Owner Surrender
Making the decision to give up your pet can be a difficult one. If you have been looking for a new home for your pet because of behavioral issues, please visit our Pet Care Tips page for helpful tips on how to train your pet. If training and behavior modification do not work for your pet and you still want to surrender your companion animal to Animal Care Services (ACS), please be aware ACS is accepting Owner Surrenders by appointment only. Appointments are required so the shelter can ensure we have the necessary resources and available housing to take in your pet.
Because Animal Care Services takes in so many surrendered animals, we strongly encourage residents to exhaust all other means of finding a new home for your unwanted pets. Talking with friends, family, coworkers, placing an ad, and posting flyers are good ways to let people know you're looking for a new home for your pet.
You may also contact other animal shelters in San Antonio who take in owner surrendered pets based on available space. A list of those shelters along with their address and contact information are listed below. We wish you luck in your search and you may contact our main number (207-4PET) for more tips on finding a good home for your pet.
To schedule an appointment after all options to find a home for your pet have been exhausted, please call (210)207-6642 on Wednesdays
between the hours of 7:00 am and 10:00 am.
You must speak with a staff member to schedule an appointment. A phone message will not be considered an actual appointment. Appointments will be scheduled Tuesday - Friday between the hours of 11:00 AM - 12:00PM and 3:00 PM - 4:00.
*Animal Care Services does NOT accept owner surrendered pets without an appointment or at any time on Sundays or Mondays.
Please make note of the ACS staff member you speak with for your records. Please bring the completed Owner Surrender Form with you to your appointment along with the other items listed below. All fees must be paid before an animal may be surrendered. Checks may be made payable to Animal Care Services.
Appointments will be made on Wednesdays only, and while Animal Care Services will make every effort to find a new home for your pet, please be advised owner surrendered pets may be euthanized the same day they are impounded and all surrendered pets become the property of the City of San Antonio upon that impoundment.
| Required Forms: | Owner Surrender Fees: | ||||
| Owner Surrender Form |
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Once an appointment has been set, please observe the following prior to coming to the shelter to surrender your pet:
- Bring a completed Owner Surrender Form with you
- Bring a valid license or ID
- Canines must be on a leash
- Felines must be in a carrier or pillow case
- Please bring the names of at least 2 other organizations with which you have tried to place your pet.
(Include Name and telephone number of person you spoke with)