San Antonio to Use AI to Track Roaming Dog Population
The city will partner with Southwest Research Institute to assess dog roaming habits across 32 areas starting in October 2026.
Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Dogs
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Starting in October 2026, San Antonio Animal Care Services will deploy AI technology to analyze the city's free-roaming dog population. The study will revisit 32 areas previously surveyed in 2019 to better understand changes in local dog movement patterns over time.
Why it matters
Updating the 2019 data is essential for the city to develop evidence-based management strategies and allocate resources effectively for animal control. This research will help officials determine if previous population estimates remain accurate while shaping future city budgets.
A 2019 survey estimated 34,636 free-roaming dogs across the city, with 93% of those animals appearing to have owners. The city also recorded 5,332 deceased-dog pickup requests in fiscal year 2026.
The players
San Antonio Animal Care Services
This local municipal agency is responsible for animal control, sheltering, and managing the city's pet population health and safety.
Southwest Research Institute
Located in San Antonio, this non-profit research and development organization provides advanced technological solutions and scientific expertise.
The details
Researchers will mount cellphones to vehicle windows to record roaming dogs in 32 designated city areas. The collected video clips will be processed through object-detection software and human review to distinguish between stray animals and owned pets that are roaming.
Timeline
A city survey estimated 34,636 free-roaming dogs in 2019.
Deceased-dog pickup requests reached a decade-low in fiscal year 2026.
The AI-powered roaming-dog study begins in October 2026.
Surveys will be completed by December 2026.
Culture Shift
This project reflects a broader shift toward using high-tech, automated surveillance to address long-standing urban animal management challenges. By benchmarking results against the 2019 San Antonio animal population survey, the city moves away from manual counting toward data-driven policy.
Residents in the 32 designated study areas may notice researchers using mobile phone equipment to record dog activity during the survey period. This initiative will directly influence future city budget planning and resource allocation for animal control services.
The takeaway
Using AI for animal population tracking can provide more accurate and efficient data for urban planning than traditional manual surveys. Residents should ensure pets are properly identified, as data often shows that a significant portion of roaming animals may actually have owners.
What happens next
City staff will present a comprehensive plan, including future strategies and cost estimates, to city leadership following the December 2026 study completion.
Further reading
For more information on local pet management policies, visit the Dogs section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by San Antonio Report.
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