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.

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.

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.

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

Heart of Texas SPCA

We are a Texas registered 501c3 non-profit organization. We do not receive any city, county or state funding; we survive solely on public donations and volunteer support. Our History Our organization was established as a no-kill shelter in May of 2000, devoted to helping the homeless and unwanted animals in this city find responsible, loving homes. Animal Friends, now Heart of Tx SPCA, is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit Texas corporation. We do not receive any city or county funding and survive solely on public donations and adoption fees. Heart of Tx SPCA is a K-9 Rescue with the same mission, same goals and expanded resources. Our programs will allow us to help even more homeless pets in and around Bexar county. What We Do: Provide an escape from certain death for hundreds of dogs and puppies in our community by providing temporary shelter and care until loving homes can be found. • At a no-kill shelter, pets are not euthanized because of space restrictions or their appearance • Giving unwanted pets a second chance for happiness; saving lives that others toss away • Micro-chipping all pets offered for adoption to ensure they can be returned if they become lost • Surgical spaying/neutering of all shelter pets to prevent unwanted animals and help them live long, healthy lives • All pets offered for adoption are fully vaccinated • Help educate the community on proper pet care and provide resources for those with questions • Provide rehabilitation and treatment for those dogs traumatized by abuse, neglect or injury

Atascosa Animal Allies

Atascosa Animal Allies is a group of unpaid volunteers who serve the Pleasanton Animal Shelter in Pleasanton, Texas. We were formed in August 2017 when the City of Pleasanton needed help getting animals transferred in the wake of Hurricane Harvey. Some of our current members offered to house the animals. Through this emergency, we saw a great need for a rescue group in our city. We became a 501(c)(3) in October 2017. We do not own a facility, but instead, foster out of our homes. Since our inception, we have rescued over 6000 animals. We: • Rescue animals from high-kill shelters and the community. • Rehabilitate animals while fostering them. • Rehome cats and dogs by adopting them out or transferring them to other no-kill rescues. • Teach Responsibility to the pet owning population. • Host low cost spay/neuter clinics for pets in our community to enrich the pet population and to keep them out of shelters. • Created a cat Trap-Neuter-Return program in 2018.

San Antonio Great Dane Rescue - Homeward Bound Dog Rescue

We are a 501(c)3 charitable organization, and we are the #1 great dane rescue in San Antonio and surrounding areas. We pride ourselves with all the volunteer work we do and everything we do for the dogs that we rescue. We are an all-volunteer non-profit organization dedicated to the rescue, the rehabilitation and the placement of all great danes and other breeds that are in the rescue. All our dogs will go to their forever homes neutered/spayed to prevent the euthanasia of all healthy dogs and to reduce the number of unwanted dogs being destroyed each year. We try to educate the general public why you shouldn’t buy a dog or puppy from a pet store and advise them about puppy mills. We evaluate the temperament of the dogs that come into this rescue and make sure that they go to the correct family. We ensure that all our dogs are in homes that will provide a safe living environment, that can give the attention and interaction that dogs deserve. These dogs of ours are not just pets — they are our family members. All of these dogs are in foster families throughout San Antonio and the surrounding areas and will stay there until the correct home will be found. They are NOT in a shelter in cages or runs, they are all in loving homes that share our beds, our couches for that short period of our lives.

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.

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.)

Saving Grace Dog Rescue of San Antonio

Saving Grace Dog Rescue of San Antonio is a 501(c)3 foster-based rescue group dedicated to finding loving forever homes for the abandoned, stray, and homeless dogs of the San Antonio area.

Society for Animal Rescue and Adoption (SARA)

SARA stands for Society For Animal Rescue & Adoption. Founded in 1996, SARA has grown into one of the largest sanctuaries in the world, with no fewer than 700 animals in our care at any given time. ​ When outside adoption is not possible, our animals live at the sanctuary for the duration of their natural lives. Euthanasia is only employed in the true sense of the word: when an animal is suffering with no chance for recovery. No animal is ever killed for convenience. ​ Our slogan has always been “Unconditional Life” and by that we mean that SARA seeks to save as many animals as possible regardless of species, special health needs, or temperament. SARA is a 501 C 3 Non-profit organization. DLN 74-2790363.

Animal Rescue Foundation

ARF-Texas is a 501C3 non-profit organization and we work in Guadalupe County, Texas. We promote animal welfare by reducing the euthanasia rates at local shelters through adopting, fostering and rescuing animals. Each year we save approximately 300 dogs and cats. We also provide pet food to our local food bank, and have the only community cat support program in our county. We provide low-income families with medical support for their pets, including vaccines. We provide vaccines for shelter animals. We helped design and build a dog park for our community. We are active advocates for animal care issues. ARF celebrated our 10 year anniversary in 2019! Thank you all for supporting us and helping us make it to 10 years!

