The details
The new campaign aims to raise $45 million to expand capacity at APA and to be able to effectively offer its range of services. APA's facilities are "dilapidated" and "on the verge of collapse," according to a news release.
"For many years, we've been preparing to rebuild. The goal is not just to rebuild—reimagine and rebuild," APA President and CEO Ellen Jefferson said in the release. "We're tossing out the traditional animal shelter setup and reconstructing APA in a new way to pave the way for a new model of lifesaving."
The $45 million target will help fund construction for a new:
- Hospital
- Rehabilitation center
- Transport hub
The nonprofit signed a 75-year lease with the city of Austin; however, the site for TLAC will not have enough land for the facilities needed, so the new hospital, transport hub and rehab center will be located throughout Austin, according to the release.
The APA website states that the new hospital and transport hub will be located in Sunset Valley and Elgin, respectively, with the goal of completion this year. Work began on the hospital in January, while work is slated to begin sometime this April for the transport hub. Additionally, the rehabilitation center will be located in East Austin, with construction estimated to begin in 2025 and be ready for animals by 2027, according to the website.
Demolition of the TLAC is slated for 2027, with the new site to open in 2028, according to the website.
"[APA] led the movement that made Austin the largest no-kill city in the nation, but no kill is no longer enough," Jefferson said. "We have to address the quality of care and sheltering, too."
Next steps
APA officials are working to fundraise the remaining funds needed for the new facilities. For more information, visit www.austinpetsalive.org/yesalive2024.
