Austin-area animal shelters seeking foster homes for pets before freezing temperatures hit

With incoming freezing weather, Austin-area animal shelters are preparing for the low temperatures and are looking for the community to foster pets to keep them warm.

Forecasts from the National Weather Service office at Camp Mabry say there's a 30% chance of freezing rain late Sunday night and into Monday morning, with sleet a possibility.

Austin Pets Alive has more than 200 dogs that need to be fostered by Sunday. Sign up here to foster one.

The shelter also has 30 barn cats that are in need of a foster home. If people cannot foster a pet, the shelter is asking for monetary donations or these items: a portable charging station, extension cords of 50 or more feet, work light extension cords, snuggie disc bedding warmers, heating pads, hand warmers, headlamps and straw.

The shelter advises pet owners to keep their animals warm by bringing them inside and using sweaters or blankets. People are advised to check their engines for cats before they start their cars.

Trinity Surles, a spokesperson for the shelter, said during a Facebook livestream that most dogs needing emergency foster care are larger or older ones in outdoor enclosures at the shelter. She said the emergency fostering would be needed for a short time.

Freezing temperatures: Central Texas school officials prepare

"What we are really needing is for the community to come forward and foster some of these larger, 40-plus (pound) pets," Surles said. "We are really grateful to those who are just willing to step forward and foster any pet that we need out. That would really mean the world to us."

The Austin Animal Center is preparing for the cold front by asking the community to donate XL dog sweaters for its short-haired pets. Sweaters can be dropped off at the shelter at 7201 Levander Loop, Building A, in East Austin from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. The shelter has put other needs on its Amazon wish list at bit.ly/aacwishlist.

NWS warns: Freezing rain could cause dangerous road conditions in Austin on Monday

The Williamson County Regional Animal Shelter is seeking help to foster more than 200 dogs and 30 cats during the cold weather. If people cannot foster, they may donate towels, blankets and paper bags to the shelter.

"The drop in temperatures poses challenges for our furry friends, and fostering provides a cozy retreat for them to weather the cold with the love and care they can only get in a home," said April Peiffer, a spokesperson for the shelter. "Many of our adoptable dogs are in search of temporary shelter during these frigid temps, and your open heart can make a world of difference."

Peiffer said shelter staff members are working to place the animals in one area to make caring for them easier, and they have added insulation to the outdoor and indoor kennels. She said staffers are monitoring the situation to see if they will have to stay overnight with the animals.

Peiffer said that if the shelter has to close or staffers cannot make it to the shelter, they are ensuring that dogs and cats have enough enrichment and toys.

Those interested in fostering can visit the shelter at 1855 SE Inner Loop in Georgetown between noon and 6 p.m. People can see dogs that are available at wilcotx.gov/pets.

Texas freeze tips: How to stay safe and avoid the ER during Austin's cold weather

This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Central Texas animal shelters seek foster homes as cold front nears