Friends of Dogs Corporation

We are Friends of Dogs Corporation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit foster-based rescue located in Seguin, TX. Our goal is to network the dogs at the Guadalupe County Animal Control and find them forever homes. There are 2 parts to what we do at Friends of Dogs Rescue. 1. We are a team of volunteers that network the dogs that come into GCAC. We vaccinate, deworm, & give flea/tick preventative. We assess the dog for age, heartworm status, temperament, whether spayed/neutered and any medical issues. We video and take pictures that are used for networking to the public and rescues. We fund vet appointments such as skin scrapes, xrays, & more emergent situations. We have a team of transporters who aid in getting the dogs to partner rescues. 2. We are a foster based rescue. We will pull these dogs into our rescue if we have a foster step up. From there, we finish the vetting, prepare the dog for adoption, post profiles of the dog, and get the dog adopted into a happy forever home. Here we will share the monthly numbers of what we accomplish with our volunteer team, our amazing social media followers, and our foster team.

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.

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

Pause for Paws

Pause for Paws Inc. is a no-kill, all volunteer, foster-based 501(C)(3) non-profit, shelter in San Antonio, TX. We are a stray/street dog rescue, primarily taking in dogs directly from the streets in the San Antonio area and from people in the community who have picked up strays. We rescue, treat, rehabilitate, vaccinate, spay/neuter, and microchip all of our animals. We provide foster care in a loving environment while we match the animals with their forever homes.

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.

Diamond Dachshund Rescue of Texas

Hay Dude Critter Rescue

We are a nonprofit animal rescue organization located in the beautiful Texas Hill Country! Because we are a Public 501(C)3 organization we rely solely on the generous donations of are residents and other animal loving individuals that want to help! My name is Jessica Minarcin, and I have had a passion for animals since I was a kid. A lot of children outgrow the animal bug, but I never have. I grew up in New Mexico competing on performance horses, taking home every stray I could find much to the dismay of my family. Like many people, I truly thought that the only animals that ended up unwanted were old, crippled, crazy, or unmanageable. How wrong I was! Once I discovered how many sound, sane and well trained animals were in need of new homes, I knew something had to be done. I have been involved heavily in dog rescue as fosters for a while. We have worked hand in hand with some amazing animal rescues, and felt a calling to start something of my own to help those in need. Along with some of my closest friends and family, we are now Hay Dude Critter Rescue! The rescue is located in the Texas Hill Country, just a few miles outside of San Antonio. We assist in the rehabilitation, retraining and rehoming of animals that are brought into our program.

Petunia's Rescued Friends

Formed in 2016, Petunia's Rescued Friends is named after a very special Opossum named Petunia. Petunia was rescued in Southern California as a baby, and was unable to be released. She was an amazing educational ambassador for all Opossums! Opossums do have very short life spans, but we were happy to have her in our lives for 3 years. Petunia absolutely loved educating the children who attended the Priceless Pet Rescue annual Pet Mania Kids Summer Camp Program. We have volunteered and fostered for Priceless Pet Rescue for many years....and consider them family. We moved to the city of San Bernardino, California...and our lives changed forever. The need for street rescue was downright overwhelming. We asked Priceless Pet Rescue for help. We are proud to say that hundreds of animals were saved off the streets because Priceless Pet Rescue said yes. We were, and still are absolutely blessed to have our Priceless Pet Rescue family in our lives. Now that we are here, living in beautiful Castroville, Texas...we want nothing more than to be a valuable resource to our city, and beyond. We want to help with the over population of street animals, and find them forever homes. All of our adoptable animals receive needed medical care, are spayed/neutered, microchipped, and vaccinated.

Mason's Haven

Mason's Haven is a tribute to our rescue dog Mason. He found us as a little puppy trying to catch up to some maintenance men in a golf cart. Once he saw us, he stopped and decided we might be a better alternative. After walking around trying to see if he was lost, we took him to our vet where we discovered he had the initial symptoms of Parvo. Luckily, we caught it early and Mason recovered. Mason brought a lot of joy into our lives but sadly, his life was cut short. He contracted Pythiosis, an infectious disease usually spread via infected water. By the time we determined the diagnosis, it was too late. The disease had spread to his lymph nodes. He passed away as Roger was saying goodbye. Since Mason's passing, Roger and I have volunteered at several rescues. In the course of those efforts, we have witnessed many of the challenges rescues face. Thus, Mason's Haven was formed. Our goal is to help other rescues through infrastructure support, transportation assistance, or working with challenging shelter residents. The dogs we feature on our site are ones we have taken into our rescue to help find homes . Some are seniors who have been in the system far too long thru no fault of their own while others were rescued from the euthanasia list.

Tejas Rescued Pet Adoptions

Tejas Rescued Pet Adoptions (TRPA) is a 501c3 non-profit organization in action since 2005. Tejas consists only of dedicated volunteers who foster and care for rescued cats and dogs (mainly Chow Chows). TEJAS does not have a physical shelter but operates instead through the use of private foster homes and boarding. TRPA is based in Bexar County, Texas but covers the surrounding cities and counties. Tejas Rescued Pet Adoptions (TRPA) takes the necessary steps to make a rescued pet ready for adoption into a loving home. Our rescues arrive into our care from many different circumstances, requiring various degrees of medical attention. All vaccinations and veterinary care are provided prior to the adoption along with spay and neuters and a microchip. The rescues are fostered in private homes or boarded until ready for adoption.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.