Press Release from City of Austin Regarding the #homeless and Pets

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 7, 2010
Contacts: Barbara Rush: (512) 925-2271


Plan Implemented to Provide Shelter for the Homeless & Their Pets During Extreme Cold Weather


The Austin/Travis County Health and Human Services Department has implemented a plan to shelter pets for homeless Austinites during cold weather events. A priority of the emergency response plan calls for sheltering pets at the same location as the pet owner.

“Our primary concern is that we provide our homeless citizens and their pets a safe and secure place to stay,” says Council Member Laura Morrison. “When the temperature dips to extreme lows, we want people to know they can come in from the cold and feel assured that they and their pets will be cared for.”

The City of Austin’s recreation centers, used as temporary shelters when demand is high, have indoor spaces that can be used to shelter animals with their owners. When a homeless individual is being transported to a recreation center, the animal control staff will transport their pets to the same facility.

The ARCH and Salvation Army are Austin’s primary shelters, but cannot accommodate animals indoor. For pets whose owners are sheltered at those locations during extreme weather, the pets will be transported to off-site shelter for the night and returned to their owner the next morning.

All Austinites in need of shelter, including those with pets should go to the ARCH. Located at: 500 East 7th St. (7th at Neches)
For help transporting pets to the ARCH – Call 305-4160 (ask for Manager on Duty)



Barbara Rush
Policy Advisor
Office of City Council Member Laura Morrison
512-974-1625 / 512-974-1886 (Fax)
Barbara.Rush@ci.austin.tx.us
http://www.ci.austin.tx.us/council/morrison.htm

Comments

[Deb Severance Durdel]

I would like to hear from Alan Graham. I am the sister of Duane Severance and I'm attempting to compile people's impressions of Duane to share with his children as they grow and mature. Your comments on your website were very beautiful. My phone number is 330 715 3211

[Nicole Tussle]

Indeed many people really need shelter. But one good thing about it, there are people that are willing to help. God Speed and may God continue to bless you all.