The devastating floods that swept through Central Texas over the Fourth of July weekend have claimed the lives of at least 104 people and left thousands homeless. But amid the heartbreaking search for missing loved ones, another silent crisis is unfolding—dogs separated from their families, wandering through ruined streets, or clinging to the last place they felt safe.
As floodwaters rose, dogs were swept from porches, yards, and arms. Now, animal rescue groups are scrambling to reunite pets with their families, even as the rain continues to fall.
Shelters Overflow as Rescues Pour In
Austin Pets Alive! (APA!), a nonprofit shelter recognized for its disaster response work, has taken in more than 230 animals in recent days—many of them dogs rescued directly from flood zones or relocated from shelters damaged by the storms. The organization has also mobilized volunteer search teams to comb through devastated areas, checking abandoned homes, culverts, and debris for signs of life. Many of the dogs are still wearing collars—frightened, injured, and waiting for the families they were separated from.
“We’ve had dogs come in covered in mud, shaking from fear, and with no idea where their people are,” said Suzie Chase, APA!’s community affairs officer, in an interview with USA TODAY. “Some were found alone in neighborhoods where homes once stood. Others were clinging to porches, waiting.”
APA! has coordinated volunteer search teams to canvass affected areas, checking abandoned homes, culverts, and fields for signs of movement or barking. Many of these dogs, shell-shocked and injured, are still wearing collars—signs that somewhere, someone is missing them.
“They’re the Last Link to Lost Loved Ones”
For families shattered by the floods, dogs have become a symbol of hope and grief. In several heartbreaking cases, APA! staff say relatives have contacted them to care for pets whose owners did not survive.
“We’ve had people call us crying, saying, ‘That dog is all we have left,’” said Dr. Ellen Jefferson, APA!’s executive director. “These pets aren’t just animals—they’re family members, and sometimes, the last connection to someone lost in the flood.”
Alongside APA!, groups like Kerrville Pets Alive!, Wilco Regional Animal Shelter, Austin Animal Center, and Hill Country Humane Society are coordinating rescue and recovery efforts. Foster homes across the state have stepped up to care for displaced dogs, but shelters remain full, and resources are stretched thin.
Supplies Needed—and So Is Compassion
As rescue operations continue and forecasts warn of more rain, Austin Pets Alive! is urgently appealing for support. Their teams are working around the clock, but with shelters at capacity and resources stretched thin, community help is more critical than ever.
The shelter is in need of plastic airline crates, flea and tick preventatives, vaccines, potty pads, and monetary donations. Supplies can be dropped off at APA!’s Cesar Chavez location between 12–6 PM daily. Financial contributions can also be made online to support emergency veterinary care, foster placements, and ongoing recovery efforts.
In addition to rescuing and reuniting animals, APA! is also offering cremation and memorial services for pets who didn’t survive. These services provide grieving families a way to say goodbye and acknowledge the deep emotional toll of their loss.
“This isn’t just about who we can save,” said Dr. Ellen Jefferson. “It’s about honoring every life touched by this tragedy—especially the ones who can’t speak for themselves.”
One Bark at a Time, A Community Rebuild
Despite the staggering toll, stories of resilience shine through. A senior Labrador was recently reunited with his owner after being spotted by volunteers four miles from home. A pit bull mix was found swimming alongside a highway guardrail before being pulled to safety. For every dog saved, hope is restored.
“This is Texas,” Chase said. “We take care of each other—especially the four-legged ones.”
As the community grieves and rebuilds, rescuers vow to keep searching—for every missing person, and every missing dog.
