Animal Defense League

The Nacogdoches location is horrible. I fostered 3 puppies and right when I picked them up, they were coughing and gagging. Lola who works in foster is horrible at her job. First of all, I called to tell her about the problem with the puppies and she blew it off like it was nothing. Second time I called back, same thing. I finally had to bring them in after a week because they were getting worse and their noses were running they were congested. It was so sad. So I took them in to get a check up appointment for their condition and when I was waiting to go back the same day to pick then up to finish fostering them, Lola said they didn't need a foster anymore and that I no longer could adopt the puppy I was told I could get priority for once they were available. Apparently Lola was upset at the fact that in my email I states that the puppies were sick and questioned who I could talk to about the puppies condition. Lola couldn't accept the fact that she blew off the illness of the puppies initially. She took it personal but she obviously overlooked important facts and conditions of the puppy. This girl needs a job that fits her character. Flipping burgers at McDonald's seems more suitable. She obviously doesn't care about animals much.

Kennel staff is knowlegable, but overly possessive, felt judged the entire time. Couldn't find anyone to answer questions about volunteering .... on a Saturday in the summer!!! Adoption center is small and smells like cat ... probably because of the one that lives there (can't adopt it). Most buildings were full of dogs you couldn't see, others seemed empty.

The San Antonio Animal Defense League has always provided first class service at the best price possible. Thanks to all the employees for a job well done.

AFL is the greatest animal shelter in San Antonio! They work so hard to rescue animals, give them medical care and find their forever home. The campus is always friendly and clean. They never euthanize to make room for an animal and ha e staff with the highest integrity!

If I could give the Animal Defense League 6 stars, I would. What an amazing organization that does so much good! If you've ever visited this facility, you'll notice the amazing staff that is eager to assist. Plus, you'll also notice no God-awful smells. I love the Animal Defense League.

So many great things to say about ADL

the folks that work and volunteer there are smart, compassionate people. The facilities are wonderful. It's evident they care about the environment that the homeless animals live there. All I can say is 'WOW' about their new state of the art facilities.

I live out of town and support this great organization with periodic monetary donations and with items that I bring for their resale fundraising shop.

The fact that they have been a steady fixture in San Antonio for so many years and are truly a NO KILL shelter is testament that they have made good decisions over the years. They have a positive steadfast reputation.

Having served as a volunteer first, I was able to see first-hand the hard-working and dedicated staff that care for the abandoned dogs and cats that come to the shelter. With such an endless stream of homeless pets coming in the door every day, it is a testament to their compassion and care that they show the same high level of devotion to them all.

More recently, as a Board Member, it gives me great satisfaction to help support the mission of these fine folks and continue to be of service. As the largest and oldest no-kill shelter in the area, Animal Defense League continues to set the bar higher to do more, save more and unite more abandoned dogs and cats with loving families and into their forever homes. There is no stronger advocate for these whose voices may not otherwise be heard.

My father picked up two stray dogs from the neighborhood that needed forever homes. ADL set up a take-in inte view, provided fabulous website photos and personal descriptions for them, and found the perfect homes for their individual personalities. They are the most exceptional and caring adoption group for cats and dogs in the Texas area. Lucky to have them helping our community.

ADL of San Antonio is the greatest! I Love to support them. They make all of their animals special on their website - even the ones that might be a little harder to place. The facility is always renovating and improving the spaces for the dogs and cats. They are very involved with the community in ways that help place their animals in successful forever homes.

My experience started with my awesome Zelda...adopted thru the Animal Defense League. I found her difficult to control at first, but with training thru their Puppy Obedience Classes, she is now very now manageable. I love this place, their work and I have sponsored five additional pups through ADL that have successfully been adopted. Another adoption from ADL is in our near future.

The animal defense league has helped me save 2 dogs in the past year, and without their help I don't know what I would have done. The first was a very skinny chihuahua that had been abandoned, and even though they didn't have room for him right away they guaranteed him a spot as soon as space was available. The second was a 50 lb mix that I had found on the side of the road with a broken hip, and they took her in and got her the medical care she needed. Both dogs are now in loving homes thanks to the animal defense league.

