San Antonio to Launch AI Roaming-Dog Study in October
The city will evaluate dog population data in 32 neighborhoods to inform future pet management and budget decisions.
Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Dogs
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San Antonio officials will launch an AI-powered study in October 2026 to track the citys roaming-dog population across 32 neighborhoods. The project aims to compare current counts against 2019 data to better understand local pet ownership trends.
Why it matters
By comparing current data to the 2019 survey, the city aims to develop targeted strategies for managing roaming pets and improve public safety in local neighborhoods. This evaluation will inform upcoming budget decisions regarding animal services staffing and resources.
A 2019 city survey estimated 34,636 free-roaming dogs, with 93% of observed animals appearing to have owners. The current project revisits the same 32 city areas evaluated in that initial report.
The players
San Antonio Animal Care Services
The city department responsible for managing pet welfare and responding to animal-related public service requests.
Southwest Research Institute
An independent research and development organization providing technical expertise for city projects.
The details
Researchers will mount cellphones to vehicle windows to capture video as they drive through the 32 designated city areas. This footage undergoes both automated object-detection software analysis and human review to determine if the animals are strays or owned pets. These findings will help the city present a comprehensive plan for staffing and strategy before the next budget planning cycle.
Timeline
The roaming-dog study begins in October 2026.
Data collection for the 32 surveyed city areas will continue through December 2026.
The Home Front
This study updates figures previously established by the 2019 survey, allowing the city to track long-term population shifts. These findings will directly impact future budget planning and animal control resource allocation across San Antonio neighborhoods.
Pet owners should ensure their dogs remain safely contained on their property to assist with accurate data collection during the study period. Residents in the 32 identified areas may notice research vehicles recording video footage through December 2026.
The takeaway
Understanding the scale of roaming pets helps the city allocate resources more effectively to keep neighborhoods safe. If you have concerns about roaming animals, contact local animal services rather than attempting to approach the animals yourself.
What happens next
Following the completion of the survey in December 2026, city staff will present a plan outlining new strategies, staffing needs, and projected costs before the next budget planning cycle.
Further reading
Learn more about local pet management efforts in the San Antonio Dogs section.
Live Poll
Is your city doing enough to effectively manage and reduce the number of stray animals?
