San Antonio Animal Care Services and Petco Offer Free Pet Adoptions After Winter Storm
After a winter storm swept through San Antonio, the City’s Animal Care Services Department (SAACS) is stepping up recovery efforts with a heartwarming invitation to the community: come meet adoptable dogs and take one home—for free.
In collaboration with Petco Love, SAACS will host a special pop-up pet adoption event on Saturday, January 31, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Petco located at 3143 S.E. Military Drive. The event is part of a broader $0 adoption push happening now through Sunday, February 1, at the SAACS shelter, located at 4710 State Highway 151 on the city’s west side.
The initiative is designed to help San Antonio pets transition into permanent homes after a rise in shelter intakes related to the recent extreme cold weather. With kennel space tight and more animals arriving daily, adoptions and fostering are urgently needed to ensure the city’s no-kill mission remains strong.
Dogs Ready to Meet You
Among the dogs hoping to meet their forever families this weekend are:
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Natas – A caramel-colored senior with cloudy eyes but a heart full of love. He’s seeking a peaceful home to enjoy retirement and is known for sniffing out the best treats.
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Chonk – The name says it all. This energetic, chubby puppy is playful, lovable, and expected to grow into a large companion with a personality just as big.
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Dobby – Chonk’s smaller, wide-eyed brother who always seems to be worried—though he’s really just waiting for someone to take him home. Gentle and endearing, Dobby’s ready for cuddles and a stable routine.
Whether you visit the main shelter or the Petco pop-up, all adopted pets will go home with a full care package. This includes spay or neuter surgery, age-appropriate vaccinations, a registered microchip, and access to SAACS' on-site training resources.
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Helping After the Storm
Events like these are especially important following severe weather events, when animal shelters often experience a surge in lost or displaced pets. San Antonio residents are encouraged to not only consider adoption, but also learn more about the SAACS foster program—a year-round opportunity to make a lifesaving difference by temporarily housing animals in need.
“Fostering gives pets a safe and comforting environment to heal, grow, or simply get out of the shelter while they wait for a forever home,” SAACS officials noted in a statement. “It’s a vital part of our emergency response during winter freezes and other crises.”
How to Adopt for Free
To take advantage of the $0 pet adoption offer, visit either location:
- Petco Pop-Up: Saturday, January 31 | 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
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SAACS Main Shelter: Thursday, January 29 – Sunday, February 1
No appointments are necessary. Walk-ins are welcome and encouraged.
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Why Now Is the Time
Adopting a pet isn’t just a kind gesture—it’s a direct way to help San Antonio recover from the recent freeze. With shelters stretched beyond capacity and many animals brought in due to cold weather emergencies, finding homes for these pets is more urgent than ever. For families thinking about adding a furry companion, now is the ideal time to step in and make a lasting difference—both for the pet and the community.
For those unable to adopt right now, sharing the event with friends or signing up to foster still makes a meaningful difference.
To learn more about fostering, adoption services, and the shelter’s wellness offerings, visit SAACS’s official site at sa.gov/Directory/Departments/ACS.
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.