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.

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. If the resident does not have the capability to safely hold the animal, they should not trap or confine a stray animal. Instead, they should file a stray animal report or report loose (owned) animals to Animal Care Services by contacting 311 using the information below.

Please note: Animal Care Services is not able to pick up individual stray animals upon request.  When residents file a stray animal report, the data is used to identify areas where sweeps may be conducted at a later time.

If a resident is equipped to safely hold the contained animal, a trapped and confined animal report can be created and Animal Care Services will reach out to the resident within 48 hours to go over all options for the pet.

Due to space restraints, healthy stray animals are not accepted over the counter.  If residents are able to take the animal to a vet to scan for a microchip they may, and the microchip company will be able to assist with reaching out to the registered owner. 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 Request” 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.

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.