San Antonio: ‘Tis The Season For Pets As Presents?

Press release from the City of San Antonio:

December 21, 2020

Animal Care Services urges would be pet parents to make thoughtful decisions

CONTACT: Lisa Norwood, 210.207.6665
Lisa.norwood@sanantonio.gov

SAN ANTONIO (December 21, 2020) – It’s that time of year when people’s minds typically drift towards finding that perfect gift and many people decide a new pet would be just the thing. While Animal Care Services does not discourage holiday pet adoptions the city shelter does strongly encourage residents to make an informed decision when adopting a pet at any time of the year. In fact, San Antonio’s shelters and rescues have hundreds of adoption ready pets who are invested in placing you with the perfect pet. Vaccinations and spay/neuter surgery are generally included in the adoption fee and many animal agencies will have regular specials during the holidays.

Starting January 1st, 2021, local pet stores will be required to work with local shelters and certified rescue organizations instead of large commercial breeding facilities commonly known as puppy mills. The new law does not impact a person’s ability to obtain the pet of their choice from an animal shelter, rescue group or a reputable breeder who sells directly to the public provided they have the required ACS licensing. It remains against the law for pets to be sold on the side of the road, in parking lots or other unauthorized spaces.

This press release was produced by the City of San Antonio. The views expressed here are the author’s own.