San Antonio Launches Roaming Dog Study With SwRI

San Antonio Animal Care Services is working with Southwest Research Institute to update information about unrestrained dogs in local neighborhoods.

The study uses advanced machine vision technology developed and tested at SwRI. Researchers will revisit the same 32 study areas examined in a 2019 manual survey, using smartphone cameras and automated technology to identify dogs and gather information about whether they appear to be owned or truly stray.

The project is intended to provide updated information about areas where roaming dogs have historically been observed, as well as characteristics that may help distinguish owned dogs from strays. Because it uses a sampling methodology, the study will not count every unrestrained dog in San Antonio or produce a citywide census.

San Antonio Animal Care Services Director Jon Gary said the information will help the department better understand where unrestrained dogs are being seen and support community-based solutions. He said the study will also support efforts to protect the health and safety of people and pets while promoting responsible pet care.

“We are excited to test this technology and help the City of San Antonio apply real-world solutions to an issue affecting many residents,” said Mike Koets, a staff engineer in SwRI’s Intelligent Systems Division.

Field research is expected to continue through December 2026. After analyzing the results, SwRI will send San Antonio Animal Care Services a final report summarizing the study’s findings and collected data.