Client Spotlight: The Animal Defense League of Texas
When Felicia Niño joined the Animal Defense League of Texas (ADL) as Director of Marketing and Development in September 2023, she brought with her a passion for connecting the community to the life-saving work happening behind the shelter’s doors. ADL, a non-profit organization dedicated to rescuing homeless dogs, cats, puppies, and kittens, operates out of two facilities in San Antonio: a centrally located 12-acre main campus and the city-owned Paul Jolly Center for Adoptions. Together, these spaces serve as safe havens where animals receive medical care, nutrition, and love until they find their forever homes.
ADL’s story stretches back nearly a century. Originally part of the Child Protective & Humane Society in 1923, the organization aimed to support children, companion animals, and working animals alike. By 1934, the Animal Defense League had become its own entity, focused solely on preventing animal cruelty. Over the decades, ADL’s mission has grown far beyond providing shelter and basic care. Today, it rescues thousands of animals each year, ensuring not only their survival but their chance of a fulfilling, loving life.
What sets ADL apart from other shelters is the depth of care it provides. At its main campus, a full-service veterinary hospital treats routine and complex medical needs, performing spay and neuter surgeries, vaccinations, microchipping, and even specialized surgeries for pets with serious conditions. ADL also tackles contagious illnesses such as parvo, distemper, and feline infectious peritonitis (FIP), while providing the city’s first no-cost mobile wellness clinics to underserved communities. In this way, the organization extends its mission beyond the shelter walls, saving lives and strengthening the bond between pets and the communities they inhabit.
A day at ADL is a whirlwind of activity, with every department contributing to the mission in its own way. In marketing, Felicia and her team craft social media content, coordinate media appearances, write pet stories, and ensure the community knows about upcoming events and adoptable pets. Elsewhere in the organization, staff and volunteers feed and care for animals, walk dogs, assist adopters, perform surgeries, and administer medications. Every task, big or small, moves the organization closer to its ultimate goal: connecting pets with the people who will love them forever.
At the heart of ADL’s work is its commitment to being a no-kill shelter. No animal is ever euthanized if it can be treated and returned to health. Even when the shelter reaches capacity, no pet will ever be euthanized to make room for another. With San Antonio facing significant pet overpopulation, this dedication is crucial. Beyond sheltering animals, ADL educates the public about responsible pet ownership, empowering the community to make decisions that reduce neglect and abandonment.
The support of the local community has been essential to ADL’s success. Donations, adoption fees, grants, and volunteer efforts all help sustain the organization’s work. Volunteering is more than lending a hand, it’s about forming lasting connections with pets and people alike.
ADKF has been fortunate to work with ADL not just as a client, but as a community partner. In addition to providing guidance on audit ready financials, the entire firm has also volunteered their time at the campus, and attended events like ADL’s annual fundraising gala, Fur Ball. ADKF is incredibly proud to support the organization in practical ways while also celebrating its mission. This involvement is a reminder that businesses can make a meaningful difference in their communities by contributing expertise, time, and resources to nonprofits, helping them thrive and extend their impact.
In addition to donations and volunteering, fostering offers individuals a chance to provide temporary, loving homes while receiving guidance and all the needed supplies from ADL. Financial contributions, meanwhile, go directly to medical care, nutrition, and safe shelter for rescued pets. Every action, no matter how small, changes a life!
Few stories illustrate this impact more vividly than that of Pumpkin King. When he arrived from City of San Antonio Animal Care Services, his tiny body was buried beneath layers of matted fur, dirt, and debris, with one cheek stuck to his shoulder. It was hard to tell if he could even move, but through it all, his tail wagged. ADL’s team sprang into action. Multiple team members carefully shaved away 1.8 pounds of matted fur, revealing a bright-eyed, grateful little dog underneath. From spa days to media appearances, and a professional groom that restored his coat to its full glory, Pumpkin King’s journey culminated in a forever home filled with love. His story stands as a testament to the transformative power of compassion.
As the holidays approach, ADL looks forward to the generosity of the community. Blankets, toys, beds, and treats brighten the lives of pets who have likely never known such comfort. At the same time, ADL continues its education programs, school visits, volunteer and foster initiatives, and free vaccination and microchip clinics. Even the youngest animal lovers (ages 3-11) can get involved through the Pet Champion Volunteer Program, learning firsthand about advocacy, responsible ownership, and the joy of helping pets thrive.
Challenges remain. San Antonio’s pet overpopulation leads to abandoned animals, roaming strays, and highly contagious, yet preventable illnesses. However, through collaboration, education, low-cost spay/neuter services, and adoption initiatives, ADL is helping the community build a culture of compassion and responsibility. Looking ahead, the organization aims to continue serving thousands of pets and people each year, cementing its paw print as a leader in animal welfare not only in San Antonio, but beyond.
Felicia Niño, and the entire ADL team, hopes the community recognizes the tireless work that goes into caring for each animal. Every pet that arrives at ADL is resilient, innocent, and deserving of love. By adopting, volunteering, fostering, or donating, every member of the community can play a part in giving these animals the second chance they deserve. While the work is challenging, the rewards are immeasurable, there is nothing quite like witnessing a neglected or abandoned animal blossom into a happy, loved companion. At the Animal Defense League of Texas, every life matters, and every act of kindness leaves a lasting impact!
If you are interested in becoming a volunteer at ADL: Click Here