The Animal Defense League (ADL) is a true no-kill shelter for abandoned, abused, or neglected dogs and cats. Our mission is to enhance the quality of life for these animals by providing needed medical care, including spaying and neutering. Food, shelter, and safety are also provided, along with compassion and attention. While maintaining a healthy and loving facility, ADL consistently works to find the best possible home for each resident animal.
Supported by contributions and directed by a volunteer board, the League provides programs and services which strengthen the bond between animals and people. Through grassroots advocacy, education and rescue, the organization is the leading voice for dogs and cats in crisis.
The Animal Defense League provides a variety of services and resources including:
- Sheltering of animals, regardless of their conditions when they arrive.
- Complete medical treatment provided to animals under the care of the shelter.
- Full-time veterinarian and staff who treat all resident animals
- Spay/neuter program for pets of low-income families
- Humane education programs in schools and the broader community
- Active adoption services to find homes for all the animals taken in by the Animal Defense League
The Animal Defense League of Texas Paul Jolly Center for Pet Adoptions is our second location where you can find a loving furry companion! Come by and meet the cats, kittens, dogs, and puppies available for adoption. We’re located in Brackenridge Park, directly across from the San Antonio Zoo.
Last application taken at 6:30 PM.
Are you in need of a loving furry companion? Come by and meet the cats, kittens, dogs, and puppies available for adoption.
We have many programs where your time will impact the daily mission of the Animal Defense League of Texas. Opportunities range from kennel support to hospital recovery team, from fundraising to adoption center support. Your skills and experience are invaluable, so let us know how you'd like to participate.
Dog Walking and Cat Socialization
Volunteers keep our dogs and cats happy by giving them lots of attention! Walking dogs, training, bathing, grooming, socializing cats and just visiting the animals makes all the difference!
Off-Site Adoption Events
The Animal Defense League holds off-site adoption events almost every weekend. Volunteers help us care for the animals at these events, as well as talk to potential adopters.
Pet Photographers
A great opportunity for teams of two volunteers, you’ll work with our marketing team to assist in taking photos and videos of dogs and cats. This includes the profile head shot, action photos, and taking notes on personalities.
Kennel Care Support
Help dogs and cats find forever homes by keeping them clean and healthy! Kennel/cage cleaning, dishes, and laundry make up the bulk of the work from 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM every day of the week.
Recovery Room Assistant
Volunteers monitor and care for animals as they recover from anesthesia, help clean and prep surgery instruments, and cover other duties as needed. Recovery Room Assistants must be 18 and older and attend a hospital orientation in addition to general orientation.
Foster Care
Foster care provides temporary homes for animals who need a break from shelter life. Moving these animals into foster homes not only makes their lives better, but also saves the lives of those who take their place. Fostering a shelter animal is a rewarding experience, but requires hard work and dedication. Learn more about our foster program here.
Step One: Complete online a volunteer application and choose an orientation date. (Find the volunteer application form here.)
Step Two: After you have completed the application and scheduled your orientation class, you will receive a confirmation email.
Step Three: After you attend an orientation, you will receive an email with a link to create a password in our volunteer portal, your volunteer clock-in PIN, and notification that you have been switched from "Applicant" to "Active". You’ll also receive a copy of our Volunteer Handbook. PLEASE REVIEW THIS MATERIAL.
Step Four: Sign up for your first volunteer assignment on the volunteer portal. Remember: you must volunteer at least 12 hours every three months to remain active.
Step Five: Give yourself a pat on the back. You’re making a difference!
Please note that the minimum age to volunteer is 12. Volunteers 16 and older may volunteer independently with signed permission by a legal guardian. Children, age 12 to 15 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian who is also an ADL volunteer (who has completed orientation) at all times. Children under the age of 12 can join our Pet Champion program. Contact Beth at [email protected] for more information about the Pet Champion program.