Two Life-saving organizations. One shared mission.
Austin Pets Alive!, and PAWS Shelter of Central Texas have joined forces to create a sustainable No-Kill future for every animal in Hays County through Hays County Pets Alive!.
A Shared Vision for Hays County
We’re building a future to save more lives in Hays County — together.
For decades, PAWS Shelter of Central Texas has been a beacon of hope for animals in Kyle and Dripping Springs. Today, that legacy of love and care continues without interruption as PAWS joins forces with Austin Pets Alive! through the new initiative, Hays County Pets Alive!.
Hays County Pets Alive! was created to partner with the Hays community to bring expanded resources, support, and additional lifesaving expertise directly to Hays County. By partnering with PAWS Shelter of Central Texas, we are uniting our deep local roots with proven lifesaving programs to ensure that every pet in our community gets a true chance at the life they deserve.
This is an expansion of support to protect the mission this community built. Many staff members behind this program live right here in Hays County — including our CEO, Ellen Jefferson, and our new Hays County Shelter Director, Mara Hartsell. To ensure local voices continue guiding our work, two members of the PAWS Shelter of Central Texas Board of Directors will also be joining APA!’s board, and others will join an advisory committee of the Austin Pets Alive! Board of Directors.
Key Commitments
- No Gap in Care: Our Dripping Springs campus remains fully operational, providing comprehensive care to every animal.
- Reopening Kyle: Restoring operations at our Kyle campus is a top priority, and we are working diligently to reopen its doors as quickly as possible.
- Protecting the PAWS Shelter of Central Texas Legacy: Our campuses will keep the PAWS Shelter of Central Texas name for now, keeping the focus entirely on local needs.
Our Mission
  “To promote and provide the resources, education, and programs needed to eliminate the killing of companion animals.”
  Hays County Pets Alive! operates under the shared mission of our parent organization, Austin Pets Alive!, to ensure that every at-risk companion animal gets a true chance at life.
About Us​
- How We Got Here
This collaboration began when the leadership of PAWS Shelter of Central Texas and Austin Pets Alive! met to explore how both organizations could join forces for the animals of Hays County. To support this shared vision, Austin Pets Alive! established Hays County Pets Alive! as a dedicated initiative under its umbrella. Serving as the parent organization, Austin Pets Alive! brings proven operational and medical resources to partner side-by-side with PAWS. This union was created to honor, protect, and build upon the extraordinary legacy that PAWS has established in Kyle and Dripping Springs over the decades. Together, this joint effort strengthens the local safety net, ensuring that animals across the region continue to receive loving, high-quality care backed by expanded community support and sustainable lifesaving programs.Â
Financial Transparency
Every dollar you give stays focused on saving lives right here in Hays County. Because Hays County Pets Alive! is a initiative of Austin Pets Alive!, all donations are securely processed through Austin Pets Alive! as our 501(c)(3) parent organization. Rest assured, your generosity directly funds the care, treatment, and shelter of animals at the PAWS shelters.
Leadership
Dr. Ellen Jefferson, Veterinarian, President & CEOÂ
Dr. Ellen Jefferson is a Hays County resident of several years and is deeply dedicated to expanding lifesaving care in her own community. She is readily available for tours, community conversations, and to answer any questions directly.
- Jordana Moerbe, Director of Lifesaving Partnerships and Medical Care
Jordana coordinates all partnerships with Austin Pets Alive!, as well as medical care in all locations.
- Mara Hartsell, Shelter Director
Mara coordinates day-to-day operations and shelter care across both the Dripping Springs campus and the Kyle campus that’s reopening soon. She brings years of hands-on expertise to Hays County lifesaving efforts.
- Kristen Weathers, Shelter Manager
Long-time manager of PAWS shelters continues in her management role.She brings more than 25 years of animal welfare experience to Hays County.
- Board Representation:Â Two APA! board positions will be filled by former PAWS board members, and more local voices will join a board advisory committee. This brings together passionate local advocates and animal welfare experts to guide this partnership with a shared focus on transparency, community collaboration, and sustainable No-Kill initiatives
Programs & Impact
- PAWS Shelter of Central Texas: Providing direct, loving shelter care, rehabilitation, and adoption pathways campuses in Dripping Springs and Kyle (reopening late 2026 or early 2027).
- Hays County Pets Alive! Community Programs: Providing pet support services, including a pet food pantry, and compassionate rehoming assistance, with more services coming soon.
Get Involved
We are stronger together, and our lifesaving work is powered entirely by you — our fosters, volunteers, donors, and staff.
Ways to Support:
Adopt
Looking to grow your family? All adoptable animals and adoption inquiries are currently managed directly through the PAWS Shelter website.
Foster
Open your home short-term to give an animal a quiet place to heal and free up space in our PAWS shelters.
Donate
Every gift stays focused on saving lives right here in Hays County. Help us keep our campuses thriving and expand our programs.
FAQs
An Important Update About PAWS' Future
What is happening to PAWS?
PAWS recently faced a serious financial crisis that made it unsustainable to continue operating independently. Rather than close, PAWS partnered with Austin Pets Alive! (APA!), a fellow Central Texas animal welfare organization, to continue our lifesaving mission under new operational leadership.
Is PAWS closing?
No. PAWS will continue operating. The Dripping Springs location remains open, and our Kyle location,closed in July 2026 during the financial crisis, will reopen later this year or early 2027. (timing is TBD).
When does this transition happen?
APA! assumed operational responsibility for PAWS on September 21, 2026.
Will PAWS keep its name and identity?
Yes, with a slight change. PAWS Shelter of Central Texas in partnership with Hays County Pets Alive!
What happens to the animals currently at PAWS?
Caring for the animals already in the Dripping Springs shelter remains a top priority throughout this transition. Nothing changes about the commitment to finding them loving homes.
What happens to PAWS staff?
Current PAWS staff will become APA! employees, continuing their work in Hays County. This ensures the local knowledge and relationships PAWS has built over decades continue uninterrupted.
Can I still adopt, foster, volunteer, or donate to PAWS?
Yes. There are no immediate changes to how the community can adopt, foster, volunteer, or give. Any future changes to these processes will be clearly communicated in advance.
What happens to my existing donation, sponsorship, or partnership with PAWS?
We are committed to honoring donor intent and existing commitments made to our community partners as this transition moves forward.
Who is in charge now?
Dr. Ellen Jefferson, CEO of Austin Pets Alive!, now leads the combined organization, including PAWS operations. Mara Hartsell will lead daily on-site shelter operations at PAWS Dripping Springs and eventually Kyle.
Why did PAWS choose to partner with APA!?
APA! is a fellow Central Texas animal welfare organization with a strong lifesaving track record and existing ties to Hays County, including the CEO residing in Hays County. This made APA! a natural partner to help preserve PAWS’ mission.