SAN ANTONIO — Three years after launching a strategic plan to improve San Antonio’s Animal Care Services (ACS), agency leaders say the changes are starting to make a difference.
The department shared new data this week showing improvements in enforcement, public safety, and pet care.
Signs of Progress
According to ACS officials, the agency is:
- Increasing the response rate to critical calls
- Issuing more citations to irresponsible pet owners
- Increasing the number of animals being spayed or neutered
City Councilmember Marina Alderete Gavito said challenges remain, but this is a sign of progress.
“We still have dog issues we need to tackle,” she said. “But we’re seeing ACS moving in the right direction.”
The response rate for critical calls drew criticism in 2023. Less than half were being answered.
ACS officials say they’re on track to increase that to 100% by early next year.
Recent Policy Changes
Several policy changes went into effect in December, including:
- Higher fines for owners whose dogs repeatedly bite people
- Authorization for ACS to spay or neuter stray pets they pick up
- A new option for residents to submit dangerous dog affidavits under a pseudonym. These documents are required for ACS to launch an aggressive or dangerous dog designation.
ACS Director Jon Gary said no one has used the pseudonym feature so far.
“They’ve gone in and filled out the affidavit without them,” he said, of the pseudonyms.
Gary tells us affidavit filings have almost doubled, meaning more people are coming forward about potentially aggressive or dangerous dogs near them.
Citations are also on the rise. Criminal citations are listed as being up 221% over the last fiscal year.
Focus on Dangerous Dogs
There are 191 dogs in San Antonio officially registered as dangerous.
If a resident wants to keep their dog after it is given this designation, there are several requirements the law says they have to meet. ACS is responsible for ensuring that owners are keeping up with those requirements.
The department set a compliance goal of 80 percent for their owners — a number Gary says they’ve surpassed, reaching 82.4 percent.
A few years ago, a little over half of dangerous dog owners complied.
He credited improved staffing levels and public education efforts for the progress.
We asked why the goal was not set at 100 percent compliance.
“Getting 100 percent compliance is a challenge. I think sometimes it’s just a matter of us not being able to reach the person,” Gary explained, adding that those not in compliance can intentionally make themselves hard to reach. “We actually set the goal of 80, and we’re very proud of the fact that we’re at 82.4 now.”
Moving Forward
ACS is continuing plans to increase spaying and neutering in San Antonio, preparing to open another facility for this.
The agency is also working on marketing, including radio and billboard campaigns, aiming to educate the public on fostering, adoptions, and pet care.
Councilmember Melissa Cabello Havrda said it’s important to keep investing in ACS, especially when it comes to community education and meeting people where they’re at.
“We have to get into the communities, knock on doors, talk with people,” she said.
Gary also highlighted that the live release rate is 87% at ACS. He told leaders that even with the increase in reports of strays and the increase in staffing, he’s proud the agency maintained that rate.
Budget Concerns Ahead
While ACS is showing signs of improvement, concerns about the city’s budget deficit are growing. Some councilmembers are calling for the department to be shielded from cuts in the next budget cycle.
The city of San Antonio is grappling with a projected budget deficit that could reach $148 million by 2027, officials say.
Leaders say continued funding will be critical to keep the momentum going at ACS.
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