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Frequently Asked Questions

1. I lost my pet. Where can I look for it?

The Humane Society of Williamson County refers all stray animals to the Williamson County Regional Animal Shelter (WCRAS), so it's unlikely that your pet will be at the HSWC. Contact and visit your municipal animal shelter, like WCRAS or Town Lake. Smaller cities like Georgetown and Cedar Park also have their own stray intake facilities. You can check our Other Resources page for links to area municipal shelters. Even if your pet isn't at one of these places, keep checking back every few days. Pets have been known to turn up in shelters weeks or even months after they disappear. Animal control officers and concerned citizens bring lost pets to the shelters so their owners can find them.

2. I found a stray or wild animal. Where can I take it?

All stray pets found in Williamson County should be taken to the Williamson County Regional Animal Shelter (WCRAS). By having a single place for stray animals to go, it's more likely that an owner will be able to find their missing pet.

Baby birds and wild animals are best left alone. Do not pick up a wild animal. If one is seriously injured, sick, or threatening, you can call animal control. For more tips, advice, or assistance, you can also call Austin Wildlife Rescue, Inc. at (512) 472-WILD, or visit their website at www.austinwildliferescue.org.

3. I want to surrender my pet to your shelter. What do I need to know?

Check our Owner Surrender page for more information about the surrender process and eligibility requirements.

4. I would like to get a purebred pet. Where can I look?

Why not adopt a purebred? The Humane Society of the United States estimates about 25% to 30% of all pets in animal shelters are purebred. Come check out the available pets at the HSWC to see if your desired breed is here.

You can also check out a breed-specific rescue group that specializes in certain breeds. Often, the people who run these breed rescues are not only knowledgeable about their breed, but they are committed to educating potential adopters about the breed. Check our Other Resources page for a list of local breed rescues!

But please, don't discount mixed pets so quickly! Mixed-breed cats and dogs are just as loving, friendly, healthy, trainable, and loyal as purebreds.

5. My dog/cat has behavior problems that I can't deal with. What do I do?

Before you give up on your pet, remember that most behavior problems can be solved with a little detective work, and there are a ton of resources out there to help you. Check out our Pet Behavior Tips for help with the most common behavior problems.

Books, websites, behavior counselors, and trainers are all available and eager to assist you. Check out dogwise.com for a list of good books on training and behavior. You can also visit your local library. Go to Dr. P's Dog Training Library for lots and lots of links to sites dealing with all kinds of issues. You can also visit our Other Resources page to find a behavior counselor or trainer that can give you some one-on-one assistance.

6. What does "no-kill" mean?

The HSWC strives toward a "no-kill" community and follows a "no-kill" philosophy, but what does that really mean? In short, the HSWC will not euthanize any adoptable cats or dogs. We also provide services that we hope will ultimately reduce the number of homeless dogs and cats in our community. We hope this will enable our entire community to become a "no-kill" community, where none of the shelters have to euthanize because of overcrowding, and every healthy pet gets a permanent home.

We're not there yet, but with the community's help and support—with your help and support—we believe a "no-kill" community could be a reality here in Williamson County.

7. How can I help the HSWC achieve a "no-kill" reality?

There are many things you can do to help us reach "no kill" in Williamson County, including the following:

• Spay or neuter your pets and encourage others to do the same! The HSWC offers a low-cost spay/neuter clinic.
• Adopt your next cat or dog from your local shelter. Don't forget to check the available pets at the HSWC!
• Keep your pets' registration and rabies vaccination tags on them at all times. Consider getting your pet microchipped.
• Make sure your pet sees the vet at least once a year for a preventative checkup. Take your pet to the vet right away if you think your pet might be sick or injured.
• Train and socialize your dog from day one. Learn about dog and cat behavior so you can understand what they are trying to tell you. If you're having trouble dealing with your pet's behavior, find a professional behavior counselor or trainer to help you!
• Support the HSWC by donating or volunteering! We depend 100% on community support to reach our goals.

8. How old do I need to be to volunteer?

Children must be at least 10 years old in order to volunteer with the HSWC. Children between the ages of 10 -15 must be accompanied at all times by a parent or guardian who has also attended orientation.

9. Do I just show up at the monthly New Volunteer Orientation?

Space at our monthly orientation is limited, so please sign up in advance by emailing the Volunteer Coordinator at volunteer@hswc.net.

10. How can my group or club become involved in special projects at the Humane Society?

We welcome groups for special projects! The list of "things to do" is never-ending! Please check out our Group Projects page and then email the Facility Chair at klutz@hswc.net and share your ideas for a project.