SAN ANTONIO – San Antonio Pets Alive is asking the city of San Antonio for a $500,000 bailout to continue operations for the remainder of the calendar year.
"Right now we're at a point where we definitely need help," said Clare Joscelyne, SAPA's director of operations. "We definitely need donations and more funds to keep going."
When asked if anything in particular happened to put the nonprofit organization in its current situation, such as being overwhelmed with the number of animals it takes in or the leadership in charge, Joscelyne said no.
SAPA is the only rescue in the Alamo City that solely saves animals from the city's Animal Care Services euthanasia list, according to Joscelyne. The organization hit the ground running when it opened in 2012. Last year alone, it placed 6,819 dogs and cats in homes.
"It is very expensive to upkeep. The need is not going away. Every day, we save animals. At least 25 a day off the euthanasia list," Joscelyne said.
Di Galvan, the city's assistant director of government and public affairs, said in an email that ACS values the partnership with SAPA. Therefore, city staff are currently evaluating the request and will provide a recommendation to City Council as part of the mid-year budget process in May.
SAPA contributes 18 percent to the city's save rate, according to ACS.
"We don't have any plans of closing or stopping our lifesaving, but we do want the community to know that we need help," Joscelyne said.
People can help with their time, money or by donating necessary care items. Monetary donations can go towards medical care, sponsoring a kennel or general funds.
SAPA does have a board of directors that helps with fundraising. However, the organization has to compete with many other longstanding area organizations.
Below is a chart showing the top organizations in San Antonio for pet rescues, fosters and adoptions. SAPA ranks second.