The Best San Antonio, TX Dog Rescues & Shelters in 2026

San Antonio pets alive

San Antonio Pets Alive! is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Due to alarming euthanasia rates, San Antonio Pets Alive! (SAPA!) was founded in 2011. SAPA! is unique, it is the only high-paced, high-volume rescue in San Antonio, saving 5,000 at-risk cats and dogs from euthanasia annually. Since its inception, SAPA! has saved more than 70,000+ dogs and cats. SAPA! provides safety nets for the dogs and cats that fall through the cracks of all other lifesaving options and end up on the euthanasia list at the city shelter, often with just hours to be saved. SAPA! promotes the availability of these dogs and cats to other rescues, adopters, and fosters.

Humane Society of the New Braunfels Area

While we are not funded by the city, the county, or any national humane organizations, the Humane Society of New Braunfels, a 501c3 non-profit, contracts with the City of New Braunfels and Comal County to house stray animals brought in by their Animal Control Divisions. We also accept stray pets brought in by citizens and if space allows, pets whose owners can no longer care for them. A small portion of our operating budget comes from the city and country contracts. We handle approximately 4,000 animals a year and at any given time care for approximately 100 cats and 100 dogs. The revenue we collect from our contracts covers approximately three days of care per animal and their intake vaccinations. If the animal stays longer, or needs any veterinary care, we rely on donations and adoption fees to cover those costs.

SNIPSA

Our mission is fourfold: to Rescue, Rehabilitate, and Rehome adoptable animals from high kill shelters and the community, and to encourage Responsibility within the pet owning population. By providing rescue, adoption, and offering low cost spay/neuter options, we are able to connect with our community and enrich the lives of our pet population.

Atascosa County Animal Control

Rosco's Rescue

The streets may have written their past, but you can help write their future. Help us be a part of the change. Whether you decide to donate, share a social media post, volunteer at an event, or open your heart and home to a rescue dog, your support turns our mission into a reality. Rosco's Rescue is fueled by the love, time, and generous donations of people just like you. Every cent contributes to a second chance. Rosco's Rescue is a 501c3. Tax receipts are available upon request. In a world where it’s easier to abandon than to stand up, Rosco’s Rescue provides a voice for the voiceless. We believe that every dog deserves a second chance, not just at life but at love. We focus on finding safe, and loving homes for at risk, sick, abandoned, neglected and homeless dogs. We go beyond matchmaking. Our dedication runs deep—we cover all medical expenses, bills, and support (belly rubs included) for each dog until they find their fur-ever home. That means, when you adopt from Rosco’s Rescue, you’re getting a furry friend who’s not just ready to love but is also healthy and happy too.

Animal Defense League of Texas

The Animal Defense League is supported through adoption fees, donations, grants, bequests from individuals, and special events to raise needed funds. Directed by a volunteer board and operated by a professional management and veterinary staff, ADL provides programs and services that strengthen the bond between animals and people. Through grassroots advocacy, education, and rescue, the Animal Defense League is the leading voice for dogs and cats in crisis. ADL Operates as San Antonio's largest and oldest true- no-kill shelter. This means that no animal is ever euthanized if it can be treated and returned to health. If the shelter reaches its maximum capacity of 400 animals, no additional dogs and cats can be taken in but no animal will ever be euthanized to make room for others. Animals can be brought in and cared for only as others are adopted.

