Austin Pets Alive! seeking emergency fosters due to Bastrop County wildfire

AUSTIN (KXAN) -- A wildfire in Bastrop County that started over the weekend is now prompting Austin Pets Alive! (APA!) to seek people to help foster more than 100 dogs, the nonprofit organization said in an email to KXAN.

The wildfire was described as "extremely active" and has caused mandatory evacuations since Sunday, according to county officials.

APA! said it is working with the Bastrop County Animal Services (BCAS) to move a total of 142 dogs in their care that need to go "directly into foster homes."

The BCAS is the only animal shelter for communities like Cedar Creek, Elgin, Smithville and Bastrop. Since the animal shelter is full, this creates the "potential of displaced animals coming" and said "pets at the shelter are at risk."

Those interested in helping foster can go to APA!'s main location at 1156 W. Cesar Chavez St. to meet dogs already in its care. The nonprofit has extended its hours to 7 p.m. Monday and will be open Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

For those who cannot make it to APA!, they can also sign up as an emergency foster on APA!'s website.

Another way the community can help is by donating to APA! to help with costs to transport, care for and find a home for the dogs.