Free Pet Adoptions in San Antonio: Animal Care Services & PetSmart Team Up to Find Homes for Local Dogs
For San Antonio animal lovers, this weekend offers a heartfelt chance to change a life—and maybe meet a new best friend along the way. The City of San Antonio Animal Care Services (SAACS) is teaming up with PetSmart to host a special $0 pet adoption pop-up event on Saturday, January 17, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the PetSmart located at 8520 Fourwinds Drive, near Windcrest and the Northeast Side.
The partnership is part of a continued push by SAACS to find homes for local dogs through expanded community adoption opportunities. With no-cost adoptions available both at the pop-up and the main SAACS shelter at 4710 State Highway 151, residents from all corners of San Antonio are encouraged to take part.
Among the featured dogs available for adoption:
- Sandy, a gentle pup with striking golden eyes, found abandoned at a local playground and now thriving in a loving foster home.
- Tank, a large black-and-white sweetheart who has made a full recovery from injury and is ready for a fresh start.
- Rosey, a young mother whose puppies have all been adopted—now it's her turn to find a forever family and a backyard to call her own.
Every adopted pet will go home with a full care package, including free sterilization, a registered microchip, vaccinations, and access to shelter trainers.
Addressing the Need: Overcrowding in San Antonio Shelters
While the weekend event is cause for celebration, it also highlights a deeper need. Like many municipal shelters across Texas and the country, SAACS continues to face significant capacity challenges. According to a 2023 report by Best Friends Animal Society, more than 100,000 dogs and cats were euthanized in Texas shelters in the previous year due to lack of space and resources—making Texas the state with the highest shelter euthanasia rate nationwide.
In San Antonio, the situation reflects a national trend. Intake rates remain high post-pandemic, with fewer adoptions and fosters taking place compared to previous years. SAACS officials note that community participation is more crucial than ever.
Adoption and fostering remain two of the most impactful ways community members can support San Antonio’s animal welfare efforts. Whether residents commit to a permanent adoption or offer a temporary foster home, each action plays a vital role in reducing shelter overcrowding and giving pets a much-needed second chance. By opening their hearts and homes—even for a short time—foster caregivers help prepare animals for successful adoptions and a better future.
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Foster Families Save Lives Behind the Scenes
One of the most impactful—yet sometimes overlooked—ways to support the city's animal welfare efforts is by becoming a foster caregiver. Temporary homes help relieve shelter overcrowding and give animals a much-needed break from the kennel environment. Fosters also help socialize pets, provide medical recovery, and often increase a pet’s chance of long-term adoption.
National data supports the value of fostering. The ASPCA reports that animals in foster care are adopted at significantly higher rates than those who remain in shelters, with foster programs shown to improve both pet behavior and mental health.
Residents interested in fostering can get information at either adoption event this weekend, or by visiting SAACS.net, where applications and FAQs are available.
Make a Difference in a Dog’s Life This Weekend
Whether you're in search of a loyal walking buddy, a playful companion for your kids, or simply a furry friend to share quiet evenings at home, this weekend’s adoption events offer a meaningful opportunity to connect.
The PetSmart location is convenient for residents in neighborhoods such as Dellview, Windcrest, Terrell Hills, and Northeast San Antonio, while the main SAACS shelter on Highway 151 is easily accessible to those on the city’s west side.
Even if you're not ready to adopt or foster, SAACS encourages locals to spread the word, share pet profiles on social media, or volunteer their time.
Your next best friend could be waiting—and it won’t cost you a dime to bring them home.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.