Etosha Rescue and Adoption Center

Etosha was named after a salt pan and wildlife preserve located near Namibia, South Africa. Our founding director chose the name to honor her first love since childhood -- a Rhodesian Ridgeback, whose origins are So. African. Once considered rare, the Ridgeback is now a popular companion for many Americans and, unfortunately, also a target for unethical breeders and puppy mills. Texas currently has eight Ridgeback puppy mills that we're aware of, more backyard breeders than any other state, and tops the list for the highest number of purebred Ridgebacks in rescue. Etosha saves and finds homes for hundreds of Ridgebacks every year. Etosha was established in 1988 as a sanctuary for homeless Ridgebacks, Greyhounds, Mastiffs, Great Danes, abandoned hunting dogs and other large breeds. In 1990, Etosha became an all-breed 501c3 rescue that accepted mixed breeds, domestic cats, and exotics such as ferrets and guinea pigs. We also occasionally rescue injured or orphaned rabbits, deer, raccoons, birds and farm animals. Wildlife is returned to its natural habitat or transferred to other sanctuaries as soon as possible and farm animals are eventually moved to other, more appropriate facilities as well. Like most grass roots organizations, Etosha was created in a rural setting by simple country folks. What set us apart in the early years was a diverse membership that included dog show fanciers, hobby breeders, horsemen and women, environmentalists and volunteer firefighters. Having a diversity of personality and character in its membership was exactly what Etosha needed as a fledgling rescue to instill a sense of purpose and dedication which has served us well for more than twenty years. Etosha has evolved over the years to become one of the largest no-kill shelters in Texas, with the ability to house and care for up to 300 dogs and 100 cats year round. We are one of only a few organizations in a five-county area to offer immediate assistance for animals displaced by natural disasters. In the aftermath of hurricanes, Etosha typically rescues enough dogs from coastal areas of Texas to put us at maximum capacity for at least two months. Seasonal flooding in Guadalupe and surrounding counties also increases our number of animals once or twice each year. As a group, we invested many years in building relationships with other rescues and volunteers nationwide, which now allows us to place pets in permanent, loving homes in almost every state in the U.S., and a fair number in Canada as well. Etosha is forever grateful to our rescue partners, foster homes, foundations and animal lovers all over the country that believe in us and support our cause.

Trails End Retreat

Trail’s End is also an animal rescue (501c3) and a welcoming place for all kinds of critters in need. We work with multiple shelters in the surrounding area to provide a foster home for all types of animals waiting for their forever home. There are always dogs to take for a walk and you never know what else might be on the property from chickens, ducks or, goats to turtles, tortoises, maybe even a donkey, pony or pig! We are members of the Texas Wildlife Association, Comal County Beekeeping Association, The Texas Native Plant Society and also work with the Texas Butterfly Ranch to provide habitat for local and migrating species. Relax at this rustic getaway minutes from the Guadalupe River, Whitewater Amphitheater, Canyon Lake & New Braunfels, half an hour from San Marcos and Wimberly and an hour’s drive to Austin and San Antonio. Enjoy year round watersports, fishing & hiking, or explore the unique shopping, dining, wineries, breweries and live music this area is known for! Or just kick back and enjoy the nature, wildlife and rescued animals on our 10 acre, working homestead.

Humane Society of New Braunfels Area

The Humane Society of the New Braunfels Area (HSNBA) became a 501c3 organization in 1975 and incorporated in 1979. HSNBA has operated an animal shelter for 43 years. In those 43 years, there have been five executive directors. The first New Braunfels Humane Society animal shelter was located at 1920 Kuehler Avenue and opened in 1980. The land on which the Kuehler shelter was built was leased to the Humane Society by New Braunfels Utilities (NBU). The 5,000-square-foot shelter was originally built with one dog run, and eventually, 36 dog runs and 34 cat kennels were added. Over time, the shelter became too small to serve the growing community, and HSNBA also had to relocate because NBU was expanding its wastewater treatment plant at that site. In February 2013, the current 11,000-square-foot shelter built on Morningside Drive officially opened. The shelter resides on 16 acres of land owned by the Humane Society. In 2016, we added an onsite Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) spay/neuter clinic for feral cats in a large metal storage container that was converted into a holding area and a surgery area. In 2022, we added an onsite spay/neuter clinic for HSNBA shelter dogs and cats in a portable classroom that was converted into a surgery room and a recovery room. We still have lots of room to grow!

