San Marcos Regional Animal Shelter faces overcrowding amid economic challenges

Inflation, the local economy and overall budget concerns, have taken a hit on an unexpected community — pet owners.  

Christie Banduch, San Marcos Animal Shelter animal services manager, has been at the forefront of addressing these issues for the last several years. For her staff, more economic challenges for pet owners means a surplus of abandoned animals.   

"The number of animals coming into the shelter has increased significantly," she said. "We currently have over 150 animals, which is nearly double our capacity."