Keeping Your Pet in the Face of Challenges

When money gets tight or life throws a curveball, your pet shouldn’t have to pay the price. Whether you need emergency food, affordable medical care, or help with training solutions exist. Most families who think they have to give up their pet simply don’t know where to turn.

You found us. Now let us help you find a solution.

Our Help Navigator

Facing a Tough Choice About Your Pet?

Medical Emergency but No Money?

First, call a veterinarian immediately for advice!

Pet food running low?

Can't afford Spay and Neuter surgery?

Your dog keeps escaping?

Lost your best friend?

Found baby animals?

Ready to Add to Your Family?

Fostering and Needing Support?

Crisis Help

When You’re at Your Breaking Point

"I can't afford to keep my pet anymore."

Stop right there. Before you make a heartbreaking decision you’ll regret forever, let’s explore every option together. Most pet surrender situations have solutions, you just need to know where to look.

Immediate steps:

Check our resources below

Many services are free or low-cost

Reach Out to Family and Friends

Sometimes help comes from unexpected places

Contact the Bastrop County Animal Shelter

for advice.

Medical Care

When Your Pet Needs Help and Your Wallet is Empty

The midnight panic when your pet is sick and you're broke, we get it. But here's what we want you to know.

For Emergency Care Assistance, you can apply to The Animals Foundation:

Affordable Care That Won't Break You

Mary Barina Wellness Clinic

589 Cool Water Drive, Bastrop, TX 78602
512-999-7889
https://www.saveanangel.org/wellness

Tractor Supply, Whole Pets Market, HEB

These local businesses host vaccination clinics, call them for schedules

Essential Vet Care

976 State Hwy 71, Bastrop, TX 78602
(512) 412-6220
https://evcbastrop.com/index.htm

Fayette County Veterinary Clinic

227 Svoboda Ln, La Grange, TX 78945
(979) 968-3535
https://www.faycovet.com

When You Need Answers Fast

WhiskerDocs: 24/7 veterinary help by phone, chat, or email

Emergency Situations

Don't let money stop you from saving your pet's life.

Important

SPSN cannot fund medical care for owned pets (except spay & neuter)

Food Assistance

No Pet Should Go Hungry

We’ve all been there. That sinking feeling when you realize you can feed your family or your pet, but not both. Here’s the truth: you shouldn’t have to choose.

Bastrop County Animal Shelter Pet Food Pantry

Call 512-549-5160 to check opening hours

This isn’t charity, it’s community. Pet food pantries exist because neighbors help neighbors, and pets are family. There’s no shame in needing help feeding the animal who gives you unconditional love.

Training & Containment

Keeping Families Together

"My dog won't stop [escaping/barking/destroying things]. I'm at my wit's end."

Before you consider rehoming your dog because of behavioral issues, know this: most “problem” behaviors are fixable with the right approach. Your dog isn’t broken, they just need guidance.

Training Resources That Actually Work

Free, proven methods from experts who understand

Crate Training 101

Give your dog a safe space they love

House Training Guide

End the indoor accidents

Every Dog Austin

Local experts with real solutions

Escape-Proof Solutions

Dog Containment Options

Because coming home to find your dog gone is every pet parent’s nightmare

Know Your Rights and Responsibilities

Chaining dogs outside is illegal in Texas and for good reason.

If you see a chained dog, don’t look away. That animal needs help, and you might be their only hope. Call the sheriff or animal control.

Lost & Found

When Your Heart is Missing

Your pet is missing. Time stops. Panic sets in. Every minute feels like forever.

Emergency Search Plan

Contact Bastrop County Animal Shelter immediately

(512-549-5160) and check back every few days

Post in "Bastrop County Lost and Found Pets" Facebook group

with clear photos and details

Blanket social media: NextDoor, Craigslist, your personal accounts—everywhere

Use pet-finding technology:

Pawboost and Finding Rover apps connect you with thousands of volunteers

Physical search:

Post signs at the 6 busiest intersections near your home

Contact every local veterinarian

So they post your pet's information

Expert guidance:

How to Find a Lost Dog - Professional search strategies
How to Find a Lost Cat - Cats hide differently than dogs

Found a Pet? Help Reunite a Family

Somewhere, someone is crying over their missing family member.

For friendly strays:

For untrained animals:

Call Animal Control immediately. don't risk your safety

For community cats:

(Bastrop Only) Bastrop C.A.T.S. for humane trap-neuter-return

For wildlife:

Austin Wildlife Rescue

For livestock:

Sheriff's office

Pet Adoption

Growing Your Heart

Ready to add a new family member? You’re about to save a life.

Bastrop County Animal Shelter

Every animal at your local shelter has a story, and they’re all hoping their next chapter includes you. When you adopt locally, you’re not just saving one life—you’re making space for another animal in need.

Bonus: The shelter also hosts a low-cost wellness clinic for your new family member!

Emergency Contacts

When All Else Fails

Bastrop County Animal Shelter

(512) 549-5160

Sheriff's Office

(512) 303-1080

Animal Control

512-549-5160

Austin Wildlife Rescue

(512) 472-9453

A Final Word

You're Not Alone

Every pet owner faces challenges. Every single one.

Rich or poor, experienced or new, city or country, we all have moments when we’re not sure what to do, when we’re scared, when we feel overwhelmed. The difference between families who stay together and families who are separated often comes down to one thing: knowing where to find help when you need it.

You found this page, which means you’re fighting for your pet. That makes you exactly the kind of pet parent every animal hopes for.