Animal Care Services (ACS) in San Antonio is an open-admissions shelter, relying heavily on community support and partnerships to provide care for animals. Unfortunately, due to space limitations and resource constraints, euthanasia is sometimes necessary. This article outlines ACS’s euthanasia protocols, highlighting how they prioritize saving lives and the various programs available to help animals find loving homes.
When Euthanasia is a Last Resort
ACS emphasizes that euthanasia is only considered when all other options have been exhausted, including placement with rescue partners, adoption, medical intervention, and behavioral modification. Capacity constraints can also necessitate euthanasia decisions, ensuring the shelter can continue to intake animals in need. Euthanasia is performed humanely and is a deeply difficult decision for the ACS staff.
Understanding the Shelter’s Euthanasia Schedule and Procedures
Humane euthanasia is typically carried out at 12:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, and at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday. However, animals with severe medical conditions may be euthanized sooner to alleviate suffering. If you’re interested in rescuing an animal, contacting ACS staff at least 30 minutes prior to the scheduled euthanasia time via email ([email protected]) is crucial to allow for processing and response.
Various Programs to Help Animals at ACS San Antonio
ACS works with numerous partners and operates several programs designed to place animals in loving homes and avoid euthanasia:
San Antonio Pets Alive! (SAPA) Partnership
Animals housed in kennels labeled “SAPA Tran” are under the care of San Antonio Pets Alive!, a key rescue partner. While these animals are still at risk, SAPA works tirelessly to find placement for them. Inquiries about these animals should be directed to SAPA directly at [email protected].
Capacity, Medical, and Placement Needs
ACS provides lists of animals categorized by their urgency: “Capacity Euthanasia” for those most at risk due to overcrowding; “Urgent Medical Animals” needing immediate care; and “Pets in Need of Placement” encompassing all animals at the shelter. These lists help potential adopters and rescue organizations quickly identify animals requiring immediate assistance.
Specialized Care Programs
ACS has programs specifically for vulnerable animal populations. “Moms with Babies” focuses on finding foster or rescue placements for nursing mothers and their offspring. “Neonates” and “Orphan Puppies and Kittens” programs address the urgent needs of young animals requiring specialized care. These animals are generally available for foster and rescue only.
ACS Foster Care and Diversion Program
The “ACS Foster Care” program showcases animals currently in foster homes awaiting adoption or rescue. The “Diversion Pet” program involves animals temporarily held by their owners or private citizens pending appointments. These animals are not at the shelter and are not at risk of euthanasia.
How You Can Help Animal Care Services San Antonio
ACS relies on the community to help save lives. By adopting, fostering, volunteering, or donating, you can make a difference. Visit the ACS website or contact them directly to learn more about how to get involved. Every effort, big or small, contributes to their mission of providing compassionate care and finding loving homes for San Antonio’s animals.
