Sep 22, 2026

We are thrilled to announce an exciting new chapter for animal welfare in Hays County!. PAWS Shelter of Central Texas (PAWS) and Austin Pets Alive! (APA!) are joining forces to save more lives. This partnership ensures the continuation of the vital lifesaving work that PAWS has championed for decades, now bolstered by the specialized resources and support of APA!.

This collaboration was born from a shared commitment to the health of animal welfare in our region. Earlier this summer, leadership of the Board of Directors at PAWS Shelter of Central Texas and Austin Pets Alive! met to explore a collaborative merger aimed at sustaining PAWS’s decades-long legacy of compassionate care. Under this organizational structure, PAWS will operate as PAWS Shelter of Central Texas in partnership with Hays County Pets Alive!. Hays County Pets Alive! is a new initiative of Austin Pets Alive! designed to focus on the specific needs of pets and people throughout Hays County. The number one priority is to save more lives.

Our priority is to ensure that the vital services available to the community continue without interruption. We know that many have been deeply concerned about the status of the Kyle campus, which closed in mid-July 2026. Reopening the Kyle location is a top priority. While there is not a team on-site in Kyle at this moment, we are evaluating the facility’s needs and are committed to restoring operations as quickly as possible. In the meantime, our dedicated team remains focused on providing comprehensive care to every animal in our care. Clinic service days at Dripping Springs will also be increased.

This mission is powered by you — the fosters, volunteers, donors, and staff across Austin and Hays County who make the lifesaving work possible. We are honored to open this next chapter with you.

To learn more about how this transition strengthens our shared commitment, please check out our FAQs and visit the new Hays County Pets Alive! Site! You can also continue to follow the incredible work happening at the PAWS Shelter of Central Texas.

Source: Austin Pets Alive