Aug 14, 2025

Thursday afternoon update: The dogs missing at the time of our original message have been found. We’re grateful that most are okay and are heartbroken that this happened and that sadly one dog has passed. Our dogs, staff and volunteers are going to need time to recover and heal. We’ve been asked what people can do to help now(thank you). The answer to that is fostering. Please come in person or email [email protected]. We’d love help with both the dogs directly affected that could use a quieter place than the shelter to recover, and also our other areas busy right now for staff so they can be given some space (like our kitties with ringworm at our Tarrytown location.)

Thursday morning update: Overnight, a break-in occurred at Austin Pets Alive!’s Town Lake Animal Center involving a single individual who forcibly entered the facility by damaging the keypad entry system. Once inside, the intruder released the majority of the dogs from their kennels. APA! has overnight security and the security officer tried to contain the dogs but unfortunately, the staff wasn’t notified until close to 6am.

Unfortunately, this incident resulted in several dog altercations. At least five dogs sustained injuries and one tragically passed away. The injured dogs are receiving veterinary care and are currently in stable condition. All cats in the facility are safe and unharmed.

There were many missing dogs as all gates between the parking lot and the kennels were left open but, thanks to staff and volunteers, all have been located, safely, except two dogs, Fish Stick Jones and Lynette, who are currently missing. Volunteers and staff are actively searching both on and off campus. The dogs that have been found are terrified after the ordeal.

Austin Pets Alive! is organizing search parties and inviting volunteers to assist. Those willing to help should visit APA! at 1156 Cesar Chavez, Austin, TX, to get an assignment. Injured dogs like Cowboy Caviar would recover best in a foster home.

“This is an incredibly difficult morning for our team,” said Dr. Ellen Jefferson, President & CEO of Austin Pets Alive!.  “The dog that passed was surrounded by people who loved him, and we will be honoring his life in a separate internal announcement. Right now, our priority is the safety of the remaining dogs and finding the two who are still missing and moving terrified dogs to foster homes as fast as we can where they can recover.”

Anyone with information or who spots one of the missing dogs is urged to contact Austin Pets Alive! immediately at 512-663-8643.

Please email [email protected] for interviews or additional information.

Source: Austin Pets Alive