The Best San Antonio, TX Dog Rescues & Shelters in 2025

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.

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

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

Wilson County No Kill Animal Shelter

Wilson County No Kill Animal Shelter is a 501c3 non-profit organization that has been committed to saving the lives of animals since 2015. Situated at 1059 CR 301, Floresville, Texas, it provides a safe haven for animals in need. The shelter offers various services such as pet adoption, fostering, and volunteering opportunities. It also conducts community outreach programs to educate people about animal welfare and promote responsible pet ownership. The shelter relies on donations and support from the community to continue its life-saving mission.

Bee Pawsitive Husky Rescue

At Bee Pawsitive Husky Rescue we save huskies & large breeds on the euthanasia list or dogs that are in need of URGENT help! Here at Bee Pawsitive Husky Rescue, we know that sometimes all it takes to change the world is a little support. Since our founding in 2022, we have been determined to make an impact. The core of our efforts is to save huskies and northern breeds from the euthanasia lists in shelters and abandon dogs. Through all of our endeavors we hope to display the conviction behind our beliefs.

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.)

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.

Bulverde Area Humane Society

We are a non-profit (501 c 3 Corporation) shelter run by volunteers, working to help solve the dog and cat problems in our community. We also partner with other shelters and rescue organizations in Comal County and beyond to care for, rehabilitate, transport and rehome homeless pets. What else we do We seek to place pets in forever homes where they will be part of the family. We spay or neuter every dog or cat in our shelter. Where possible, we treat them for parasites, injuries, and illnesses. We microchip them. We educate adopters about how to be responsible pet owners. In addition to caring for animal needs, volunteers perform much of the construction, repairs and grounds maintenance answer phone and email inquiries and maintain records on the animals.

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.

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.

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.

TracysPawsRescue

In Dog We Trust

In Dog We Trust was formed for people to adopt trainable dogs for service dog training or good temperament pets. Many dogs have been returned to shelters by inexperienced people who fall in love with the look of a dog without really understanding what it takes to be a service dog. In Dog We Trust trains owners dogs with assessments as well as our rescues at no charge for veterans or first responders.

Saving Grace Rescue LBK

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.

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.

Cheri's Heart Animal Rescue

City of San Antonio Animal Care Services

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

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!

City of Cibolo Animal Services

Paws Ranch Rescue and Animal Sanctuary

Paws Ranch Rescue and Animal sanctuary 501(c)(3) non-profit organization (PRRAS for short) that got its start in 2010 thanks to a publicly voted grant from Pepsi. We exist solely on grants, donations, and the help of our dedicated volunteers. Our goal is to rescue, rehabilitate, and re-home or provide sanctuary to as many pets as possible. Over a thousand abused, abandoned, and neglected animals have already been saved by PRRAS. We at PRRAS along with the Alamo Area partnership for animal welfare (AAPAW) and other local rescues are striving to make San Antonio a truly NO KILL city. You can help by getting involved. Adopt a less adoptable pet, foster a pet, sponsor a special needs animal, become a volunteer, donate funds, pet supplies, or food, educate friends and neighbors about the stray pet problem, spay and neutering, and encourage them to adopt instead of breeding or buying. Together we can reach our goal of a Real No Kill City!

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