How do I adopt a pet? What instructions do I need to follow post-adoption?
Visit our adoption page to see the requirements prior to adopting and what is included with each adoption here.
Can I take my new pet home the same day?
In most cases, yes. We actually prefer for you to take your new pet home so that he/she can get started being a part of your family. If you know you are in the market for a pet, it is a good idea to have some things ready for your new pet such as bedding, food, bowls, and toys. That way, when you fall in love with the right one, you both will be ready.
Has my new pet already been vaccinated?
Yes, your new pet will have had all of the vaccinations he/she needs up until the point of adoption. This means that you may have to get more vaccines as they become due but we will have taken care of what they need up until the date of adoption.
Has my new pet already been spayed/neutered?
Yes, every pet in our program is spayed or neutered prior to adoption.
Can I adopt a pet that has not been spayed/neutered yet?
In some cases, your pet may not yet have been spayed or neutered due to age or medical circumstances. If so, we will perform a “pre-adopt” in which we place an adoption hold on the animal and allow you to pay the necessary adoption fees. In these circumstances, San Antonio Pets Alive! still has legal ownership of the pet until they have received surgery and will keep the pet in our care until after it has had the surgery.
Can I get my adoption donation refunded if my new pet doesn’t work out?
In general, no. We want potential pet owners to be sure they are ready to adopt. We encourage you to think through the decision before you adopt, rather than after. We are willing to work through any issues that arise and depending on the situation, we may be able to offer an exchange (if the pup you chose doesn’t get along with an existing pet for example) or a partial refund (for extenuating circumstances).
Does San Antonio Pets Alive! intake stray animals?
San Antonio Pets Alive! mainly pulls dogs and cats at the city municipal shelter, focusing on the animals on the city shelter’s euthanasia list. However, we do intake animals from the public through our Public Intake Program. Please contact our foster team for more information.
I found a stray dog or cat, what do I do?
Before taking to a shelter, please:
- Get the pet scanned for a microchip at your closest veterinarian office, pet store or animal shelter
- Take clear photos of the pet and post on the following online and social media outlets:
I found a stray animal and couldn’t find the owners, what do I do?
Please contact our foster team by filling out a form here
You can also call Animal Care Services at 311.
What are the low to no cost options for medical care in San Antonio?
Low cost vaccinations
- Animal Care Services Annex Building every Monday from 2 to 5 PM, no appointment needed.
- PetShotz (210) 735-1004
Microchipping
- Animal Care Services
- PetShotz (210) 735-1004
Spay/Neuter
- Spay Neuter Assistance Program (210) 673-7722
- PetShotz (210) 735-1004
- Brooks Spay/Neuter Clinic (210) 226-7461
- SNIPSA (210) 237-9400
- Animal Defense League (210) 655-1481
- Animal Care Services
Dental care
- PetShotz (210) 735-1004
Pet food pantry
- Animal Care Services has a donation-funded food assistance program for pet owners who need a little extra help in keeping and caring for their pets, rather than surrendering to a shelter.