On this page you will find helpful information regarding what to expect when visiting our shelter and important resources for after you’ve adopted your new friend.
Don't forget to read all the information and, if you have any questions to let us know!
For questions contact our adoption team via adoption@SAhumane.org
View our Pets & Submit a General Application. Pet is not on hold when the application is submitted.

How to Adopt
When is your Adoption Center open?
- Monday through Sunday, 12-7pm.
- We stop taking applications at 6pm, so that we have time to meet with everyone before we close.
- We are closed on some major holidays (including but not limited to Independence Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Years Eve, and New Years Day). A few times every year we close early for staff development, those will be posted on the
front page.
- You can reach us on 210-226-7461 between 12-7pm.
What is the process for meeting and adopting a pet?
All guests interested in meeting one of our pets must provide SAHS staff with a
valid photo ID, be a minimum of 18 years of age, and provide an
Acceptable Proof of Residence, please refer to the list provided by the Adoption Team. Guests under the age of 18 are unable to meet our pets unless accompanied by an adult 18 years of age or older. Before applying to adopt, we ask all visitors to first socialize with the pet for at least 20 minutes to help ensure compatibility. Under special circumstances you may be required to spend longer than 20 minutes with a pet. When you’re ready to move forward with the adoption process, kennel staff will direct you to the front lobby where you will complete an application and sit with an adoption counselor for review.
We would like you to have the opportunity to get to know our pets before they get to know yours. For the safety of your pet(s) and ours, we suggest that you please leave your pet(s) at home. Please speak with our staff about setting up a dog introduction. All dogs coming into our shelter need to be up to date on their vaccinations (rabies, DAPP, bordetella). Please bring your vaccination record.
Depending on the number of applications pending, the wait to meet with an adoption counselor can range between 30 minutes to 2 hours. Depending on wait time, we are currently utilizing text message alerts for visitors who wish to leave our campus while they wait.
Can you hold/reserve a pet for me?
No unfortunately we can't hold/reserve a pet, it's first come first served.
What is the adoption fee?
DogsPuppies up to 1 year - $150
Dogs over a year - $75
Cats Kittens up to 1 year - $150
Cats over a year - $75
Dogs - Adoption fee includes spay/neuter surgery, first set of vaccinations, microchip, de-wormer, flea and heartworm prevention, complimentary wellness exam and follow-up care (within 14 days of adoption) at any
VCA Animal Hospital.
Cats - Adoption fee includes spay/neuter surgery, first set of vaccinations, microchip, de-wormer, flea prevention, complimentary wellness exam and follow-up care (within 14 days of adoption) at any
VCA Animal Hospital.
For more information, visit the San Antonio Humane Society at 4804 Fredericksburg Rd. or call 210-226-7461.
*Ask about our
Ambassador Pets and pets with
Guardian Angels (fees vary)!
If I find a pet I want to adopt, can I take him/her home today?
If the pet has already been spayed/neutered, you can take him/her home the day you adopt. If the pet has not yet been spayed/neutered, your pet will remain at the shelter until we can complete the surgery. Surgeries are performed throughout the week and will be determined at the time of adoption.
Does my new pet have to be spayed/neutered?
As stated in the Texas Health and Safety Code, Animal Sterilization Act, Section 828, sterilization of an animal is required when adopting from a shelter. All animals adopted from the San Antonio Humane Society will be spayed/neutered before going home with their new owner.
How long does the adoption process take?
Depending on the number of people adopting, the adoption process can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours. Adoption applications are processed on a first-come, firstserved basis.
Are the pets healthy?
Upon arrival to the SAHS, all pets are examined by our Animal Health Technicians. The pet’s health is routinely monitored while in our care, but there is always a chance a pet is incubating a disease or infection. As they are living creatures, we cannot guarantee their health. We do require you visit with a VCA Animal Hospital or your own veterinarian for a physical exam for you new pet within 5 days of the adoption. If you adopt a pet and he/she becomes ill during this time the VCA coverage will help cover the cost of most common shelter illnesses*. *Some out-of-pocket expenses may be required should the pet become ill after adoption.
Information

Ambassador Pets
The San Antonio Humane Society is a no kill shelter that does not euthanize for space. As a result, any dog or cat can reside at the SAHS until they are adopted. Ambassador pets have a raised adoption fee that helps lend a paw to other pets looking for a forever home. What makes an Ambassador pet? An Ambassador pet can include any highly adoptable dog or cat of any age or breed.

Local San Antonio VCA Animal Hospitals are pleased to offer your new companion the following:
- Complimentary overall wellness exam
- Complimentary 14-day follow-up care
For more information, please call 210-226-7461.
Find out more about VCA Animal Hospitals and their location!
