HISTORY OF AAPAW
In 2004, the San Antonio Express-News published a two-part article relative to the abhorrent conditions of our companion animals in San Antonio. At that time, San Antonio had by far the highest euthanization rate of all the major cities in the United States. The controversy and concern over this issue eventually led to the implementation of an Animal Care Strategic Plan for the City of San Antonio in August 2006. The core concept of the City’s Strategic Plan was to achieve a “no kill” goal by 2012. In simple terms, the goal was to make San Antonio a city in which every animal receives responsible care. In furtherance of this goal, the City engaged the help and support of a number of partners, which led to the formation of AAPAW in 2007. In the summer of 2010, Manu Ginobli of the San Antonio Spurs, and his dog Ciru, agreed to help AAPAW’s initiatives by filming public service announcements.
AAPAW is a coalition of animal welfare organizations in the San Antonio area who have joined forces to help bring animal welfare organizations, veterinarians, and the community together in partnership to improve the lives of animals in the San Antonio area. Through our communication network and through various programs, AAPAW supports more than 50 local independent rescue groups and individuals in their efforts to rescue and adopt out homeless animals in and around the San Antonio area. Our members agree to follow generally accepted rescue guidelines that include proper vetting and medical care, screening of fosters and potential adopters, and written adoption agreements.
Together, our members rescue and adopt out 1,000’s of animals each and every year! We are 100% run by volunteers.
AAPAW is a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
MISSION
The mission of Alamo Area Partners for Animal Welfare (AAPAW) is to bring animal welfare organizations, veterinarians and the community together in partnership to improve the lives of animals in the San Antonio area.
VISION
AAPAW is committed to providing the San Antonio area with overall leadership on animal welfare issues. AAPAW serves as a central resource to help coordinate and solidify the rescue efforts of rescue groups, businesses, individuals, the veterinary community and the community at large to reach the goal of making San Antonio a city that provides for the welfare of its companion animals.
An integral part of our vision for the future entails the application of the following Primary Activities:
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Ensure that every adoptable homeless dog or cat finds a home
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End overpopulation by increasing spay and neuter activities
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Educate citizens in order to prevent animal abuse and promote pet retention through responsible pet ownership