As an open-admission shelter, City Of San Antonio Animal Care Services (ACS) relies heavily on the community and its partners to save animal lives. Euthanasia is only considered when all other options for placement, medical treatment, or risk mitigation have been exhausted, and when there is an urgent need to manage shelter capacity.
Understanding the Shelter Schedule
Humane euthanasia at ACS typically begins at 12:30 p.m. from Monday to Friday, and at 11:00 a.m. on Saturdays. In cases of severe medical concerns, pets may be euthanized at any time for humane reasons.
To ensure sufficient time for processing and response, it is essential to contact ACS staff via email at [email protected] at least 30 minutes before the scheduled euthanasia time.
Pets in SAPA Tran Kennels
Located in building #1 at the ACS 151 campus, the kennels labeled “SAPA Tran” are transition kennels. These animals are primarily under the responsibility of the rescue partner, San Antonio Pets Alive! (SAPA!). Animals listed in SAPA TRAN are still at risk of euthanasia and may not have confirmed placements yet. For inquiries about placement or pet care concerning these animals, please contact San Antonio Pets Alive staff directly at [email protected].
Animals Facing Urgent Situations
Capacity Euthanasia
These animals are in the most critical situation. If the number of animals entering the shelter exceeds its capacity, these pets are at immediate risk of being chosen for euthanasia to create space.
Urgent Medical Animals
Currently housed in the ACS clinic, these pets may have limited opportunities to be seen by potential adopters or rescue organizations due to their medical needs. If the clinic reaches its capacity, these animals could also be considered for euthanasia.
Animals in Need of Placement
Pets in Need of Placement
This category includes all animals currently at ACS who are seeking new homes. These pets are generally available for adoption to the public or rescue organizations.
Moms with Babies
This list highlights nursing mothers with puppies and kittens who still require maternal care. Finding placement outside the shelter environment as quickly as possible is vital for their health and well-being. These family groups are exclusively available for foster or rescue placements.
Neonates
Neonates are very young puppies and kittens who require extensive supportive care. Immediate placement is crucial for these vulnerable animals. These pets are only available for foster and rescue arrangements.
Orphan Puppies and Kittens
This group consists of orphaned puppies and kittens. They also need supportive care and are not yet old enough for standard adoption. These young animals are exclusively available for foster and rescue.
Animals in Foster and Diversion Programs
ACS Foster Care
These are pets currently residing in ACS foster homes and are awaiting adoption. Rescue organizations are also welcome to pull these animals from foster care.
Diversion Pet
Diversion Pets are temporarily housed by their owners or private citizens while awaiting appointments or further arrangements. Importantly, these pets are not on the ACS campus and are not at risk of euthanasia. They are available for Adoption and Rescue placement but are not eligible for Foster care.
