San Antonio Animal Care Services Urgently Needs Emergency Fosters and Adopters as Wet Weather Approaches
San Antonio residents have an immediate opportunity to help protect vulnerable pets as several days of wet weather approach the area.
The City of San Antonio Animal Care Services Department is urgently seeking emergency fosters and adopters to create space for dogs arriving at the shelter. A rise in weather-related animal calls, combined with already full kennels, has left San Antonio Animal Care Services, also known as SAACS, in critical need of community support.
For residents who have room in their homes, even a temporary commitment can make a meaningful difference. Every dog that is fostered or adopted opens a kennel for another animal that may be found lost, displaced or in danger during severe or rainy weather.
How San Antonio Residents Can Help Shelter Dogs
SAACS is asking residents to consider becoming temporary emergency foster caregivers or permanently adopting dogs currently housed at the shelter.
Emergency fostering gives a shelter pet a safe place to stay while helping the facility manage incoming animals. The shelter provides foster families with the necessary supplies and medical care, reducing the financial burden on residents who are able to temporarily open their homes.
Those who are ready for a longer-term commitment can visit the shelter to meet dogs available for adoption. Walk-ins are accepted, and no appointment is required.
Residents can visit the SAACS main campus at 4710 State Highway 151, San Antonio, TX 78227.
The department also operates a South Campus at 4630 State Highway 151, San Antonio, TX 78227.
San Antonio Pet Adoption Fees Waived Through the Weekend
To help more dogs leave the shelter quickly, SAACS is waiving all adoption fees through the weekend.
Each adoption includes spay or neuter surgery, age-appropriate vaccinations and a registered microchip. These services can help new pet owners begin the adoption process with essential veterinary care already completed.
The waived-fee adoption event gives San Antonio families a chance to meet shelter dogs while directly helping Animal Care Services create room for pets arriving through weather-related calls.
Adopting a dog remains a long-term responsibility, and residents should consider their household schedule, housing requirements, existing pets and ability to provide ongoing veterinary care before bringing a pet home.
For those who are not ready to adopt, emergency fostering offers another way to help during this period of high shelter demand.
Why Wet Weather Can Increase Shelter Intake
Periods of heavy rain and storms can lead to more lost, loose or displaced pets across San Antonio. Dogs may escape yards through damaged fences, become frightened by thunder or become separated from their families during changing weather conditions.
When residents foster or adopt a shelter dog, they help ensure kennels remain available for animals picked up through emergency and weather-related calls.
The department’s request is especially important because full shelters have limited flexibility when additional pets arrive. Community participation can provide the breathing room needed to continue serving animals from neighborhoods throughout San Antonio.
Residents can also help by making sure their own pets wear identification, have updated microchip information and remain safely secured indoors or in enclosed areas during severe weather.
SAACS Hours and Contact Information
San Antonio Animal Care Services is open during the following hours:
- Monday through Friday: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Saturday and Sunday: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Walk-in adopters are welcome during operating hours, and appointments are not required.
Residents seeking general information can call 210-207-4738.
To report an animal-related problem, residents can call 3-1-1 or 210-207-6000.
Residents can also contact the department through its online contact form HERE.
A Temporary Home Can Create Lifesaving Space
For a shelter operating at capacity, one open kennel can make a significant difference. A resident who fosters a dog for several days or weeks may help the shelter accept another animal with nowhere else to go.
Adoption can create that same immediate space while giving a dog the stability of a permanent home.
As wet weather moves through San Antonio, SAACS is asking residents to consider whether they can safely welcome a shelter dog, temporarily or permanently. Those who cannot foster or adopt can still help by sharing the urgent request with friends, relatives, neighborhood groups and local pet lovers.
Stay tuned to My Neighborhood News for additional San Antonio community updates, public safety information and local resources.
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.