D2 Councilmember Earns Approval of Expanding Animal Care Services
Published on October 15, 2025
District 2 Councilmember Earns Approval of Two Initiatives Expanding the Reach of Animal Care Services
SAN ANTONIO (October 16, 2025) — Today, San Antonio City Council approved two initiatives authored by the District 2 Councilmember, marking the beginning of two efforts that aim to reduce stray and roaming animals in the eastside and across San Antonio.
Both policy proposals focus on improving animal care access and reducing barriers for families across the city.
The Pet Deposit Assistance Pilot Program, originally filed as a Council Consideration Request (CCR) on February 16, 2024, aims to increase pet adoptions by offsetting pet deposits for renters who adopt an animal from the San Antonio Animal Care Services (SAACS) shelter within the specific bounds of the Inner City Tax Increment Finance Zone No. 11.
“For many families, the cost of pet deposits can make adoption feel out of reach,” McKee-Rodriguez said. “This pilot program makes it easier for residents to welcome a loving companion into their homes while supporting our City’s efforts to reduce shelter overcrowding.”
The pilot is expected to assist roughly 240 households, freeing up capacity at the City’s shelter. Participants will also receive support in responsible pet care to improve long-term success and community safety.
“Nearly half of all San Antonians are renters, but rising costs, including upfront pet deposits, prevent many residents from becoming pet owners,” the Councilmember continued. “Of those who do become pet owners, too many are unaware of the laws and best practices expected of their newfound responsibility. This program will help create more responsible, informed pet owners in our inner city.”
Building on this effort to make pet ownership more accessible, the second initiative, filed as a CCR on February 19, 2025, partners with Councilmembers Phyllis Viagran and Marc Whyte to call for a feasibility study on establishing a second Animal Care Services campus on the city’s Eastside. The study will explore potential locations, partnerships, and funding strategies to expand animal control, adoption, and outreach capacity in an area with historically high service demand.
“Eastside residents have long asked for more equitable animal care access,” added the District 2 Councilmember. “This study is a meaningful step toward delivering the services and facilities our community deserves. I look forward to discussing the findings and developing a community asset focused on animal welfare and community safety.”
Together, these initiatives reflect a growing commitment to equity, public safety, and quality of life in District 2 and across San Antonio.
“These wins represent a promise kept: to listen, to advocate, and to deliver for our community,” the District 2 Councilmember said. “I’m proud of the partnerships that made this possible and grateful to my colleagues for their support.”