I sponsor ten four legged little guys at a time, And donate extra money. I've walked around & asked questions, they do everything for the animals to get them adopted into wonderful, forever homes. I vote nine stars.

The Animal Defense League is a model for how to not only save animals, but to help them grow and thrive in a loving environment. Their success rate with adoptions is outstanding. I'd urge anyone interested in how to positively tackle the abandoned animal issue to visit ADL. Their campus is spacious and I'm especially pleased with the setup for cats; the kitties have air conditioned space with toys, food/water, and litter boxes, but also have access to a covered and screened outdoor space so they can get fresh air and enjoy the outside world. The staff at ADL genuinely care about the animals they house.

I love ADL so much. I have adopted several pets since 1993, the last being a little Chihuahua mix who is just the sweetest little thing. I also am a sponsor. One of my sponsor dogs was recently adopted but have one left. I believe whole heartedly in this organization and everything they do to help these homeless and some times
abused animals

I adopted my wonderful Bulldog mix (Rubble) from them nearly a year ago and he has been the best dog ever! Staff and volunteers are completely dedicated to finding the perfect forever home for every animal that comes through the doors. Very professional, caring and compassionate!

They do such good work- Work so hard and connect with so many in the community to find forever homes for so many deserving animals

I adopt, sponsor, and volunteer at ADL. I love the staff and feel like part of the ADL family.

The ADL is such an amazing place! The staff are so caring and committed to helping pets find a good forever home which is a good fit for both the pet and owner. Just an inspiring place to adopt from.

I volunteered here briefly until I found out they are getting funding from Sea World. I don't believe whales, dolphins and seals should be kept in captivity and suffer to make money to help other animals and make money for shareholders. It's cruel and inhumane. If you don't know that, watch Blackfish and The Cove and think about whether you'd like to live in your bathroom.

I have volunteered at the ADL for five years. I must say that over these years...the wonderful place keeps getting better and better! The commitment to helping our community care for abandoned, lost, discarded, and ill dogs, cats, puppies and kitties is so amazing. This no-kill shelter takes in and cares for those four-legged friends that others have given up on. I've seen some amazing care given to dogs that I didn't think would make it - the staff does whatever it takes to help them heal and find a new forever home. Every employee at the ADL cares about the dogs and cats: those that work in the on-site hospital, the kennel teams, adoption center, the volunteer coordinator, the thrift shop manager. the management team, the fundraising team, the public relations, the finance department, the grounds keepers, maintenance and security . . . . every single one! And, they appreciate the hours of help the volunteers give. While I donate my time...I also donate money because every dollar that I give is wisely spent on the right things that really make a difference. Thank you ADL of Texas!

I volunteer at the Animal Defense League as often as I can, as ADL really makes a difference in our community by being one of the only alternatives for neglected, abandoned or injured cats and dogs. The hospital and their staff are amazing and truly show these animals kindness and love, besides all of the necessary medical treatment, shelter and food. ADL has very creative volunteer opportunities so there is always something new and different to do, no matter your age or experience. Their programs are always focused on making things better for the animals, so you always feel that you really made a difference during the time that you volunteer.

I am adopted my dog Tito from The Animal Defense League in July 2012. I still can not understand who could have ever made the choice to surrender him in the first place. He is amazing and without ADL I would never found my forever family member. . Thanks to ADL for all the work that they do and for taking care of my little man until he made his way into our heart and home.

This organization saves a lot of animals from "death row" in San Antonio. The staff truly care about the animals' wellbeing and great strides have been made to improve facilities and increase capacity.

I have sponsored several kitties at ADL and toured their facility. In all my interactions I am amazed at the gracious, professional, and kind staff and volunteers; it's clear that those connected to this organization care deeply for the health, welfare, and happiness of our furry friends. When I toured the facility to visit a kitty I'd helped rescue, I found a wonderful set-up. Cats were segregated by age/size, they had both an indoor air-conditioned space with beds, litter boxes, food&water, and toys -- but! - they also had access to a large screen enclosure with kitty condos and toys. So whether the kitty was an indoor only or outdoor only cat in its previous life it would be comfortable.

