Humane Society of the New Braunfels Area

Since 1975, the Humane Society of the New Braunfels Area (HSNBA) has been dedicated to serving the residents and pets of New Braunfels, Comal County, and surrounding communities. As an open-intake, non-profit animal shelter, our goal is simple but powerful: to save as many furry lives as possible. This work is only possible because of the incredible support of our community.

HSNBA is not funded by the City of New Braunfels or Comal County; however, we are contracted to provide shelter for stray animals brought in by Animal Control Divisions and local citizens. These contracts cover only the first few days of care, including basic vaccines, deworming, and flea/tick prevention. Beyond that, we rely heavily on the generosity of donors, volunteers, and community partners to provide the medical treatment, daily care, and adoption services our animals need.

Each year, we care for roughly 4,500 animals. Thanks to the compassion of our supporters and the dedication of our staff, HSNBA has proudly maintained a 90% live-outcome rate over the past several years. This milestone reflects our commitment to innovation, high-quality care, and, most importantly, saving lives. With the help of our community, we look forward to building on this progress and giving even more pets the second chance they deserve.

Why Dogs Need More Support

Over the past two years, HSNBA has focused on helping one of the most challenging segments of pets in our care: medium to large-sized dogs. In response to the growing need in our community, we’ve introduced new progressive programs—Doggy Day Out, Pack Walks, and Playgroups—that help dogs thrive and become more adoptable. These programs have not only helped dogs thrive—they’ve also been essential in helping HSNBA maintain a live-release rate of over 90%, even as we face mounting challenges.

These programs are made possible by our dedicated volunteers and led by our Dog Behavior and Enrichment Coordinator. Together, they provide essential opportunities for exercise, socialization, confidence-building, and mental enrichment.

oggy Day Out provides shelter dogs with the opportunity to explore the community by visiting pet-friendly locations in New Braunfels. This program removes barriers for volunteers—no orientation, no fee, and no need to join the volunteer program—so everyone can help dogs thrive.S

ince starting this opportunity in 2024, almost 90 dogs have gone out on adventures around town. With your support, even more dogs can experience the joy of exploring the world outside the shelter.P

ack WalksT

wice a week, our Behavior and Enrichment Coordinator leads volunteers and shelter dogs on walks through local parks and pet-friendly businesses. Pack Walks provide more than exercise—they offer socialization, confidence-building, and mental stimulation. Shy or anxious dogs gain comfort from the presence of others, while high-energy dogs have a healthy outlet for their enthusiasm.S

ince 2024, we’ve hosted 95 Pack Walk opportunities, with nearly 200 dogs enjoying the community alongside HSNBA volunteers. For our volunteers, Pack Walks are more than a stroll—they’re a chance to have a direct impact on the life and well-being of our dogs.P

laygroupsO

ur Doggy Playgroups, based on the nationally recognized Dogs Playing for Life model, give dogs the chance to engage in natural, structured play. Just 20 minutes of play can provide the same benefits as an hour-long walk, helping dogs release energy, reduce stress, and gain confidence.S

ince introducing Playgroups, over 80 sessions have hosted nearly 300 dogs, helping our staff learn each dog’s personality and play style to make better adoption matches. What seems like simple playtime is, in reality, a powerful tool for preparing dogs for loving homes.T

aking Our Programs to the Next Level with the Big GiveP

rograms like Pack Walks and Playgroups transform the lives of shelter dogs, but we need the space and resources to expand them. Right now, our Dog Behavior and Enrichment Coordinator works from a small office inside the shelter—too limited to conduct behavior evaluations, spend time with shy or anxious dogs, or observe how dogs behave in a home-like environment.W

ith your support during the Big Give, we can change that.O

ur goal is to raise $60,000 to build a Ruff Shed on our property. This dedicated space will provide room for behavior evaluations, a quiet office for program planning, and a “real-life room” furnished with couches, chairs, and coffee tables to mimic a living room. By simulating a home environment, we can gain crucial insights into how dogs will adjust after adoption, making them more adoptable and better matched with potential families.O

ur Current SpaceR

ight now, our Dog Behavior and Enrichment Coordinator works from a small converted room inside the shelter—a space once used to house cats. While it serves as an office, it does not even come close to meeting the needs of behavior evaluations, one-on-one trainin…