AUSTIN, Texas — The Austin Animal Center is using portable air conditioners and fans to cool two kennel buildings housing about 80 dogs after the facilities lost air conditioning on Aug. 14, shelter officials said.
The city has made a temporary repair, but temperatures inside the two buildings remain in the low 90s, according to Elizabeth Ferrer, a shelter spokesperson.
Staff members are monitoring the kennel temperatures and the dogs, Ferrer said. She said no animals have experienced heat distress, heat exhaustion or illness and that staff have provided the dogs with food, water and access to cooler areas.
The kennels consist of enclosed rooms with vents and dog doors leading to outdoor areas. Ferrer said the spaces have limited air circulation. Frequent opening and closing of doors also allows hot outdoor air into the buildings.
Ferrer said the shelter has faced recurring air conditioning failures and difficulty obtaining replacement parts during the Texas heat. She said several employees have worked without air conditioning in their areas throughout the summer.
The shelter also remains over capacity.
To help reduce the number of animals at the facility, the Austin Animal Center will participate in the nationwide “Clear the Shelter” adoption event Saturday and Sunday. The shelter will waive adoption fees and have staff members available to answer questions about the dogs.