They found dogs in flooded kennels and even a kitten trapped in a birdcage.
When powerful floods swept through Central Texas in mid-July, thousands of residents found themselves facing unimaginable challenges. Families were forced to evacuate quickly as rising waters threatened their homes, but in the chaos, many beloved pets were left behind and unable to escape.
As soon as the scale of the disaster became clear, rescuers from Austin Pets Alive! (APA!) immediately stepped in to help the animals caught in the floodwaters.
Brave Rescuers Enter Flooded Areas to Find Abandoned Animals
After learning that a nearby neighborhood had been evacuated due to dangerous flooding, APA! volunteers rushed to the area to search for pets that families had been forced to leave behind. Although the neighborhood had been closed for safety reasons, the rescue team worked with the local fire department to gain access and begin their mission.
As they entered the flooded streets, rescuers discovered animals trapped in dangerous conditions and wasted no time bringing them to safety.
Animals Found Trapped in Rising Waters
For hours, the rescue team pushed through difficult conditions, determined to save every animal they could find. They discovered dogs stranded inside kennels partially filled with water and even a small kitten trapped inside a birdcage in a flooded shed.
Using whatever was available — including their own arms, wheelbarrows, and emergency supplies — the rescuers carefully carried each frightened animal away from danger.
Their quick actions gave dozens of pets a second chance at survival.
Reuniting Pets With Their Families
Once every animal they could locate in the neighborhood had been rescued, APA! began the emotional process of reconnecting the pets with their displaced owners.
Because many families had lost their homes or were still recovering from the disaster, bringing pets and people back together required time, patience, and coordination.
Helping Shelters Prepare for an Overwhelming Need
Beyond direct rescues, APA! also partnered with local shelters to provide emergency support and make space for the many lost animals expected to arrive after the flooding.
During major disasters, animal shelters often become overwhelmed as hundreds of displaced pets arrive at once. Limited space can create heartbreaking situations for animals already waiting for help.
“During disasters like this, government shelters can receive many times their normal number of lost pets, and animals that have already passed their stray hold period are sometimes euthanized simply because there is no room,” Dr. Ellen Jefferson, president and CEO of Austin Pets Alive!, explained in a statement. “We are here to save those animals before that happens.”
Supporting Families Who Lost Everything
APA! has also been assisting families directly. In one case, the organization welcomed a litter of puppies after their owners lost their home in the flooding and could no longer provide the care they needed.
By taking in these animals, the rescue team helped both the pets and their devastated families during an incredibly difficult time.
A Mission That Continues Beyond the Floodwaters
Since the flooding began, Austin Pets Alive! has taken in more than 270 animals and continues working around the clock to support communities affected by the disaster.
Although the full impact of the flooding is still being discovered, APA! remains committed to protecting vulnerable animals and providing help wherever it is needed.
“We don’t yet know the full extent of the devastation in these communities, but we know their shelters are being pushed beyond their limits,” Jefferson said. “We’re not going to stop until we’ve done everything we can.”
Through courage, compassion, and teamwork, these rescuers have shown that even in the darkest moments, hope can still be found.