PAWS Shelter of Central Texas and Austin Pets Alive! Join Forces to Support Animal Welfare in Hays County

PAWS Shelter of Central Texas and Austin Pets Alive! Join Forces to Support Animal Welfare in Hays County

A new partnership is bringing together two well-known Central Texas animal welfare organizations with a shared goal: protecting more animals and strengthening lifesaving services throughout Hays County.

PAWS Shelter of Central Texas (PAWS) and Austin Pets Alive! (APA!) are joining forces to help continue the work PAWS has provided to the community for decades. By combining PAWS' local presence and experience with the resources and specialized support of Austin Pets Alive!, the organizations hope to expand their ability to serve pets and the people who care for them.

A New Chapter for Animal Welfare in Hays County

The partnership began after leaders from the PAWS Shelter of Central Texas and Austin Pets Alive! boards met earlier this summer to discuss ways to preserve PAWS' longstanding mission while building a more sustainable future for animal welfare services in the area.

As part of the new organizational structure, PAWS will continue operating as PAWS Shelter of Central Texas in partnership with Hays County Pets Alive!

Hays County Pets Alive! is a new Austin Pets Alive! initiative created specifically to address the needs of animals and residents throughout Hays County. At the heart of the partnership is a simple goal: save more lives while continuing to provide essential services to the community.

Plans to Reopen the Kyle Campus

One of the biggest priorities moving forward is the future of the PAWS facility in Kyle, which closed in mid-July 2026.

The organizations recognize how important the Kyle location has been to the community and are currently evaluating the facility and what will be required to resume operations. Although there is not currently a team working on-site at the Kyle campus, reopening the location remains a major priority.

In the meantime, staff will continue caring for animals currently within the organization's care while working toward restoring services in Kyle as soon as possible.

Expanded Services in Dripping Springs

The partnership also includes plans to increase clinic service days at the Dripping Springs location, helping make animal care and related resources more accessible to Hays County residents.

Maintaining uninterrupted community services is an important part of the transition as the two organizations work together to determine how resources can best serve local animals and their families.

Community Support Remains Essential

Animal welfare throughout Central Texas has long depended on more than shelters alone. Foster families, volunteers, donors, staff members, adopters, and other community supporters all play an important role in helping organizations care for animals in need.

With PAWS Shelter of Central Texas and Austin Pets Alive! working together, this new chapter aims to build upon that community support while expanding lifesaving efforts throughout Hays County.

For residents of Kyle, Dripping Springs, and surrounding Hays County communities, the partnership represents a significant development for local animal welfare—and one that could help ensure PAWS' longstanding mission continues for years to come.