Volunteer

Be a part of the solution! There are so many things you can do to help out Austin's many shelters and rescues, outlined below:

Donate a few bucks
Volunteer at a shelter or rescue
Foster a pet for a rescue
Be a responsible pet owner

1) Donate a few bucks:
Rescues and shelters incur enormous costs for vet care, food, transportation, training, licenses, you name it! Any amount you can spare is always appreciated, but don't worry if you're low on cash -- you can donate your time as well.

2)Volunteer at a shelter or rescue:
It is extremely easy to volunteer at a shelter or rescue. You can help out in lots of ways:

Weigh more than a dog? Many times at rescues' adoption events, lots of unfamiliar dogs are crowded into a small space, and there may not be as many people there as dogs. By offering to hold a leash and keep that dog under control, you help reduce the chances of dogs running off or fighting.
Don't know a thing? You can also help by distributing fliers or pamphlets at adoption events, giving information about specific dogs to interested adopters, or referring inquiries to the appropriate person. If curious passers-by see that there is someone ready to help them, they may be more likely to stay and find out more.
Like to cuddle some kittens? That's right, you still get to say you're doing volunteer work even if all you do is show up and play with puppies or cuddle kittens. In fact, that's all some shelters will let you do!
Love exercise, or need to get in better shape? Offer to walk/run the dogs at any shelter or rescue's adoption event. Shelter staff and rescue workers often have high-energy, restless dogs in their care, and may not always be able to provide the level of exercise that is so crucial to keeping them happy and non-destructive. Plus, you'll get a workout!
Prefer not to work with the animals? Perhaps you don't want to smell like dog breath and cat pee all the time. Whatever the reason, shelters always need someone to perform clerical duties. This is because shelters usually cannot spare trained staff to man the reception desk, especially during work hours when most volunteers are unavailable.

3) Foster a pet for a rescue:
For those who currently have the time to devote to a full-time pet but can't make the long-term commitment that owning a pet entails. Fostering has many benefits and only one real drawback, which is parting with a pet you've grown attached to.

Benefits of fostering
Fostering is rewarding and fun. Also, it is practically free. The rescue will provide all vet care, which includes standard tests and shots but also covers any operations, medicines, etc. Many rescues provide food, crates/beds, and leashes; some also provide toys and treats. A few rescues provide free training classes for dogs, and others will show you how to train your dog at home. Also, there is never a dull moment when you're changing fosters, as each gets adopted and more need homes. You will acquire valuable skills in learning to work with different animals. This makes you an all-around more responsible pet owner and gives you a great background for when you finally get an animal of your own. Finally, you can feel confident that your foster pet will go to the best home because of the strict screening procedures in place for adopters. However, if you become too attached to your foster, you also have the option of adopting it.
Drawbacks of fostering
In order to foster, you must fill out an application showing that you are able to keep a pet in your current housing situation. Therefore, fostering entails the same pet deposit as keeping a pet of your own, unless you are able to work something out with your landlord (or you fool the rescue). You will also need to commit to some basic training, depending on how much experience you have and what issues each pet needs help with. Therefore, you may be required to attend a training class and work on daily training at home. This is also good preparation for having a pet of your own. Of course, when you commit to fostering, you understand that you are looking for a new adoptive home for your pet. To that end you will need to bring it to adoption days and promote it. When a suitable adopter is found, you will have to deal with the separation, and although it can be hard, you should feel pleased that you have helped an animal find a great home.

4) Be a responsible pet owner:
You can help reduce the number of animals that end up in the shelter system by being a responsible pet owner. Some of the most basic ways you can keep from being part of the problem include spaying or neutering your animals, not allowing your pet to wander around the neighborhood, and committing to care for your pet for as long as it lives. You can also help combat the problem of puppymills and backyard breeders by always adopting from a trusted non-profit, not buying animals from the pet store, choosing a reputable breeder /carefully screening anyone selling live animals, and reporting suspected backyard breeders or puppymillers to the SPCA.