Alamo City Bully Breeds United

You may have come to this site hoping to find a home for a pit bull.  Alamo City Bully Breeds United is not a rescue group, but we can help provide some options.

First of all, if you have found a stray pit bull and are hoping to find a home for him, thank you!  Many of us acquired our dogs as rescues, so we appreciate the opportunity you’re providing for a dog by finding her a home.  We also appreciate how difficult it can be to place a pit bull, so we hope that the resources provided on this page can be of some help. 

First things first – does this dog belong to someone?

Does this dog look well-fed or cared for?  Is she wearing a collar?  Even if there are no tags on the collar (they do come off), a collar means that she was somebody’s at some time.  If you can, take her to a local veterinarian or animal shelter and ask to have her scanned for a microchip.  Dogs in San Antonio are required to be microchipped, so it’s a real possibility. 

If there is no microchip, there are other ways you can try to find her owner.  The old-fashioned way, making “found” posters really does work.  Also try posting on Craigslist – but do not post a picture.  Write that you have found a pit bull, and ask that anyone who has lost a pit bull contact you with descriptive details.  Unfortunately, there are some dishonest people out there that may be trying to claim dogs that are not theirs for bad purposes. 

There are other online resources worth trying, like www.sapets.com.  Don’t give up!

Can I take this dog to San Antonio’s Animal Care Services?

You can, but this should be the last resort.  Although San Antonio is working hard to become a no-kill community, we still have a long way to go.  Unfortunately, very few of the pets that enter Animal Care Services ever make it out, and pit bulls fare worse than most breeds.  Owner-surrendered dogs are generally euthanized the same day.  It’s a heartbreaking situation, but as sad as it is, it’s our reality right now. 

What about local rescue groups?

With an overwhelming demand for space in shelters, it can be difficult or time-consuming to try to find a placement in a rescue group, but it is absolutely worth the effort.  Wouldn’t you like for this dog to end up a success story? 

A partial list of local rescue groups can be found here:  http://www.saafdn.org/NetCommunity/Page.aspx?pid=384

Are there local rescue groups that specialize in pit bulls?

Yes, Spindletop Refuge specializes in American Pit Bull Terriers and American Staffordshire Terriers.  More information about Spindletop can be found here:  http://spindletoppitbullrefuge.org 

Other things to be aware of:

Until you can have the dog checked by a veterinarian, keep her away from any pets you already have.  With a pit bull, you should be especially vigilant when the found dog is near your pets.  Many are naturally dog aggressive, and the added stress of coming into a new home can exacerbate aggression.  Pit bulls also generally have a strong prey drive, so keep your smaller pets away. 

While the vast majority of pit bulls are extremely people-friendly, as with any unfamiliar dog, you should approach with care.  If the dog shows ANY sign of human aggression, you should immediately contact an experienced and reputable dog trainer and your veterinarian to determine the appropriate course of action. 

Again, we thank you – a rescued pit bull can be the best dog you’ve ever had.  They know when they’ve got it good, and they will love you for it!