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Storms Bring Deluge of Lost Pets to Shelter

Do you know me? This female cocker spaniel at the Austin Animal Center is thought to be someone's pet.
Photo courtesy City of Austin
Do you know me? This female cocker spaniel at the Austin Animal Center is thought to be someone's pet.

It was raining cats and dogs this week. And as a result of those storms, the Austin Animal Center is overflowing with lost pets.

Pets often respond poorly to extreme weather, and after heavy rainstorms blew through the Austin area, dozens of dogs and cats were taken to the Austin Animal Center. The City of Austin has taken note, stating:

On Jan. 25, the day after the storm, 33 dogs and 5 cats were found and turned into the animal shelter -- the highest animal intake for the year. These pets do not have identification so there is no easy way to locate the owners.  Many of the found pets are believed to be owned, as they are well groomed and healthy.  The dogs most likely got scared and ran away due to the thunder and lightning.

The Animal Center has posted some photos of new animals believed to be pets. You can also search for lost pets online.

The city emphasizes that lost pets sans identification can only be held for three days before they become eligible for adoption. That means lost pets could be adopted out starting tomorrow.

The center, located at 7201 Levander Loop, is open every day from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. 

Wells has been a part of KUT News since 2012, when he was hired as the station's first online reporter. He's currently the social media host and producer for Texas Standard, KUT's flagship news program. In between those gigs, he served as online editor for KUT, covering news in Austin, Central Texas and beyond.