The ADL continues to be a well-run organization that goes over and above the call of duty in their care and compassion for these homeless animals. I am very proud to be a volunteer at the ADL!

Great organization! The only thing better than being involved with the ADL is knowing that it finds good homes for so many homeless dogs and cats. The staff works very hard to make sure the pets are in good health and to match adoptive parents with the right pet. The care that these pets receive while waiting for foster parents is second to none.

Everyone at the Animal Defense League from top to bottom is committed to the same goal: to save and place as many orphaned or abandoned dogs and cats as possible into loving homes. And they are doing it better each year!

The staff works extra hard to make sure all the dogs and cats find their forever homes! I'm so excited to adopt Navy an amazing bulldog that came to ADL with a broken jaw. The staff didn't hesitate to preform emergency surgery on a Saturday night to save this awesome dog's life. Everyone is caring and compassionate and I know that the dogs and cats in the kennels are their main prioriry.

I adopted a dog who had spend a long period of time at the shelter being overlooked. The staff really went out of their way to match our dog with the right home, and of course, he fits in completely after only two months. These people know their dogs, give great advice and are genuinely interested in how he's been coming along. My family is so happy with our newest pet, so I'm giving them a full 5 stars!

I have just returned my 4th litter of Foster kittens to the ADL, ready for adoption. the staff at ADL is so supportive and take care of all the food and expenses. They even had a wonderful woman available to help me when I had questions about the bottle feeding.

Even though it is always a challenge to give them up without keeping at least one kitten, I know that I have helped give those precious little angels a good paw up on their lives. I always look forward to meeting my next litter; and each one takes a little piece of my heart with them when they go off to their Furever Homes. I am so happy that I quit watching kitten cams on the internet and started fostering, and I highly recommend it.

Adopting a homeless pet from ADL has been life-changing! The love that a shelter animal gives is so much more than ever expected. Thank you to the ADL and their staff for their mission of saving all of these furry lives!

My time at the ADL was the most fulfilling volunteer experience I have had. The staff are an extremely friendly, compassionate group of people who are dedicated to impacting the lives of animals and families in the San Antonio area. They take in animals, no matter how sick or abused, and put the resources and care into seeing that that animal has the opportunity to experience a life with a loving family.

The Animal Defense League is in a "League of Their Own" as far as animal services in San Antonio. Their experience with compassionate care for animals and training volunteers to become animal advocates surpasses any other service provided in the community. They truly are a no-kill facility and the experiences I have had volunteering there have been extremely positive for the animals as well as the public using the services. My time and money are well utilized at The ADL!

Animal Defense League is where I go to adopt my dogs and cats. It is the BEST shelter in San Antonio due to its excellence in the care and compassion of its animals. I have NEVER had a bad experience and I am always amazed at the animals that have been hurt or abused and how they have been cared for and rehabilitated. This shelter has such a hard-working ethic behind it as they serve to take animals off the streets of San Antonio and find them their permanent homes. I donate each year to this organization as they are phenomenal stewards of their budget and monies donated as they are put to helping those in need. They never kill an animal to make room for another and treat each resident with respect. I commend the ADL for having such high expectations that they meet on a daily basis. Without a doubt, they are the BEST non-profit in San Antonio, bar none!

A staff of very dedicated people who love animals and love what they are doing make this shelter one of the best! The cleanliness, all the green spaces for the animals to exercise in, and the love shown by the staff and volunteers make for happy animals who are very appealing to those wanting to adopt.

I have been volunteering for this organization for more than 10 years, and both my family animals were adopted from there. One of the great things is that animals are not euthanized just because they haven't been adopted. The staff clearly love the animals and give them extra attention when there is time. They work with shy animals and other issues and I have seen visible improvement as a result of their efforts. And a huge army of volunteers do the same! I currently help the web coordinator photograph all the animals, and their presentations on the web site are the best I have ever seen.
The organization brings in animals from the city sponsored Animal Care Services regularly to help with the huge problem of overpopulation of strays here in San Antonio. Once they arrive at Animal Defense League, we know that they are not subject to a "kill date" if they are not adopted.
If I were a dog or cat and couldn't have a home, this is where I would want to live. Play yards abound, as do volunteers to give attentio and walks.

