FWACC Programs Keep More Pets with Their Families and Save Lives

Published on September 08, 2025

Fort Worth Animal Care & Control is proud to continue making strides in saving animal lives and keeping more pets in loving homes. During the first six months of 2025, our shelters saw fewer animals coming through our doors compared to the same period last year, a positive sign that more pets are staying with their families or being quickly reunited when separated.

Thanks to the dedication of our staff, leadership, and community partners, innovative programs are helping reduce shelter intake while still ensuring animals get the care and support they need.

By the numbers (January–June):

• 2024 Intake: 10,202 animals
• 2025 Intake: 8,057 animals
• 2024 Lives Saved: 7,639 animals (74.9% of intake)
• 2025 Lives Saved: 6,430 animals (79.8% of intake)

That’s a 21% decrease in intake from last year, giving us the opportunity to focus more resources on each pet that comes through our doors.

Programs making a difference:

• Field Kennel Cards: FWACC field officers have begun leaving kennel cards in neighborhoods where strays are picked up. These cards include a photo of the animal and the shelter location where it was taken, helping neighbors quickly identify and reunite missing pets with their owners.

• Pet Resource Center: Offers behavior support, medical care, supplies like crates and leashes, and even short-term foster placement for families considering surrendering a pet. These resources often make the difference between a family having to surrender a pet or being able to keep them at home. This work is made possible through our strong partnership with the Spay & Neuter Network.
• Homeward Hounds: Volunteers search community boards for lost pets and help match them to animals recently brought into FWACC shelters. This proactive approach helps reunite families faster.
• Petco Love Lost & PawBoost: Online tools that use photos and mapping technology to connect lost pets with their families. Both are easy to access through the FWACC website.

• Chip Spot at Winslow’s Cafe: Staff at Winslow’s Cafe can scan a pet’s microchip to quickly connect lost animals with their owners using a QR code system. Made possible by a generous donation from Operation Kindness, this pilot location offers a convenient way for the community to help identify lost pets and keep them out of shelters.

Every step counts toward building a community where fewer pets are separated from their families and more lives are saved. With strong partnerships, dedicated staff, and the continued support of our residents, Fort Worth is setting a strong example in animal welfare.

If you would like to learn more about volunteer opportunities with FWACC or are interested in adopting or fostering a pet, visit our website at fortworthtexas.gov/animals. Your support helps us keep more pets in loving homes and save more lives.