SAN ANTONIO – The City of San Antonio Animal Services has a new director coming to town from Oklahoma City.

The City of San Antonio announced Wednesday that Jonathan Gary will be heading to San Antonio as the new Director of Animal Care Services effective Dec. 30.

“Following a nationwide search of more than 100 candidates, Gary emerged as the selected candidate due to his exceptional experience in all aspects of animal welfare,” the city of San Antonio said in a news release.

Gary spent 25 years working in the animal welfare field in Oklahoma City, Okla.

According to the release, Gary has served as director of the Division of Animal Welfare for the past eight years, overseeing the health, welfare and safety of all OKC animals.

“I have complete confidence in Mr. Gary’s ability to lead Animal Care Services in its mission to protect both the animals and the residents of our community,” San Antonio City Manager Erik Walsh said in the statement. “Gary’s career in animal welfare has really run the gamut. He worked on the medical side of animal shelters, supervised field services and oversaw daily shelter operations. That’s an incredible breadth of experience that will serve San Antonio well.

Gary’s last day in Oklahoma City is December 5th.

“We look forward to welcoming Jonathan Gary as the new Director of Animal Care Services,” ACS Advisory Board Chair Rita Braeutigam said in the release. “The 25 years of experience in municipal shelters is invaluable. These talents will help us work together on behalf of our pets, our partners and our community.”

ACS interim director Mike Shannon will resume his previous duties as director of development services in January 2025, according to the release.