.png)
San Marcos Regional Animal Shelter may feel far away, but it is still the main animal shelter for everyone in Hays County, including Dripping Springs. Even with local organizations like the PAWS Shelter of Central Texas or Lizzy’s Hope Hospice operating in Dripping Springs, many local pets end up at the shelter in San Marcos, and it is facing a crisis as kennels overflow.
As of last week, 44 dogs are left without individual spaces. The shelter is urging the community to help by adopting, fostering or assisting with rescue placements to save lives.
According to Minnie Buckhaults, SMRAS community engagement coordinator, the shelter is completely full and every adoption, foster placement or rescue can make a difference. As of the latest report, the shelter houses 169 dogs and 173 cats, with only 32 dogs and 79 cats in foster homes. Between Nov. 25 and Dec. 1, the shelter took in 31 new dogs and 20 new cats, adding to the overcrowding.
The shelter warns that without immediate help, a euthanasia deadline list may be necessary. The shelter encourages the public to adopt pets by visiting during open hours from 12 to 7 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday or from 12 to 5 p.m. on Saturday. Adoptions require no appointment and available animals can be viewed at sanmarcostx. gov/3259/Adoptable-Animals.
Those interested in fostering can complete an application online to provide temporary homes for animals in need. Rescue organizations are also encouraged to step in, with inquiries directed to npascone@sanmarcostx. gov. Pet owners who have lost animals are urged to visit the shelter immediately. Lost pets are often brought to the shelter and time is critical. The shelter also offers resources to help residents keep their pets at home and avoid surrendering them.
The shelter provides weekly updates to inform the community about its challenges and to emphasize the importance of collective efforts to save lives.
