The San Antonio Humane Society (SAHS) the only large public intake shelter in San Antonio to have regularly scheduled intake days for individuals attempting to find placement for owned, lost, or stray pets. We are a nonprofit, no-kill organization that does not euthanize for space. We regularly operate near or at capacity. This means we are only able to receive dogs and cats as others are adopted and space becomes available.
IMPORTANT:
ALL intake takes place at our Leeu Naylor Medical Building!
Although the intake opens no later than 10 a.m. we start passing out intake numbers as early as 7 a.m. until we have reached our capacity for the day. Please note that once you have a number you CANNOT leave until the intake process is completed! Also, cats need to be in a carrier, and NOT in a feral trap! If you arrive when we are already at capacity you will have to come back on the next intake day.
Due to staff shortages our intake appointments for Medium and Large dogs (over 20 pounds) currently have a longer than normal waiting period.
Intake Process:
Puppies - Small Breed Adult Dogs (under 20lbs)
Open intake for puppies, small breed adult dogs (20 pounds and under), are held Mondays, and Wednesdays beginning no later than 10 a.m. (intake numbers are passed out as early as 7 a.m.) at the SAHS. We are able to receive animals on a first come, first served basis until all available space has been filled or until 2 p.m. (whichever comes first). Please note, Medium to Large breed dogs (over 20 pounds) are not received at this time, they require an appointment.
In order to be eligible for intake, all surrendered pets must be at least 8 weeks old and weigh at least 2 pounds. Additionally, in order to protect our animal population from potential contagious diseases, your surrendered pet must also be free of any nasal discharge, eye discharge, and hair loss.
Please be aware: space is limited! We strongly suggest arriving early. If all intake space has been filled before your animal is evaluated, you must try again on the next receiving day or consider another shelter for receiving.
Cats – Kittens
Open intake for cats, and kittens are only held on Mondays no later than 10 a.m. (intake numbers are passed out as early as 7 a.m.) at the SAHS. There is a limit of 3 adult cats (6 months and over) per person during open intake. We are able to receive animals on a first come, first served basis until all available space has been filled or until 2 p.m. (whichever comes first).
In order to be eligible for intake, all surrendered pets must be at least 8 weeks old and weigh at least 2 pounds. Additionally, in order to protect our animal population from potential contagious diseases, your surrendered pet must also be free of any nasal discharge, eye discharge, and hair loss.
Specific circumstances for cats!
Any declawed cat can only be taken in under these circumstances:
- The cat MUST be friendly.
- The owner MUST be able to reclaim if the cat starts having difficulty adapting to the shelter.
Any female cat 7-9 lbs or over, and male cat over 10 lbs can only be taken in under these circumstances:
- The cat MUST be friendly.
- The owner MUST be able to reclaim if the cat starts having difficulty adapting to the shelter.
- We MUST have room in a sunroom.
Why is this rule in effect: Large cats have difficulty fitting into the cat kennels in the shelter. All cats need a certain amount of room to move comfortably and need room away from their litterbox, room to hide, and room to stretch out and climb. Our kennels do not accommodate these larger cats. Therefore we MUST have room available in a sunroom in order to be able to take them. We won't subject these cats to more stress than necessary.
Please be aware: space is limited! We strongly suggest arriving early. If all intake space has been filled before your animal is evaluated, you must try again on the next receiving day or consider another shelter for receiving.
Medium or Large Breed Adult Dogs (over 20lbs)
Those looking to surrender medium to large breed dogs over 20lbs must have an appointment in order to be considered. Please email receiving@SAhumane.org, include a photo and as much information as possible, then follow the instructions included in the auto-response. An e-mail request does not guarantee intake.
In order to protect our animal population from potential contagious diseases, the pet you’re attempting to surrender must be free of any nasal discharge, eye discharge, hair loss, rashes, and scabs. They must also be able to pass a basic temperament test. This means the pet must be able to live with other dogs and be non-aggressive towards animals or humans.
Returning a Pet Previously Adopted from the SAHS
If you are attempting to RETURN a pet previously adopted from the SAHS, please contact our intake team by emailing receiving@SAhumane.org and include the microchip number or the animal ID at the time of adoption. Please provide a detailed reason why you are returning your pet in your email request.
Can't keep your pet? Find your pet a new home by yourself! Click here to learn more!
If you want to rehome your pet by yourself, please follow the instructions on the flyer below. Click here to set up your pet's profile!
Surrender Fees:
In order to help offset the cost of pet care while in the shelter, we require a receiving fee at the time of surrender. This fee is based on the pet’s age, species, and any additional required testing.
Puppies/Dogs 6 months and over: $35 each
Kittens/Cats 6 months and over: $35 each
Kittens under 6 months of age: $35/litter
Puppies under 6 months of age: $35/ litter
Additional Fees:
Required Parvo Test for puppies under 1 year old: $29/test (pricing varies for litters)
Instances where appointments are required to surrender a pet!
Appointments are required if you are attempting to Return a pet, Transfer an animal from another organization, or Surrender a dog over 20 pounds. See below for contact info. Please note, an e-mail request does not guarantee an appointment or intake.
Surrendering a dog over 20 pounds
Please email
receiving@SAhumane.org, include a photo, and as much information as possible, and follow the instructions included in the auto-response.
Returning an animal previously adopted from the SAHS?
Please contact our intake team by emailing
receiving@SAhumane.org and include the microchip number or the animal ID at the time of adoption. Please provide a detailed reason why you are returning your pet in your email request.
Transferring an animal from another animal shelter, rescue group, or animal hospital?
Please email
transfer@SAhumane.org.
Intake Surrender Forms
To help ensure your visit runs as smoothly and quickly as possible, please download and fill out the proper forms below before arriving at the shelter:
Stray Surrender Form
Owned Cat Surrender Form
Owned Dog Surrender Form
All animals are vaccinated upon intake, and will be spayed/neutered before going home to their new adopters. All potential pet owners are screened and interviewed prior to adoption in order to find the best fitting home for every pet.
