Trapped/Contained Animal

The City of San Antonio strongly advises that residents DO NOT attempt to trap, confine, or otherwise interact with loose animals the resident does not know.  Residents can report loose animals to Animal Care Services by contacting 311 using the information below.

If a resident discovers a trapped or confined animal (for instance, in a drainage area) or decides to trap or confine an animal themselves (at risk to their own safety), Animal Care Services will respond to pick up the animal.  Animal Care Services will coordinate with the resident to ensure the animal is available for pickup. Due to space restraints, healthy stray animals are not accepted over the counter.

An investigation into ownership will ensue and City Staff will attempt to return the animal(s) to their registered homes.  Pet owners seeking to surrender their animal(s) to the City cannot use this service and must follow the “Owner Surrender” process at the ACS facility.  If you are interested in surrendering your pet to Animal Care Services, please visit the Owner Surrender page for information. Please be advised, Animal Care Services takes in so many surrendered animals, they strongly encourage residents to exhaust all other means of finding a new home for your unwanted pets.  They are the option of last resort, not last minute.

Residents should not take possession of a stray animal, unless they are able to take care of it for an extended period of time. Animal Care Services may take up to a minimum of 3 weeks to pick up trapped/confined animals based on the capacity at the facility.

You may also start the owner surrender process online here.  Appointments book up fast and are booked out months in advance.

To request pickup of a trapped/contained animal, you may submit the form below, use the City’s 311SA Mobile app or call 311 Customer Service at 3-1-1 or 210-207-6000.  311 is available seven days a week from 7am-7pm and on holidays from 8am-5pm.