AUSTIN (KXAN) — Dangerous floodwaters in Georgetown prompted an emergency evacuation of dogs and cats from the city’s animal shelter on Saturday. All shelter animals were moved to the Williamson County Regional Animal Shelter.
However, the regional shelter put out an urgent plea for help from the public for foster volunteers.
According to a notice from WCRAS Saturday morning, the regional shelter is already near capacity and overwhelmed. It asked for foster volunteers for at least 85 cats and 35 dogs.
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Dogs evacuated on Saturday morning from the Georgetown Animal Shelter, amid dangerous flooding in the area. (Courtesy: Williamson County Regional Animal Shelter Animal Services Director) -
Dogs evacuated on Saturday morning from the Georgetown Animal Shelter, amid dangerous flooding in the area. (Courtesy: Williamson County Regional Animal Shelter Animal Services Director) -
Dogs evacuated on Saturday morning from the Georgetown Animal Shelter, amid dangerous flooding in the area. (Courtesy: Williamson County Regional Animal Shelter Animal Services Director) -
“We more than likely will be getting animals from other areas in Williamson County due to the floods as well,” the notice read. It went on to say, “Fostering opens space for animals displaced by the floods and evacuation.”
According to WCRAS, foster volunteers can show up and do not need an appointment, but they can fill out a questionnaire in advance. The shelter is open until 6 p.m. Saturday at 1855 SE Inner Loop, Georgetown, TX 78626.
The shelter’s Animal Services Director told KXAN they are also asking anyone who finds a lost pet to keep it overnight and post about it here.
If someone cannot foster or hold an animal but wants to help, the director said they can also donate to the WCRAS General Donation Fund.
On social media, WCRAS said it would be operating on “emergency protocols” on Saturday, meaning it would limit public services to reunited lost pets in the shelter with their families and helping people interested in fostering or adopting, in order to help open up room and resources.
This comes as the Williamson County judge issued a local disaster declaration Saturday afternoon, as other areas in the county faced evacuations.