When I retired, I wanted to start volunteering at an animal shelter. After checking out the ones around town, I decided on ADL, and it has been everything I saw during my first visit and more. It's not a fancy facility like some of the newer ones, but it is the kind of place I would want to go if I were a dog or cat in need of a place to stay.

The dogs have large kennels with access to inside and covered outside space, and for much of the day they are in play areas with other dogs (unless they don't get along with others), so it's like doggie daycare for them. No one stays cooped up all day.

They get a lot of attention, both from staff and from the many volunteers who come to walk and play with them. You can see the love of the people for the animals in the way they interact and their knowledge of each animal.

The cats have a life that is as good or better than they would have at a house. It's a big room full of toys and places to sleep or be alone, with two large screened porches accessible by cat doors. Staff and volunteers are in and out all day to play with them.

I was surprised at first at how happy and friendly the animals are, since they have all been abandoned or lost. But their good spirits and friendliness can be largely attributed to the way everyone there treats them as their own.

It's more than a no-kill shelter -- it does a lot of outreach to help people understand the importance of spay/neuter and offers now-cost services for spay/neuter, vaccinations and microchipping.

We donated our services to ADL to help them with their website. From the moment I started helping ADL - their team has been totally thankful and respectful of our time. We really have enjoyed seeing their team's heart toward helping animals. They are totally dedicated to this cause! I would recommend being a part of the volunteers / donors any time!

Last Saturday we adopted a cat their at ADL and we can be more happier. He was on special for ten dollars and he was already fixed, microchip, and had all his shots. He was limping when we got him home so we called them and they told us to bring him back to be seen by the vet for not charge. He is the sweetest thing ever, I can't see life without him. I am so blessed to have him. His name was charlie but we changed it to Sheldon (from the Big Bang Theory) . I just hope he does not give us a roommate agreement

My first dog I got when I was a little girl my family and I got from ADL. Little bugger was 6 months and is still kickin today almost 13 years later. We also got my second dog there a few years later. Then we adopted our second cat from there. I absolutely adore what ADL does for the animals in their care. My husband and I will be adopting OUR first cat from there when we find one we fall in love with there, we're always swinging by there for a quick look!

I have been a volunteer at ADL for about a year, and I have always been impressed with the care & love the staff gives to the animals there. They save many animals from the city's high-kill facility, as well as accepting a number of pets surrendered by their owners. They never kill an animal to make room for another one...the animals stay there until they find a home. My family adopted a dog from ADL that had been there for nearly a year & we love him! They have a wonderful facility with a large park to walk the dogs, and several fenced play areas that give the dogs the opportunity to run, chase a ball or swim. The kennels are always being cleaned, so the animals never have to live in a dirty space. The staff is friendly and helpful to both volunteers and visitors. ADL makes it extremely easy to volunteer, allowing you to give whatever time you can fit into your schedule, whenever it's convenient for you. This is one of the best animal rescue facilities I have ever been involved with!

In 1998 I adopted by two beatiful calico girls from them and thru the years hade make my life rich and beatiful. However in 2000 while at the mall, we foud 5 kittens abandoned in a scorching 95 degress in the boiling sidewalk outside of the Foley's. My husband and 2 other nice souls help to scoop them all (I'm handicap, so I direct only), we quickly drive to the ADL where I was told that they were full and would not take them, they advise us to take them to the pound to be put down. I rebeled to this idea and took them home, we kept 2 (a little tortishell .6 lb and a black boy .9 lb). The next day I called shelters until I found one to take them and I gave them a hefty donation. This left a bitter taste on my mouth of an organization that should help save, no kill critters. They can call themselves no kill, but believe me that other people would have follow their advise and they all would have been kill. So this is a kill organization, believe it. However they do help MUCH more than a pound so help and DONATE.

So glad they were there to give my four-legged baby a temporary home so we could find her! Can't imagine our lives without our sweet little dog!

