Lockhart Animal Shelter "Code Red Status"

If you’ve been thinking about adopting or fostering a dog in the Central Texas area, now is the time to do it!

Volunteers at the Lockhart Animal Shelter said they have had a recent influx of dogs and the shelter is now over capacity and listed as “Code Red Status”.

“Code Red” indicates an emergency situation, and the shelter will have to start putting animals down over the weekend if no one comes forward to adopt or foster. Volunteer and Rescue Coordinator Amy Baxter said the shelter has a total of 51 kennels but at last check on Monday, the shelter had six puppies, 77 adult dogs, and a completely full cat room.  

“They just keep pouring in and we have nowhere to put them,” Baxter said.

Over the past few days, 30 adult dogs were brought into the shelter.  Nine of those are boxers or boxer-mixes that were surrendered.  Rather than face large penalties from Caldwell County, the owner brought them to the Lockhart Animal Shelter.  

Baxter said this happens all too often.  

“People just don’t spay and neuter their pets.  They don’t seem to feel the need to keep them in their yard.  It’s basically irresponsible pet ownership that’s creating this whole problem,”  Baxter said. 

There is good news in this dire situation, though.  Several residents have stopped by the shelter in hopes of welcoming a new addition into their family.  Colleen Johnson hopes to find a dog that her young son can grow up with.

 “We’re kind of looking for one that’s an outside dog and can add on to our family,” Johnson said.
Normally, adoption fees are $55 for both adult dogs and puppies.  Volunteers said they are willing to waive the fee if it means they can clear out some of the kennels.  The shelter also has plenty of indoor cats available.

If you are interested in adopting or fostering one of their animals, the Lockhart Animal Shelter is open Monday-Friday 8:00 am-4:30 pm, and Saturdays and Sundays from 8 am-3:30 pm.  

You can reach one of their volunteers at (512) 376-3336.