Six Dogs Die in Texas Foster Home Fire

Six dogs perished and more than 30 others were rescued during a devastating house fire Friday morning at a foster home in far west Bexar County, Texas. The blaze ravaged the residence where a dedicated animal rescuer was housing a total of 38 dogs, many of them receiving specialized medical care as fosters from local rescue organizations.

Five dogs died at the scene, while a sixth later succumbed to injuries at a veterinary clinic, according to KSAT.

Heroic Rescue Efforts Save Majority of Dogs

The homeowner was awakened by one of her personal dogs barking persistently, alerting her to the emergency. When she opened her front door, she discovered her porch engulfed in flames and immediately began evacuating the animals.

“She is obviously devastated by the loss of some of her personal pets and of course the fosters. I think she would have given her life, if they could still be alive,” said Ashley Book from 4 Little Paws Rescue, who arrived at the home about 15 minutes after the fire started, according to KENS5.

Community Rallies for Injured Survivors

The surviving dogs are being treated at various veterinary clinics throughout Bexar County, with approximately 15 receiving care for burns and smoke inhalation at one facility alone. The emergency response included providing oxygen to several dogs at the scene, with first responders working alongside rescue volunteers to stabilize the animals.

While most of the rescued dogs are expected to survive, at least one remains in critical condition. The foster community has mobilized to provide emergency housing, veterinary care funding, and emotional support for both the animals and their caretaker.

Foster Home Served Crucial Medical Role

The homeowner played a vital role in the local animal rescue community, serving as one of the primary medical foster providers for multiple organizations in the San Antonio area. Her specialized knowledge allowed her to care for dogs with complex medical needs that might otherwise struggle to find placement.

“She was one of the head people or the one of the main medical fosters, and she cared for them. She knows more about medical issues probably than some veterinarians here, and she took excellent care of all of the dogs,” Book noted in describing the caretaker’s role in the rescue community.

Investigation and Recovery Efforts Continue

The cause of the fire remains under investigation by Bexar County authorities. Division Chief for Community Outreach and Prevention Rudy Khalaf confirmed that emergency responders from Bexar County ESD No. 2 arrived to find multiple animals in distress, with specialized equipment used to provide emergency care to the affected dogs.

Luna County Public Information Officer Jennifer Luna confirmed the death toll and noted that the homeowner escaped without physical injuries, though she remains emotionally traumatized by the events and loss of the animals in her care.

Emergency Foster Homes Needed

The incident has highlighted the need for additional foster homes in the San Antonio area to prevent overcrowding in any single location. Destiny Vanzandt, a fellow rescuer who knows the homeowner, emphasized this point while coordinating emergency placement for the survivors.

“We are still looking for fosters,” Vanzandt said. “Sometimes we do need to limit ourselves because this was a lot of dogs for her to care for on her own.” Those interested in helping can reach out to 4 Little Paws Rescue, which is assisting with the emergency response despite being based in Connecticut.