Original Article: https://www.austinpetsalive.org/blog/overnight-lifesaving-support-needed

Dec 07, 2021

In September of this year, a fire at a pet boarding facility north of Austin tragically took the lives of 75 dogs in the middle of the night.

Just days earlier, an overnight fire took nearly two dozen feline lives at a shelter in Florida. As much as we wish they were, these are not isolated cases. From natural causes like lightning and heat waves to accidents like electrical shorts, the causes of fire are innumerable.

At Austin Pets Alive!, we are ever vigilant and hyper-aware of the devastating effects of fire. We know that the number one way to prevent these catastrophic events is proper sprinkler systems and alarms. We have installed alarms that alert leadership upon activation, and cameras that enable us to view our facilities remotely, but we are not able to install an automatic sprinkler system due to the low water pressure available for us.

The next best thing is for us to have someone onsite 24/7 to monitor for any warning signs of fire and act immediately so that we don’t lose time moving animals to safety. The Humane Society of the United States agrees, recommending that “the shelter is left unmanned as little as possible.”

This is where we need YOU! We are in need of adding staff willing to work overnight 3-4 days a week. Ideally, we would love to have someone onsite who can assist with basic medical care as well. We are willing to train you! Apply to join our lifesaving operations and help protect APA! animals overnight by clicking here or emailing [email protected].

Source: Austin Pets Alive