A Doggie 4 You

We at a A Doggie 4 You understand you want to do what is right for the dog that you have either found as a stray or can no longer keep. We have to be clear before proceeding, we are a volunteer run not for profit organization who is funded only by donations and adoption income. We are not able to go out to rescue a dog off the street nor we can not legally go on to private property for any reason. We are NOT the resource you need if a dog is in an emergency situation. We do not euthanize but we are limited by our space and resources. Our medical bills alone are almost equal to our income. Having said this we want to help when we can. If you have an animal you would like us to consider taking in please submit the surrender form below. Allow at least 2 business days for a response, sending multiple requests or calls for the same animal only slows the process. Submission of this form in no way guarantees we will be able to accept the dog.

Protecting Animals Within San Antonio (P.A.W.S.)

Protecting Animals Within San Antonio (P.A.W.S.) is a foster-based, 501(c)(3) non-profit animal rescue. We are not a shelter and are 100% volunteer only. We do not have a facility.​​​​ P.A.W.S. is unique because we have been the ONLY foster-based rescue in Texas that saves animals, sponsors student groups AND teaches animal welfare education. ​​​We present the youth in San Antonio with an opportunity to be a part of something where they can make an immediate difference.At Harlandale High School, we sponsor the P.A.W.S. Club. These students choose which shelter animals to save and become a part of their rescue story. Students assist during spay/neuter events and help teach our humane education curriculum to elementary/middle schools and through this, the community learns about responsible pet ownership and how to prevent cruelty to animals. ​​To date, P.A.W.S. has rescued over 800 dogs and cats.We have sponsored over 1500 free spay/neuter surgeries to the public at large by hosting mobile clinics through SNIPSA. We have provided over 400 spay/neuter surgeries, eye enucleations, and amputations for community-owned pets in need. Over 300 students have participated in and been educated about animal cruelty and its prevention during our P.A.W.S. camps which were postponed when COVID hit.Every year we try to add new components to our curriculum. For example, in 2017, P.A.W.S. camp offered students the opportunity to work with certified CCPDT dog trainers to learn the tricks of the trade.

Roxy's K-9 Rescue

We're a home-based rescue, which means all of our dogs are in foster homes learning how to be family members and loving companions. Roxy's K9 Rescue is a 501c(3) non-profit is run by volunteers saving dogs off the streets of San Antonio, TX since 2006.

Canyon Lake Animal Shelter Society

Canyon Lake Animal Shelter Society is a 501 (c) 3 non profit, no kill, limited admission animal shelter which enhances the quality of life and adoptability of animals abandoned, neglected, or at risk of being euthanized by other local facilities. All animals receive appropriate medical care, love, and the best care possible for however long it takes to find them a loving family and home. The ultimate goal is to ensure each animal placed in the care of CLASS is cared for with dignity, professionalism, compassion, and humility. CLASS is determined to make a positive impact and change the lives of the animals in it's care. Our efforts include: • Saving animals at risk of being euthanized at local facilities • Providing basic medical care prior to adoption and ensuring all animals requiring further care receive treatment • Performing temperament testing to better understan

City of San Antonio Animal Care Services

Seguin Animal Services

The Seguin Animal Services Facility is owned and operated by the City of Seguin with support from our community. We are a division of the Seguin Police Department and are here to help protect the health, safety and welfare of both people and animals in our community. In 2017, the City of Seguin opened a 10,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art Animal Services Center that includes spacious kennels and cat condos with window views, quarantine rooms, holding rooms, an operating room and a small dog park. Our staff works directly with the community to provide animal control needs. A full list of services can be found below: • Animal adoptions • Lost & found pets • Responding to stray animal or barking dog complaints • Investigating dangerous animals and animal bites • Removing animal carcasses • Enforcing city animal ordinances • Reducing pet overpopulation • Rescuing unwanted animals • Re-home pets to loving, protective homes • Low-cost vaccination events • Educational programs • Resource reference for wildlife concerns • Humane law enforcement

City of Schertz Animal Services

The Schertz Animal Services Division of the Police Department enforces the City’s Animal Ordinance and Texas Laws relating to animals, provides an animal adoption program, picks up and shelters stray, sick and/or injured animals, and investigates animal cruelty and neglect.