I am always impressed with the loyalty and caring of the ADL staff towards the animals. They always have their best interests at heart and concentrate on finding just the right forever-home for each one. I have been a volunteer at the ADL for 13 years, and I love being there!

My daughter asked if we could volunteer at the shelter because she wants to be a vet. Little did I know how wonderful spending time at the shelter would be. We look forward to our time together there. We have also gotten into fostering puppies which is even more fun.

I adopted my baby girl from the ADL in 2000. She'll be turning 12 this year and is absolutely the love of my life. I started volunteering a little over a year ago and have been impressed by the continuing improvements and the real desire to help the animals find their forever homes.

I adopted my dog after serving as a foster home for her while she was recuperating after being hit by a car. I am also currently fostering two puppies until they are old enough to be adopted. ADL is an amazing charity to work with. The staff is fantastic, and you can tell that they truly care about finding homes for these animals.

My Wife and I had our 2 family dogs (Bizcocho & Bella) stolen from us at gun point in Dec 2010. We came to the Animal Defense League, not to replace the 2 we lost in the robbery, but to fill the void in our hearts from such a tragic loss. The staff were very understanding and assisted us in our time of need. We adopted "Nacho & Lola" (Brother & Sister) in Jan 2011. We were so happy with these two, that we adopted a third pup "Moe"from the Animal Defense League the following July. We will never forget "Bizcocho & Bella" but are happy to have our "trio" in our lives. Many Thanks to the Animal Defense League in San Antonio, Texas!

Over many years of living in San Antonio my family has adopted pets from them. I adopted my most recent kitty December 29, 2010. He is a happy, healthy loving little guy. My previous cat had passed away about six months prior to my adoption of Andre in 2010. I was having a hard time thinking about the kitty I had lost during the adoption process for Andre. I felt kind of dumb feeling so sad when I should have been jumping with joy that I was getting a new fur friend to bring home. The lady working with me was so kind & told me that it happens often when people adopt a new pet when they have lost a pet recently. She made me feel "normal" again. I always recommend to anyone who is wanting to adopt to go there. They have a wonderful facility, very nice personnel & the animals are happy & healthy & very well cared for as they wait for the forever home.

We adopted a lab mix in November 2008. Cici has turned out to be the best dog ever! We were so impressed with the compassion and love that the ADL staff/volunteers provided the animals during our two visits. The adoption process was easy and we look forward to going back one day to adopt a cat.

We adopted a precious little dog, Malcolm, in the 1990s who was part of our family for 16 years. I was impressed with ADL's commitment to find homes for dogs and cats, the careful interview process for adoptive "parents" and their strong links in the community with vets and dog training. I know they have strong leadership through their board - it is an organization worthy of support.

I have adopted three dogs from the Animal Defense League. All three dogs have different issues that, if taken to many kill shelters in San Antonio, would have been cited as a cause to put them to sleep. However, the Animal Defense League took these dogs in and treated what issues they could and worked with the issues that could not be treated medically. They gave these dogs a second chance at life and happiness. Now, instead of being homeless dogs, these dogs live at home with me being spoiled and loved on as much as possible. I'm so grateful to the Animal Defense League for saving the lives of these animals so that these dogs could enrich my life.

The Animal Defense League is an incredible organization. They take animals from other facilities and bring them to their no-kill haven. I adopted two dogs from ADL - one that was on death row at the SPCA. Both are wonderful dogs. The dogs at ADL are socialized with other dogs and people which better prepares them for homes with multiple dogs. The staff is amazing and they're constantly working to educate the community on how to make San Antonio a no-kill city.

This agency has really turned around in the past few years. It had a terrible Executive Director a few years ago that cared nothing for the animals, only about his reputation in the community. Since his firing, the organization has been doing great things and will continue to do so under its current leadership team.

I decided to start volunteering at ADL six months ago, and I am really impressed by the high degree of dedication and knowledge the staff and management shows in their daily work - from the well-run hospital and the adoption center to the kennel workers. I feel really blessed being able to contribute to this organisation, and can only recommend to anyone looking for a pet to check out the Animal Defense League.

