Looking to adopt your first dog or welcome a new pup to your family? We highly recommend going the rescue route and adopting from an animal shelter to help homeless animals.

There are a number of local organizations whose ultimate goal is to help every dog find their forever home. Here’s where you can adopt a dog right here in San Antonio.

Looking for a shelter or rescue close to home? Jump down to our map below for San Antonio dog adoption organizations near you.

Not ready to adopt but want to help? Becoming a foster parent is always an option, too!

Want to adopt a specific breed? Check out these breed-specific rescue groups in Texas!

Why Rescue?

Approximately 3.3 million dogs enter U.S. animal shelters every year.
Each year, approximately 670,000 shelter dogs are euthanized.
Nearly 1.6 million shelter dogs are adopted each year (about 670,000 dogs who enter shelters as strays are returned to their owners).

You can find monthly intake and adoption numbers from San Antonio’s Animal Care Services on their website to gain some insight on our city numbers.

These do not reflect numbers from other shelters and rescue groups in town.

(Statistics above quoted from the ASPCA)

Things to Know About Pet Adoption

Most local shelters have adoption requirements or an adoption application process for potential adopters along with a fee. Animal welfare and encouraging responsible pet ownership are a mission of just about every local shelter.
Adoption fees may cover spay or neuter surgery, vaccinations, or parasite treatment. Many organizations regularly run specials on their adoption fees.
It’s a good idea to schedule a meet and greet with your potential pup. You may even be able to bring a dog you already own to meet a dog you’re thinking about adopting. Call the shelter to make an appointment or check their calendar to see when they’re holding their next adoption event.

Things to Know About Bringing a New Pet Home

If this is your first time becoming a pet parent or to provide a foster home, you’ll want to make sure to research the things you’ll need to have before you bring your new best friend home.

Some things to consider include:

Pet food suited for your pet’s needs. Does your new dog have any dietary needs or a medical condition restricting the type of food they can eat? Also consider puppy versus adult dog food needs.
Food and water bowl
Collar & leash
Bedding and possibly a crate
Veterinary care—be sure to find a veterinarian you plan to take your dog to for well checks or in case your pet gets sick and needs medical care.

Where to Adopt a Dog in San Antonio

Animal Care Services, City of San Antonio

151 Main Campus | 4710 State Highway 151 San Antonio, TX 78227

Phone | 210-207-6666

Find all of Animal Care Service’s available dogs here.
Learn more about ACS’s adoption process here.

Animal Defense League of Texas

Main Campus | 11300 Nacogdoches Rd., San Antonio, TX 78217

Phone | 210-655-1481

Paul Jolly Center For Pet Adoptions | 210 Tuleta Dr., San Antonio, TX 78212 (Across from the zoo)

In 2019 ADL of Texas helped over 5,300 pets find their forever home.
Find all of their adoptable pets on their website.
Learn more about ADL’s adoption process here.

Footbridge Foundation

No standing shelter, contact this non-profit organization via email: info@footbridgefoundation.org

Find all of their available pets on their website.
Learn about Footbridge Foundation’s adoption process here.

Helotes Humane Society

10675 Shaenfield Rd. San Antonio TX 78254

Phone | 210-422-6242

In 2018, Helotes Humane Society had a 99% Save Rate
Find their current adoptable animals on their website.
Learn about Helotes Humane Society’s adoption process here.

San Antonio Humane Society

4804 Fredericksburg Rd. San Antonio, TX 78229

Phone | 210-226-7461

The San Antonio Humane Society conducted over 20,000 spay and neuter services in 2019
Find the SA Humane Society’s adoptable dogs here.
Learn about their adoption process here.

San Antonio Pets Alive! (SAPA!)

Building One at Animal Care Services | 4710 Highway 151 San Antonio, Texas 78227

Petco Foundation Adoption Center | 6001 NW Loop 410, Suite 103 San Antonio, Texas 78238

Phone | 210-370-7612

San Antonio Pets Alive! programs and services has saved the lives of over 50,000 cats and dogs since 2011.
Find their adoptable dogs here.
Learn about the San Antonio Pets Alive! adoption process here.