The Williamson County Regional Animal Shelter (WCRAS) is experiencing a life-saving crisis in medium-to-large adult dogs and is requesting the assistance of the local community to get through it.
Compared to last year at this time, the WCRAS has taken in 200 more dogs, creating a critical issue as they have run out of space to house medium-to-large adult dogs. With over 170 dogs currently at the shelter, staff is stretched to the limit in their ability to properly care for these dogs. Over the past several weeks, more dogs have come into the shelter than have gone out each day, compounding the issue and creating this life-saving crisis.
The WCRAS has sent out pleas to the community and other animal welfare organizations requesting assistance with the 170 plus dogs currently on site, but the help they’ve received has not been enough. For the first time in years, the shelter will be publishing a euthanasia list.
“For more than 12 years now, the WCRAS has achieved a life-saving rate exceeding 90%, a significant feat for an open-intake facility. We are begging the community and our rescue partners to help us continue to accomplish this goal. Without the community’s assistance, we will have to make some very difficult decisions,” said the shelter’s Animal Services Director Misty Valenta.
To help make space, the shelter is offering free adoptions for all medium-to-large adult dogs. Appointments are not required but are recommended to reduce wait times. To see all of the adoptable dogs that qualify for this special, go to the WCRAS website. Then send an email to adoption@wilco.org to schedule an appointment for the shortest wait time.
For those not able to adopt at this time, fostering is available. Fostering provides a temporary home to a dog in need, which in turn makes room for another dog in need, creating much needed space to house all of the dogs. The WCRAS can help provide supplies, if necessary, and takes care of any medical needs a dog might experience while in foster care. To learn more, visit wilcopets.org/how-to-help.
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About Williamson County Regional Animal Shelter:
The Williamson County Regional Animal Shelter is a collaborative effort between Williamson County and the cities of Round Rock, Cedar Park, Leander, and Hutto. It provides a safe environment for the lost, abandoned, and homeless animals of these jurisdictions. Our vision is to save every healthy and behaviorally sound companion animal and to place each animal in a loving home.
1855 SE Inner Loop
Georgetown, Texas 78626
(512) 943-3322
wcras@wilco.org
Open daily from noon to 6:00 p.m.
Media Contact: April Peiffer, 512-943-3817