AUSTIN, TX - Austin Pets Alive! (APA!) and the American Red Cross of Central & South Texas Region have partnered to help pets and people affected by natural disasters, fires, flooding, and other disaster relief. The partnership will offer Positive Alternatives to Shelter Surrender (PASS) program assistance to help those in need when the Red Cross is called to a scene and ensure animals and their families do not fall through the cracks when disaster strikes.

“We are thrilled to establish a partnership with the American Red Cross here in Austin,” says Dr. Ellen Jefferson, President and CEO of Austin Pets Alive!. “During times of crisis, support for pets is often forgotten and not prioritized, but we are grateful our local chapter cares deeply for our animals. We hope this partnership will give peace of mind and support to families when they need it the most.”

Through the partnership, the PASS program will provide Red Cross Disaster Action Team members with the ability to ask APA! for assistance with temporary pet housing, support for the cost of medical bills, food/supplies, and other pet-related needs.

"This collaboration extends our support network for families, individuals and their pets during times of disaster," says Anthony Triola, Disaster Program Manager for the American Red Cross Central Texas Chapter. "As many of our team members are fellow pet owners, we deeply resonate with the APA! mission and vision. Through this partnership, we aim to showcase the exceptional dedication and expertise of both teams, ensuring those we serve in crisis receive compassion and care for everyone in the family."

The American Red Cross of Central & South Texas Region, headquartered in Austin, extends its services to over 9.4 million individuals across Central & South Texas through its six chapter locations, by convening the community to prepare for, respond to, and recover from emergencies large and small. The Central Texas chapter serves the communities in Bastrop, Burnet, Caldwell, Fayette, Hays, Lee, Milam, Travis, and Williamson counties.

Austin Pets Alive’s PASS program helped with over 6,800 cases in Texas last year. The program assists people with pet rehoming, medical assistance, pet pantry, pet reunification, lost/found pets, and low-cost pet resources to ensure pets stay out of the shelter system. The PASS Program Facebook group currently supports 61,000 members in Texas.

Please contact pr@austinpetsalive.org and delia.krippelz@redcross.org for media inquiries or additional information.

About Austin Pets Alive!

Austin Pets Alive! (APA!) is a nonprofit animal shelter and rescue organization pioneering comprehensive, innovative programs designed to save the most at-risk homeless companion animals and educate others to do the same through its American Pets Alive! nationwide education and outreach division. A leader in No Kill sheltering in America’s largest No Kill city, APA! helps more than 12,000 dogs and cats annually in Central Texas and beyond get a chance at the life they deserve. To learn more about APA!, visit austinpetsalive.org.

About the American Red Cross:

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.