Animal Services Manager stresses benefits of adoption

By Minerva Hernandez-Garcia

Animal Services Manager Kara Montiel believes Hays County residents should opt to adopt to reduce pet homelessness and because of the, sometimes unknown, benefits of adopting shelter pets.

Montiel said many animals at the San Marcos Regional Animal Shelter are already housebroken and trained. This means less time training a new pet for indoor life.

“We have a lot of animals that have already been in homes,” Montiel said. “(They) don’t have the stereotypical issues that people think they do.”

There is a wide variety of animals waiting to be adopted, and for a prospective owner without preference for size or breed, finding a pet at a shelter instead of buying from a pet store is a good option.

While adopting a pet without knowing its history can make potential pet owners nervous, Montiel said the longer an animal has been at the shelter, the more is known about them.

Free medical services, which are generally expensive to receive elsewhere, are available to those who adopt from the shelter.

Animals adopted through Guardian Angel program

By Taylor Kidd

                                                                                  Photo by Taylor Kidd

The San Marcos Animal Shelter's Mutt-Strutt Guardian Angel Program allows caring individuals to sponsor a pet. 

The Guardian Angel program began in July of 2007. To date, over 50 animals have been adopted as Guardian Angels. People can donate $50, which will go toward the adoption fee of the animal he or she chooses to sponsor. The donor's name will be put on a sign with the sponsored animal.

Guardians can pick the adoptable animal they like and sponsor them, or allow the shelter staff to choose an animal. 

This sponsorship is best for pets that have been at the shelter for an extended period, that may have a medical condition or are older. Many San Marcos residents have found wonderful pets to love and care for through this program.

"Pet of the Month"

By Erin Finger

Photo by Taylor Kidd

Swazzle is a 7-month-old, medium-sized, orange, mixed tabby. He is described as energetic and loves attention. He is adoptable immediately. If you, or someone you know, would like to adopt Swazzle, more information about the adoption process can be found under the “About Adoption” tab.