Austin Pets Alive! has been changing the lives of at-risk animals for nearly three decades. Founded as an all-volunteer advocacy group, the organization set out with a simple but ambitious goal: save more animals. Today, that goal fuels a multiprogram nonprofit that employs nearly 200 people and mobilizes countless volunteers, all working toward giving vulnerable pets another chance to thrive.
APA!’s reach extends far beyond its shelter. It also operates a full-service veterinary hospital staffed by dedicated medical professionals, leads behavior rehabilitation programs, and responds to disasters when communities are in crisis. There is even a Positive Alternatives to Shelter Surrender (PASS) Program, which helps Texas families access resources when hardships threaten their ability to keep their pets.
Supported by a network of businesses and organizations, APA!’s impact surpasses Austin city limits. The nonprofit trains and educates hundreds of shelters across the country, sharing strategies that improve outcomes and adoption metrics.
“When you walk around our shelter, you know that every single animal there wouldn’t be alive if it weren’t for us. What always brings me comfort is knowing that they’re here now and they’re safe,” says Director of Public Relations & Communications Luis Sanchez. “We give them their second, and maybe last, chance to find a family.”
Sanchez first got involved with APA! when a neighbor working there recognized the difference he was making with another organization and encouraged him to check it out. Having fostered seven dogs—and ultimately adopting the last one—he deeply resonated with the cause.
Over the past three years, Sanchez has witnessed both the challenges and triumphs of animal welfare work. While the industry can certainly be emotionally demanding, he believes the rewards are immeasurable.
“This is our 15th anniversary of being a No Kill city, with Austin being the biggest No Kill city in the country. We fight hard to keep it that way,” says Sanchez. “It’s knowing at the end of the day that if we can maintain Austin as the safest city for animals, we’re doing something right. The gap sometimes feels a little too big, but we just keep on working at closing it.”
One way APA! closes that gap is through the Transport Program, which emerged from the winter storm of 2021, when shelters across the state faced unprecedented strain. Volunteers assist with getting pets into vans or onto planes as they head to their new homes with rescue partners and adopters outside of Austin.
Whether someone wants to get hands-on or lend their skills behind the scenes, APA! offers volunteer opportunities designed to fit a variety of schedules and interests. You can support data analytics projects, assist with social media marketing, or take part in walking, cleaning, and feeding. There are meaningful ways for everyone to contribute.
For those considering fostering, Sanchez emphasizes that patience is the greatest gift. During weekend sleepovers or month-long stays, make sure you give the animals time to adjust to your environment. Space and grace are the name of the game to make them feel secure.
And at the end of it all, you might just adopt!
“Even if you have a certain breed in mind, you’ll be shocked at how many purebreds are in the shelter system—Bostons, Frenchies, poodles, golden retrievers,” says Sanchez. “But even if you have your mind set on a breed, you might fall in love with something else entirely. Be open to visiting a shelter and seeing which animal is the best fit for your family.”
Ready to open your heart to a furry friend, or interested in donating supplies or your time? Learn more at: austinpetsalive.org
2025 Impact
- 7,831 adoptions
- 10,959 foster placements
- 10,794 intakes
- 2,559 pets transported
- 98,358 volunteer hours