I have adopted 3 dogs from the ADL. All have been wonderful pets for my family. This organization goes to great lengths to ensure that they match the family with the proper pet. The facilities are always clean and inviting when you visit. My son volunteers at the ADL walking dogs, assisting in the hospital and thrift store. The staff is always very professional and provides proper training for the volunteers. The only problem with volunteering is that you wish you could take them ALL home! God bless the ADL for all they do for His creatures!

On my 3rd Dog since 1984 adopted from this organization. They do great work and really care for the animals. Oldest such NO KILL organization in San Antonio. All privately funded so they really are great stewards of their resources as compared with other animal rescue centers. I highly reccommend ADL if you are seeking a new "family" member; dogs or cats!

I first came to the ADL to adopt a dog who went on to become a cherished pet. Since then I have been donating and volunteering at the shelter doing everything from visiting a children's home with ADL animals to just loving up on the kittens in the Cattery. The people who work and volunteer there are dedicated and good hearted people.

We adopted our cat from ADL and would not even consider getting a pet anywhere else! She was so well-loved and taken care of by the staff and volunteers. Thank you for all that you do to made people's lives better by connecting them with their adopted pets!

The Animal Defense League is the best place to adopt a dog or a cat, I know this first-hand. Our family adopted a little Terrier-Mix named, "Cricket". Not only did the ADL see to it that life-saving surgeries were done to save her life but they kept her safe and loved until we came to adopt her and give her a permanent home. We love our little dog so much that we tell anyone and everyone that the Animal Defense League is the best place to go. They are located at 11300 Nacogdoches Road and are open to the public 7 days a week. The staff was not only accommodating but tended to our every need and anticipated what we didn't think of ourselves. God Bless the ADL and all it does to help San Antonio and its problems of strays and unwanted animals. They work hard to make sure that each animal is the right "new addition" to each family and go to great lengths to make sure both animal and adopted family is THE BEST! I have not only adopted an animal from the ADL but my money and in-kind donations go there as well. I have seen the "good works" and daily miracles that are performed at the ADL and know that they do all they can to help the animals that find themselves at their door. They are a non-profit and make good use of every dollar donated so that as many animals as possible can benefit from it. IF FOR ANY REASON A PERSON CANNOT ADOPT AN ANIMAL, PLEASE CONSIDER SPONSORING ONE UNTIL IT FINDS ITS PERMANENT HOME. Without help from caring people in our community willing to donate, the ADL would not be able to keep its doors open. Thank you, ADL, WE LOVE ALL THAT YOU DO!

I just adopted my second dog from ADL. What a great experience that was. It's always a pleasure to work with knowledgeable and passionate employees. The ADL staff holds each of the pet resident’s welfare in their hearts. It's not just a job to them - it's their mission in life. They always go the extra mile to love and train the animals to boost their confidence and, consequently, their chance for a successful adoption. When my dogs and I are out, invariably folks comment about their good manners. I never miss the chance to say they’re rescues from ADL!

I am adopted my dog from ADL in May 2010. I still can not understand why she was there for 2 years prior to me adopting her. We had been through some trials and tribulations in our first year together, but ADL was there the whole way to help in any way that they could. The staff was super friendly and very helpful in helping me pick out my canine companion. Thanks to ADL for all the work that they do and for taking care of my baby all those years until she made her way into my heart and home.

I rescued a cat that was being attacked by three dogs and did not know where to take him for urgent help. I rushed into the ADL and their staff immediately jumped in to assist. They assessed the poor kitty and took him in and saved his life. I don't know what I would have done if they had not been there! Please donate to keep this non-profit shelter going!

I adopted my yorkie-poo from the ADL. I was fostering him during his recovery after a major surgery (he was only 2 months old). I thank ADL for rescuing him dispite his condition and even more so, providing him with the necessary medical treatment he desperately needed. Their facility is on 12 acres and accomidates so many wonderful cats and dogs in a comfortable, fun and safe environment. The staff are very knowledgeable of the animals and they do a great job at education people on proper pet care and the importance of vaccines and all general health care.