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.”
From 2023 to 2024, there was a 29% increase in animals, going from 3,400 to 4,392 in one year. In addition, Banduch said fewer adoptions have taken place because of the economy.
“People were hesitant to take on pets due to costs,” she said. “Economy and housing insecurity issues that we’re seeing just kind of [made it difficult for people to afford a pet], and it’s not even just here, it’s nationwide. So, I think that’s probably the biggest contribu- tor to those two things. Thankfully, adoptions are starting to pick up again, which is promising.”
As of the latest count, the shelter is home to a total of 215 animals, comprising 154 dogs and 61 cats. This figure includes animals in the foster program, with 116 dogs and 26 cats currently housed within the shelter itself. Banduch noted these numbers fluctuate frequently, but the overall trend indicates a significant capacity strain.
The implications of overcrowding at the shelter can lead to increased stress and the spread of diseases among the animals.
“When we have more animals than we can handle, it becomes difficult to provide the necessary care and attention to each one,” Banduch said. “This can lead to health problems and behavioral issues, which in turn make it harder for these animals to find permanent homes.”
To combat these challenges, the San Marcos Animal Shelter has implemented a foster program, which aims to alleviate some of the pressure on the shelter by placing animals in temporary homes.
“Our foster program is crucial in managing our population,” Banduch said. “It allows us to provide better care for the animals and increases their chances of being adopted.”
Tyler Pye, a senior at Texas State University and a foster parent in San Marcos, has a passion for fostering dogs that started with Operation Pets Alive during her junior and senior years, around the time of the COVID-19 pandemic. Pye’s experience as a foster parent has been rewarding, but it also comes with its own set of challenges.
“I fostered, I think, four dogs for them when I was in high school,” she said. “Fostering is not always easy. It requires a lot of time, patience and resources. But knowing that you’re making a difference in an animal’s life makes it all worth it.”
The shelter regularly hosts events and adoption drives to engage the community and raise awareness about the importance of animal welfare. Education and outreach are also key components of the shelter’s efforts.
“We believe that educating the public about responsible pet ownership is vital,” Banduch said. “By teaching people about the importance of spaying and neutering, proper care and the commitment required to own a pet, we can help reduce the number of animals that end up in shelters.”
Despite the challenges, Banduch remains optimistic about the future.
“We are constantly looking for ways to improve and expand our services,” she said. “Our goal is to create a safe and loving environment for every animal that comes through our doors and to find them the permanent homes they deserve.”
Banduch said the San Marcos Animal Shelter’s work is a testament to the dedication and compassion of its staff, volunteers and community supporters. The shelter’s efforts to address the root causes of animal homelessness, provide quality care and promote adoption are making a significant impact.
“Every small action can make a big difference,” Banduch said. “Whether it’s adopting a pet, fostering an animal, volunteering your time or making a donation, everyone can contribute to the well-being of these animals. Together, we can create a brighter future for them.”
Photo by Grace Raborn
