SAN MARCOS REGIONAL ANIMAL SHELTER
The San Marcos Regional Animal Shelter is issuing an urgent plea to the community as the shelter faces critical capacity. Despite ongoing adoption and rescue efforts, continued intakes of surrendered pets, strays and animals brought in by the public have strained the shelter. Currently, three dogs are at the highest risk of euthanasia based on health or behavioral factors and must secure placement by Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025.
Permanent placement through adoption or rescue transfer is the ideal outcome for these pets, however, long-term foster homes can also play a lifesaving role. Without confirmed placement, the shelter may be forced to make the difficult decision to euthanize.
“We never want to make these decisions,” said Animal Services Manager Christie Banduch. “We carefully determine at-risk pets based on several factors including quality of life, behavioral, or medical concerns that make placement more challenging, length of stay, and any bite history. These decisions are heartbreaking, but sometimes necessary to ensure the overall wel- fare of the animals in our care.”
SMRAS serves as the only animal intake facility in Hays County, handling thousands of animals each year. Since January 2025, the shelter has taken in approximately 3,900 pets and has remained over full capacity since Summer of 2022. The shelter was not designed to serve as a long-term housing facility.
Overcrowding increases the risk of illness and behavioral deterioration in animals, making timely placement essential. To protect animal health and safety, the shelter must maintain manageable occupancy levels.
“We need our community’s help,” said Community Engagement Coordinator Minnie Buckhaults. “We are here to serve Hays County, the community and the pets who rely on us, but we can only do so much within the walls of our shelter. When members of the community adopt, foster, volunteer, or support our lifesaving programs, they are directly helping us save lives.”
HOW THE COMMUNITY CAN HELP RIGHT NOW: - Adopt a pet into your home - Foster, especially medium and large dogs who need more time - Volunteer to support animal care and enrichment - Donate, to help fund transport opportunities to partner rescues in the northern United States The shelter remains committed to lifesaving outcomes for every pet who enters its doors and asks the community to step in now to help ensure these animals get the second chance they deserve.
