Good Samaritan Assistance Program

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Turning Compassion Into Action

Every day, caring community members step in to help stray, injured, or abandoned animals.

Often, they want to do the right thing — but don’t know where to turn or lack the resources to

move forward. AAPAW’s Good Samaritan Assistance Program exists to support these

individuals, ensuring that compassion is met with practical, lifesaving help.

Why Good Samaritan Support Matters

Without guidance or assistance:

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• Injured or vulnerable animals may go untreated

• Good Samaritans may feel overwhelmed or discouraged

• Animals may fall through the cracks

 

Good Samaritans are often the first point of contact for animals in crisis. Supporting them strengthens the entire animal welfare system.

How the Program Works

AAPAW assists Good Samaritans in the San Antonio area by:

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• Providing information and referrals to appropriate rescue partners

• Offering limited financial assistance for emergency veterinary care, when appropriate

• Helping connect animals to rescue organizations or foster care

 

Support is provided with the goal of ensuring animals receive timely care and a clear path forward.

Impact & Outcomes

Through the Good Samaritan Assistance Program:

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• Animals receive urgent care more quickly

• Community members are empowered to act responsibly

• Rescue organizations receive better-supported intake cases

• Fewer animals are left without options

 

In 2025, AAPAW assisted 4 Good Samaritan cases involving injured or at-risk animals. Each case represents a moment when compassion was transformed into meaningful action.

A Collaborative Model That Works

AAPAW does not act alone. We coordinate with rescue groups, veterinarians, and community partners to ensure each situation is handled responsibly and efficiently. This collaboration:

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• Reduces duplication of effort

• Improves outcomes for animals

• Builds trust between the public and rescue organizations

Why This Program Is Essential

Without Good Samaritan support:

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• Animals in crisis may go untreated

• Community members disengage after negative experiences

• Rescue systems face disorganized or delayed intakes

 

With Good Samaritan support:

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• Animals receive timely care

• Community engagement is strengthened

• The rescue network functions more effectively

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How You Can Help

 

You can help ensure no act of compassion goes unsupported.

Ways to support this program include:

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• Making a financial contribution

• Partnering with AAPAW as a veterinary or rescue organization

• Helping spread awareness of available resources

 

Together, we can ensure that helping an animal never feels impossible.