APA! seeks volunteers for new Elgin hub

One of the country’s largest nokill cities for sheltered animals is extending its interconnectivity throughout Central Texas with a new station in Elgin.

Austin Pets Alive! opened its freshly renovated Transport Hub in the city this past week, aiming to increase the number of lives saved from under-resourced rural shelters in the region. The station will connect rescues with space and adoption demand, and serve as a layover stop for pets who have been rescued from euthanasia, according to Director of Public Relations Luis Sanchez.

“We are thrilled to join the Elgin community,” said Sanchez. “The hub will not take in pets from the community, but instead partner with other shelters, like Bastrop County Animal Center, to provide assistance and resources.”

The new facility will be run by staff and volunteers, and community support is needed to meet the program’s goal of saving an additional 8,000 lives in the next three years, added Sanchez. APA! is looking for volunteers for hands-on activities with dogs and cats in Elgin, and behind-the-scenes work that indirectly supports the animals.

According to Best Friends Animal Society’s recent data, Texas has the most significant lifesaving gap in the country. A total of 74,495 dogs and cats were unnecessarily killed in the state’s shelters in 2023, but despite remaining the highest shelter-killing state, it also saw the largest decrease in shelter deaths.

Last year, 2,676 animals were transported from 74 source shelters to 65 destination partners through APA!’s Transport partnerships, according to Sanchez. When the organization was first imagined, Austin had a kill rate of 87% – today, the city has a save rate of 97%, one of the largest in the country, according to representatives.

“Through hardships, we have found inspiration; and through this inspiration, we have saved lives,” said the team.

APA! also pioneers comprehensive, innovative programs designed to save the animals most at risk for euthanasia, providing the resources and education needed to eliminate the killing of companion animals, according to the organization.

At-risk animals include orphaned puppies and kittens, pets with contagious and potentially fatal illnesses, animals who have suffered neglect or other traumatic experiences, senior and geriatric companions and any other pets who need an emergency lifeline.

The new hub, located at 929 Old McDade Rd in Elgin, is the result of a sizable $3.8 million grant from the Best Friends Animal Society. While not open to the public, there are plenty of volunteer opportunities accommodating to interests and time commitments.

More information and volunteer inquiries can be found at https://www. austinpetsalive.org.