Dog servicesin Austin, TX

A lost dog in Austin, TX has 72 hours at the shelter before it can be released for adoption or transfer, so start searching right away. Austin Animal Services posts lost and found listings and handles reclaims at the Austin Animal Center, 7201 Levander Loop, Building A, which also serves unincorporated Travis County. Reclaim hours are 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily, and the reclaim line is (512) 978-0556. You can also text the city's LostATX program at (844) 764-2125.

Austin repealed its ordinary pet registration, so most dogs need no city license, but the restraint rules are strict. Inside city limits, Austin Animal Services says you may not tether a dog unless you are physically there with it. Away from home, your dog must be on a leash or otherwise restrained unless you are in a designated off-leash area.

The city's dog off-leash areas include Walnut Creek Metropolitan Park at 12138 N. Lamar Blvd., Red Bud Isle at 3401 Red Bud Trail and the Great Lawn at Zilker Metropolitan Park. Leash your dog on the way in and out, keep its rabies vaccine current and leave a dog in heat at home. Near the water, Austin Public Health warns about harmful algae, which has been found in Lady Bird Lake: keep your dog from drinking natural water, and rinse its fur after a swim before it can lick it.