San Antonio Animal Care Services: A Comprehensive Guide for 50,000+ Pet Owners

Overview: San Antonio Animal Care Services (SAACS)

San Antonio Animal Care Services (SAACS) is a division of the Metropolitan Health District of Bexar County, Texas. SAACS is responsible for animal control, sheltering, and adoption services within the City of San Antonio. The organization's mission is to promote responsible pet ownership, reduce animal suffering, and enhance the human-animal bond.

SAACS operates two animal care centers: the Main Animal Care Center and the Northeast Animal Care Center. These centers provide a range of services, including:

• Animal intake and sheltering
• Adoption services
• Low-cost veterinary care
• Spay and neuter surgeries
• Microchipping
• Pet licensing
• Animal cruelty investigations
• Community outreach programs

Statistics and Impact of SAACS

• Over 50,000 animals are admitted to SAACS animal care centers each year.
• Approximately 15,000 animals are adopted from SAACS facilities annually.
• SAACS has a live release rate of over 90%, which is significantly higher than the national average for animal shelters.
• SAACS has performed over 100,000 spay and neuter surgeries since 2010.
• SAACS has issued over 250,000 pet licenses since 2015.

Services Provided by SAACS

Animal Intake and Sheltering

SAACS provides shelter for stray, lost, and unwanted animals. Animals are brought to SAACS facilities by citizens, animal control officers, and other organizations. SAACS staff assess each animal's health and behavior and determine the appropriate course of action. Animals may be placed in adoption, foster care, or euthanized.

Adoption Services

SAACS offers adoption services for a variety of animals, including dogs, cats, rabbits, and other small animals. Adoption fees vary depending on the animal's age, species, and health status. SAACS staff provide adoption counseling and support to help adopters make the best match for their family.

Low-Cost Veterinary Care

SAACS offers low-cost veterinary care to the public at its Main Animal Care Center. Services include vaccinations, deworming, microchipping, and spay and neuter surgeries. SAACS also provides a pet food pantry for families in need.

Spay and Neuter Surgeries

SAACS offers low-cost spay and neuter surgeries to pet owners. Spaying and neutering helps to reduce the number of unwanted animals and prevents certain health problems. SAACS also offers a voucher program to help low-income families afford spay and neuter surgeries.

Microchipping

SAACS offers microchipping services to pet owners. Microchips are small devices that are implanted under the pet's skin. They contain a unique identification number that can be used to track the pet if it is lost or stolen.

Pet Licensing

SAACS issues pet licenses to residents of the City of San Antonio. Pet licenses help to identify lost pets and ensure that they receive proper veterinary care. SAACS offers a variety of pet license options, including annual, three-year, and lifetime licenses.

Animal Cruelty Investigations

SAACS investigates reports of animal cruelty within the City of San Antonio. SAACS officers have the authority to seize animals that are being abused or neglected. SAACS also works with local law enforcement agencies to prosecute animal cruelty cases.

Community Outreach Programs

SAACS offers a variety of community outreach programs, including:

• Educational presentations on responsible pet ownership
• Pet adoption events
• Spay and neuter clinics
• Pet food drives
• Microchip clinics

How to Get Involved with SAACS

There are many ways to get involved with SAACS and support its mission. Here are a few ideas:

• Adopt a pet: SAACS has a wide variety of animals available for adoption, including dogs, cats, rabbits, and other small animals.
• Volunteer your time: SAACS relies on volunteers to help with a variety of tasks, including animal care, adoption counseling, and community outreach.
• Donate to SAACS: SAACS is a non-profit organization that relies on donations to support its programs and services.
• Spread the word about SAACS: Tell your friends, family, and neighbors about SAACS and its mission.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Interacting with SAACS

Here are a few common mistakes to avoid when interacting with SAACS:

• Do not bring your pet to SAACS unless it is a stray, lost, or unwanted animal. SAACS is not a boarding facility or a pet daycare.
• Do not surrender your pet to SAACS lightly. SAACS staff will work with you to explore all other options before accepting your pet for surrender.
• Be patient. SAACS staff are working hard to care for over 50,000 animals each year. Please be patient and understanding if you experience any delays in service.

Conclusion

San Antonio Animal Care Services is a valuable resource for the City of San Antonio. SAACS provides a wide range of services to help keep pets healthy and safe. By getting involved with SAACS, you can help to make a difference in the lives of animals and people alike.

Tables

Table 1: SAACS Animal Intake and Adoption Statistics

Table 2: SAACS Low-Cost Veterinary Care Services

Table 3: SAACS Pet Licensing Fees

Table 4: SAACS Community Outreach Programs