In San Antonio alone, over 33,000 animals are impounded every year into city shelters according to SNIPSA, the Spay Neuter Inject Protect of San Antonio. Where space is a hot commodity, shelter employees know time is never on the side of most of the animals.
Once Shannon Espy, a local veterinarian, learned of this disheartening statistic, she knew she had to figure out a way to tackle San Antonio’s overcrowded shelters. After founding SNIPSA, her team decided to create a fundraising event to help her organization rescue animals from kill shelters and help find them homes.
SNIPSA will be holding its 11th annual event, ‘Race for the Rescues’ on Saturday, Sep. 29th beginning at 8 a.m. located at the Alamo Heights swimming pool. This 5k course will weave around the Alamo Heights neighborhood and end back at the starting line.
All proceeds raised from this event will go back to SNIPSA to fund operational costs and additional services for the animals.
According to the SNIPSA website, about 100 animals a day are brought into shelters in San Antonio. Espy, founder and executive director of SNIPSA, started this organization in the hope of reducing the number of homeless and euthanized animals.
“We not only rescue but provide rehabilitation for pets that have experienced any type of abuse or neglect,” Espy said. “If you can’t adopt or foster an animal but want to contribute to our cause, this event is a great opportunity to do so.”
‘Race for the Rescues’ is the largest fundraising event of the year for SNIPSA, and will go on whether rain or shine. “This event is a tremendous amount of work but is also very rewarding,” Espy said.
Espy estimates that about 1,000 people will be in attendance for this year’s race. Local supporters like Gunn Honda, H-E-B and Rosella Coffee are just a few of the vendors that will be handing out prizes and providing food and beverages for the race.
Although the work and effort to put on such a large event is overwhelming, Espy believes that the hard work pays off not only for the animals, but for the participants involved as well.
“When you can gather and work together with people who hold the same interests as you, good deeds happen,” Espy said.
Anyone interested in participating or sponsoring an animal can head to Snipsa.org for more information. Race slots will be open for registration the day of the event.
“Bring your dog or bring your friend, just come and enjoy the atmosphere,” Espy said.
