San Antonio Animal Care Services celebrated the start of construction on a new veterinary hospital designed to expand lifesaving care for shelter pets.
SAN ANTONIO — There were wagging tails, tiny hard hats, and even chew-toy “shovels” as San Antonio Animal Care Services celebrated a big step forward for pets and the people who care for them.
City leaders and Animal Care Services staff gathered Monday to break ground on a new shelter veterinary hospital, a project approved by voters in the 2022 Bond election. Shelter dogs stole the show as they padded through the ceremony, clearly ready to clock in for their cutest construction shift yet.
The new 17,500-square-foot veterinary facility is designed to significantly expand medical care and lifesaving capacity for shelter animals. Once complete, the hospital will provide treatment for tens of thousands of animals each year, including more space for spay and neuter surgeries, urgent and specialty care, enhanced diagnostics, and a foster drop-off area.
Plans also include a large surgical suite with multiple operating tables and dedicated recovery spaces for both dogs and cats—because every patient deserves a comfortable place to heal.
Construction is expected to take about 18 months, with the hospital projected to open in mid-to-late 2027. When it does, city leaders say it will be a game-changer for animal welfare in San Antonio.
For now, the pups are ready to supervise… from a safe distance, of course.