Charming pet rescue

We're a home-based rescue, so there's always someone around to care for the dogs and cats in our care. Most of our dogs are allowed to roam the main yard (as long as they behave themselves), and we have several food and water stations throughout. Every evening, the dogs are tucked into our kennel building with soft bedding. We also have around 50 foster homes that house our animals not located on the property. We also have two separate nursery buildings for mamas and puppies or kittens to stay safe and healthy. Our sick bay quarantines any dogs that get an illness or injury that requires special care and separation from the pack. Each of these additions has a/c and heat as needed to keep them comfortable. Since we began in March of 2015, we've worked on adding improvements each year to make life as good as possible for the dogs and cats during their (hopefully) short stay with us. Our focus is family-friendly pets who get along with everyone. Of course, we sometimes don't know a pets temperament until we meet, but we work hard to ensure pets are going to the right homes for them.

TracysPawsRescue

Converse Animal Shelter Inc

In 1982, Casi began rescuing and re-homing dogs and cats as one of the first no-kill shelters in the San Antonio area. Our shelter was build on land donated by George Ammeman, with donations, volunteers and lots of hard work. Since then over 20,000 helpless, abandoned, unwanted, sick, and lost animals have come through our gates. We offer people a way to find a new best friend while saving a life. We also provide opportunities and community support events that advance responsible pet ownership and the humane treatment of pets. Please help us help these needy pets with a donation. No amount is too small. Visit our how you can help page for more ways you can help the Converse Animal Shelter.

Cowboy Capital Pet Assistance League

The Cowboy Capital Pet Assistance League, Inc. (C.C.P.A.L.) is a no-kill, 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization serving all of Bandera County, Texas. Our primary purpose is to provide safe, loving, permanent homes for the county strays & for those already in foster homes. C.C.P.A.L. seeks to reduce the enormous problem of pet overpopulation in Bandera County. We promote low-cost spay/neuter programs; advise on basic health care & proper shelter for pets & offer excellent dog obedience classes several times each year. Our fostering program & training classes socialize pets & help make them more adoptable. Since our inception in February 2002, C.C.P.A.L. has rescued nearly 5,000 animals. We currently house 100+ dogs and puppies and are in constant need of foster homes for these pets until we find them permanent homes.

Blue Angel German Shepherd Dog Rescue - Rescuers United for Furry Friends (R.U.F.F.)

Blue Angel German Shepherd Dog Rescue operates under the 501c3 nonprofit umbrella of Rescuers United for Furry Friends (R.U.F.F.)

City of Converse Animal Care Facility

Converse Animal Care is responsible for: · Providing a safe humane shelter for unwanted, stray, abused, and impounded animals in accordance with state and city regulations in a cost-efficient and effective manner · Balancing the health, public safety, and welfare needs of people and animals · Enforcing animal related laws responsibly · Community outreach on responsible animal ownership · Investigating cases where animal care is questionable · Finding new loving homes for homeless animals at our shelter

Footbridge foundation

Wendy Black fostered dogs for many years, and she always enjoyed walking them through the King William neighborhood and across the footbridge on Johnson Street. One day it struck her that the bridge itself was becoming symbolic. Around the time the dogs got the hang of their claws touching the metal surface of the bridge, they also forgot their desperate pasts and became ready to move into their happy futures. Shortly after this revelation, Wendy created a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and Footbridge Foundation was born. Over the last five years, Footbridge Foundation, along with the kind and dedicated help of donors, fosters, and volunteers, has saved the lives of thousands of dogs and cats. The organization is on track to rescue and adopt out at least 450 animals this year alone. To fund their charitable animal rescue efforts, Footbridge Foundation relies solely on the much-needed donations of generous supporters.

