FAQs

Aren’t you just taking all the good dogs who would be adopted anyway in San Antonio?

No. If all the homeless, adoptable dogs in San Antonio were being adopted, we wouldn’t need to be doing this! The truth is, hundreds of animals who would make wonderful companions are killed each week – young puppies, gentle older dogs, purebreds, adorable mutts.

Why do you say that dogs are “killed” instead of saying they’re “euthanized”?

According to the dictionary definition, euthanasia refers to the act of permitting the death of a hopelessly sick or injured animal in a relatively painless way for reasons of mercy. When a healthy animal is put to death, he is not euthanized – he is killed.

Do shelters really still use gas chambers to kill animals?

Yes. Although San Antonio Animal Care Services no longer uses the gas chamber, Texas is one of 15 states where it is legal to gas shelter animals. The practice is banned in 16 states. In the remaining states (including the District of Columbia), there are no laws either prohibiting or permitting the use of gas chambers.

I don’t live in San Antonio. How can I help?

You can help San Antonio dogs by making a donation to ARF or any of the local San Antonio rescue groups. Help dogs closer to home by checking with shelters and rescue groups in your area to see how you can help them. Encourage your family and friends to do the same. The more people who stand up for shelter dogs, the more shelter dogs we can save.

How do you decide where the dogs will go?

We work with no-kill shelters in communities where the number of potential adopters is greater than the number of dogs available for adoption. It is important to us that local dogs are not displaced to make room for dogs from San Antonio. Right now, we are only working with shelters in New England.

How long is the trip?

The trip from San Antonio to the receiving shelters in New England is about 2,000 miles.

Isn’t that a really long ride for dogs?

Yes (it’s long for the humans, too!). Dogs are transported safely in individual crates and they have access to plenty of water, food, and bathroom breaks. While in transit, ARF dogs are treated like our own canine family members, which means they enjoy periodic walks, snuggles, quality food, and receive many compliments.

How do you prepare the dogs for the trip?

You can read about our transport here.

I work or volunteer with an animal shelter or rescue group and we’d like to learn more about receiving ARF dogs. How can I find out about that?

We would love to hear from you! Please contact us and we’ll be happy to talk with you.