The Truth About
Fort Worth Animal Care & Control Shelters
At Fort Worth Animal Care & Control, we’re dedicated to creating a safe and compassionate space for every animal. Unfortunately, misconceptions about our shelters can sometimes deter people from adopting, volunteering or supporting our mission. We’re here to set the record straight. This page is dedicated to debunking some of the most common myths about FWACC shelters and highlighting the hard work, dedication and love that goes into every aspect of our operations.
Myth: City shelters only have unhealthy or problematic animals.
Fact: Many of the animals at our shelters are perfectly healthy, loving and ready for a forever home. Some animals may have been surrendered due to unforeseen circumstances like family moves or changes in life, but that doesn’t mean they have issues. Every pet that comes through our doors receives a thorough health checkup from a veterinarian, and we provide them with any medical care they need to get back to good health. Our staff also assesses their behavior and temperament. All animals are vaccinated upon arrival to build immunity against disease. If an animal shows signs of illness or injury, it is isolated and receives appropriate care. We also work with rescue groups when needed for further treatment or transfer.
Myth: Shelters are just "last resorts" for pets no one wants.
Fact: Shelters are a place for animals to receive care, love and second chances. Animals at our shelter come from all walks of life, including stray, abandoned, surrendered or even injured pets in need of rehabilitation. While it’s true that some pets may have experienced hardship, many are simply waiting for a family that will appreciate their unique personalities. Shelters are not the "last resort" – they are a safe haven where every animal deserves love and a chance for a new life.
Myth: Shelter animals are difficult to train.
Fact: Many shelter animals are incredibly smart and adaptable. In fact, many of them have already been trained in basic commands, crate training or house rules. Shelters also work with animals to address behavioral issues, and many of them are eager to learn new things when they arrive in a loving, stable home. With some patience and consistency, a shelter pet can quickly learn and adjust to your routine.
FAQ: What is the Urgent Placement List, and why is it often misunderstood as a "euthanasia list"?
Answer: The Urgent Placement List is not a "euthanasia list" but rather a list of animals identified by shelter staff as being in urgent need of special attention and focused networking. These animals may have behavior or medical issues, or they may have been overlooked by the general public due to a longer length of stay or lower adoption interest. The list serves to provide as much time as possible to network these animals before euthanasia becomes necessary.
In many cases, animals stay on the Urgent Placement List for days or even a week before any life-ending decisions are needed. These animals are considered "VIPs" in the shelter, and they require the most attention from our outcome programs and dedicated networkers to find them a safe, loving home. The goal is to maximize every opportunity for these animals to find a positive outcome.
FAQ: When is the decision made to euthanize an animal?
Answer: The decision to euthanize an animal is not made lightly and is based on a combination of factors. The medical team, shelter operations, kennel technicians, volunteers, previous owners and our outbound network all contribute to the assessment. This collaborative approach takes into account the animal’s health, behavior and overall well-being, as well as the availability of resources to meet its needs. Euthanasia is considered only after all other options for care, treatment and placement have been thoroughly explored. Our primary goal is always to ensure the best possible outcome for each animal, and we strive to make decisions with compassion and in the animal’s best interest.
FAQ: Why can’t a specific transport dog be adopted locally if there is a willing adopter right now?
Answer: When a transport partner selects a dog for their program, they begin networking the dog for foster and adoptive homes. This process is essential for maintaining strong partnerships with our transport networks, allowing them to continue supporting us by transporting more animals from our shelters. Additionally, most transport programs require a minimum number of animals for the transport to take place. If a dog is removed from the transport, it can cause the entire transport to be canceled. By working together, we maximize our resources and ensure more dogs find loving homes.
FAQ: Why do we send dogs on transports if there are adoptive homes locally?
Answer: While we are fortunate to have wonderful local adoptive homes, we partner with out-of-state rescues to help save the lives of even more animals. These rescues work with us to take in dogs and place them in adoption markets where there is less competition for homes and no overpopulation of animals. This strategic collaboration allows us to reach a wider network of potential adopters, ultimately giving more animals the opportunity to find loving forever homes.
FAQ: Why is my transport foster not available for adoption if they are in a loving home?
Answer: Transport dogs are typically not available for local adoption because our out-of-state rescue partners are already working to find them adoptive homes in advance. Once a dog is tagged for transport, these partners often have placements lined up before the dog even arrives. Our local fosters play a crucial role in helping these dogs reach their destinations, providing them with loving care along the way. By fostering, they also help create space for other dogs in need, allowing us to continue rescuing and alleviating capacity in our shelters.
FAQ: Why can’t you just replace a transport dog with another so I can adopt the one I want?
Answer: Coordinating a transport involves many moving parts. Animals must be in foster care for a minimum of two weeks before departure, and some states require specific tests or vaccines to be administered within a certain timeframe prior to transport. Additionally, receiving agencies have specific requirements regarding breed and size, and they can only accept dogs they can quickly place in homes. The goal is to ensure a smooth process for finding homes and creating space for the next transport. Therefore, replacing a dog on transport is not always possible.
Myth: You can just show up to volunteer at any of our locations.
Fact: To volunteer at any of our four locations, you must first become an FWACC Approved Volunteer. If you haven't volunteered regularly in recent months or years, you may need to sign our latest agreements before resuming volunteer work. If you're unsure of your current status, please email fwaccvolunteer@fortworthtexas.gov, and a staff member will be happy to assist you.
Myth: You can volunteer at FWACC no matter your age.
Fact: FWACC has an age limit for volunteers. We cannot accommodate volunteers under the age of 16. If you are between the ages of 16-17, you can volunteer, but you will need a signed consent form from a parent or guardian, and you must also sign the FWACC waiver. A parent/guardian must be actively present and accompanying you at all times during your volunteer shift. Volunteers 18 and older are welcome to volunteer at any of our four locations, provided they pass a background check and sign both the CFW and FWACC waivers.
Why adopt from the FWACC shelters?
Saving a Life: Every adoption saves an animal’s life, giving them the chance to experience love and security in a forever home.
Health Benefits: All pets are spayed or neutered, vaccinated and microchipped.
Support: Our staff and volunteers are here to help guide you through the adoption process and ensure a smooth transition for your new pet.
Community: By adopting from the shelter, you’re helping create a community where animals are cared for and valued.
Together we can create a kinder, more compassionate community for animals in Fort Worth. By debunking myths, we can ensure every pet finds the loving home they deserve.