Southwest English Setter Rescue

Established in 2012, Southwest English Setter Rescue (SWESR) is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit charitable organization and is incorporated in the state of Texas. Our founding members and volunteers have decades of experience in animal rescue and specifically English Setter rescue. We share a love for English Setters and an in-depth understanding of this wonderful breed. SWESR dogs are rescued from shelters and hunting operations in the Southwest USA which includes Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Colorado, Utah, Nevada, Arizona and California. We also work with individuals in the Southwest USA who wish to rehome their Setters. All SWESR dogs live in foster homes where their energy level, temperament, training and other skills can be assessed prior to adoption. All our dogs receive a complete vet exam, are spayed or neutered, brought up-to-date on vaccinations, tested and treated (if needed) for heartworms and other parasites, given heartworm prevention, and micro-chipped. We welcome prospective adopters in the contiguous USA. Because our goal is to make the best possible placement for each dog, we work closely with prospective adopters to ensure a successful match. Because we require home visits before adoption, applicants in remote areas and/or outside of the Southwest USA may need to be patient while we locate a volunteer to assist us. We encourage adopters to drive to pick up their adopted Setter from their foster home whenever this is possible. If an adopter is unable to drive to the foster location to pick up the dog being adopted, transports within the Southwest USA may be arranged on a case-by-case basis on some routes through our network of volunteer drivers. SWESR is wholly dependent on our adoption fees and private donations to meet our expenses. All donations go directly to the care of our rescue dogs. We need volunteers to support our efforts, especially foster homes, in Texas, Oklahoma, Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona, Utah, Nevada and California. Please consider making a donation or volunteering for SWESR.

Universal City Animal Care & Control

Animal Care and Control serves the citizens and animals within the city limits of Universal City and is committed to providing animal control by enforcement of our City Animal Ordinances and State Law; as well as provide care for the animals which are brought into our facility. Animal Care and Control along with the support of Homes for the Homeless, the City's designated humane organization, strive to provide low cost adoption programs for our adoptable animals, promote the importance of spaying and neutering dogs and cats in order to reduce the number of homeless, unwanted animals, and to promote responsible pet ownership throughout our community. It is our hope that the Universal City Animal Care & Control can educate our community to gain a better understanding about animal control, the services we provide, and the responsibilities and obligations that are part of being a responsible pet owner.

Diamond Dachshund Rescue of Texas

Sierra's K9 Rescue and Rehab

Sierra's K9 R&R is dedicated to saving street dogs of San Antonio and surrounding areas. We want those dogs to know that there are people out there willing to help them and give them a voice.

Kendall County Animal Shelter

Our shelter opened its door in 2010 and since then we continue to strive to give every animal in our care the best opportunity for adoption.

Bexar County Animal Facility

The Bexar County Animal Facility (BCAF) is the county’s only shelter to house animals for Bexar County Animal Control Services. Created in late 2013, the department helps constituents of the unincorporated areas of Bexar County with loose animals that cause a threat to health and human life. The facility is located at 5510 Duffek Drive in Kirby, TX 78219. At that __cpLocation, we house 60 kennels for stray, abandoned, and abused dogs of unincorporated Bexar County. If you suspect your animal has been picked up, please call the BCAF Intake at 210-209-5687. To report stray dogs, residents of unincorporated Bexar County should call our Animal Control Dispatch at 210-335-9000. Animal cruelty is handled by the Bexar County Sheriff’s Office. If you suspect animal cruelty, please contact the Sheriff’s Office at 210-335-6000; press option 1.

Helotes humane society

The Helotes Humane Society's mission is to promote the benevolent treatment of animals and provide humane education. Our group takes in neglected, abandoned, and unwanted dogs and cats. We spay and neuter them, medically treat them, and get them ready for adoption. We are a non-profit organization dedicated to placing unwanted animals in Helotes, Texas and the surrounding San Antonio community into loving, forever homes. You can help by adopting a dog or cat, donating or volunteering!