San Marcos Regional Animal Shelter faces ‘difficult decisions’ with code red alert

“The amount of time a dog spends at the shelter can vary. Some dogs are here for a couple days, others have been at the shelter for more than 200 days,” said Animal Services Manager Christie Banduch in an email. “Shelter staff will be forced to make difficult decisions.”

As of April 29, 2022, Lina, 48234616, has been at San Marcos Regional Animal Shelter for 287 days.

Courtesy of San Marcos Regional Animal Shelter

Although, they are called the San Marcos Regional Animal Shelter, they take in dogs from Hays County cities including San Marcos, Kyle, Buda, Wimberley, and Dripping Springs.

Banduch said there are 93 dog kennels that can house two dogs that come into the shelter together or a whole puppy litter and their mom in one kennel. The shelter has 140 dogs with more coming in everyday. The main source of overcrowding is from unwanted litters resulting from pets not being spayed or neutered, she added.

“There are other options besides permanent adoptions. Staff is working around the clock with our foster and rescue partners to find temporary homes. We often have animals that have medical or behavioral challenges that limit their adopter pool,” Banduch said.

For the 2021 fiscal year, the shelter took in 4,059 cats and dogs, 206 of which were euthanized. The live outcome rate was 92%.

As of April 29, 2022, Emma, 47625089, has been at San Marcos Regional Animal Shelter for 214 days.

Courtesy of San Marcos Regional Animal Shelter

“The most common euthanasia reasons are when an animal has severe medical concerns or extreme behavioral challenges that made adoption of the animal too dangerous,” she said.

There are no adoption fee reductions at this time. The $97 adoption fee includes spay/neuter, vet exam, vaccinations, and microchip. The shelter is open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from noon to 7 p.m. and Saturday from noon to 5 p.m.

Anyone wanting to check out an animal to adopt can go on their website.