About Us

Our Mission

Our mission is to provide the programs and services needed to eliminate the killing of at-risk animals due to lack of space, adopter or foster.

About 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.

San Antonio Pets Alive! by the Numbers:

  • Has saved more than 70,000+ lives since its inception in 2011
  • Rescues approximately 5,000 at-risk dogs and cats in our community
  • Works with 1,400+ fosters caring for more than 3,500 of our animals
  • Saves the lives of approximately 1,500 neonatal kittens and puppies

In 2023:

  • 9,000+ vaccinations were administered
  • 6,967 diagnostic tests were administered
  • 4,068 lives were saved
  • 3,145 dogs and cats were adopted 
  • 1,425 neonatal puppies & kittens were saved
  • 1,300+ animals were placed with rescue partners 
  • 4,200+ animals were placed in foster homes 
  • 2,266 dogs and cats were spayed/neutered
  •  258 parvo and parvo suspect puppies were treated

Our Core Values

  • Stewardship. We are caretakers of the dogs and cats we save. Our stewardship also extends to the gifts we receive, our reputation and the goodwill of our community.
  • Integrity. We believe integrity drives us to be honest and responsible in our actions and communications with our team and the general public.
  • Excellence. We strive for excellence and efficiency in every program we implement, ensuring the best care for the dogs and cats we save and the families who love and adopt them.
  • Respect. We treat all animals and people with dignity and kindness.
  • Lifesaving. We believe that life is precious. We work tirelessly with compassion, care and love to save the lives of dogs and cats and to do what's best for the animals, adopters and fosters.

SAPA! Timeline

May 2024

70,000+ Lives Saved

Dec 2023

Petco Love awards $1.5 Million to SAPA! to purchase a property to establish our very own animal shelter.

Aug 2023

67,000 Lives Saved

Apr 2023

Acquired a transportation company

Feb 2023

65,000 Lives Saved

Sep 2022

63,000 Lives Saved

Feb 2022

60,000 Lives Saved

Dec 2021

10 Year Anniversary

Apr 2021

56,000 lives saved

Apr 2020

Receives Platinum Seal of Approval from Charity Navigator

Jan 2021

50,000 Lives Saved

Dec 2019

Receives Platinum Seal of Approval from Charity Navigator

Dec 2019

First financial audit is completed

Apr 2019

Tail Blazer hits the road for its first ground transport

Mar 2018

40,000th Life Saved

Nov 2017

Staycation Program began

May 2017

Headin’ Home Transport Program’s first air transport

Dec 2016

Headin’ Home Transport Program began with first ground transport

Nov 2016

PetSmart Every day Adoption Center Grand Opening

Jul 2016

30,000th Life Saved

Feb 2015

20,000th Life Saved

May 2014

10,000th Life Saved

Apr 2014

Petco Foundation Adoption Center Grand Opening

Jun 2012

SAPA! moved to Building 1 at Animal Care Services

Dec 2011

SAPA! was founded

ADOPT TODAY!