages he…
8/12 - Studio 512 Pet of the Week: Meet Cowboy, a Resilient Puppy Ready for His Forever Home
If you’re looking to add a furry friend to your family, Studio 512’s Pet of the Week might just steal your heart. Meet Cowboy, an adorable three-month-old puppy from Austin Pets Alive! …
8/7 - Brisket, cats, two-steppin' and Paddling for Puppies. Plus, sweet adotable Beef!
The dog days of summer are here, and one Austin pup is ready to make your weekend a whole lot goofier.Beef, a 7-month-old mixed-breed dog at the Austin Humane S
6/12 - 70 Rescue Pets, Including 21 Formerly 'Severely Matted and Flea-Covered' Shih Tzus, Fly to New Homes - AOL
Austin Pets Alive!'s transport program has helped thousands of pets find homes across the country in just five years
6/10 - 7 Fun Things to Do in Austin This Weekend: June 10-14
From Austin Monthly's Burger Bash to the a dog-friendly baseball game, here's the scoop on what's happening in the city.
5/31 - Austin Pets Alive! gets $10K donation, pet beds
Austin Pets Alive! (APA!) received a $10,000 donation and 30 pet beds on Thursday.
5/13 - Pet of the Week: Meet Topher, a One-of-a-Kind Pup from Austin Pets Alive!
Looking to add a little more love to your life this spring? Meet Topher, a truly special puppy from Austin Pets Alive! who’s ready to find his forever home right here in Austin. At just six months …
4/17 - 70+ dogs need homes, fosters as Austin Animal Services grapples with ‘critical’ overcapacity
Austin’s city shelter is over capacity and desperately seeking new homes and foster homes for more than 70 pets this weekend.
10/7 - Nobody asked but in case you forgot. Hit the link in our bio to see all the wonderful pets available for foster or adoption here at APA! Or come see us at 1156 W. César Chávez St
Watch on Instagram
10/7 - When we celebrate our differences, the dogs always win!! As part of the lifesaving mission of APA!, we strive to help the dogs most in need and in October, we celebrate the dogs with different abilities-deaf dogs, blind dogs, dogs in wheelchairs, dogs overcoming traumatic injuries, surviving distemper, tripods and ones that walk a little different. Join us in finding the joy in the different and consider adopting a differently abled dog!
Watch on Instagram
9/24 - What do you get when you combine an easy going senior dog with a great foster home that allows you to be unapologetically yourself? Melon Loaf-that’s what you get! Waiting for the perfect adopter to come along since July of 2025, Melon has done well with kids, crowds (Austin FC mascot!) and home alone. Senior dogs are the best and Melon Loaf will make you a full convert!
Watch on Instagram
9/18 - Tomorrow is National Puppy Mill Awareness Day! Let's keep pups out of mills and practice safe & proper ways to adopt them 🐾🐶 #austintexas #localnews #adoptable #puppymillawareness #tvnews
Watch on Instagram
