Compassionate Animal Intake for Fort Worth Residents
At the heart of our mission is the well-being of our four-legged friends. Our intake services are dedicated to serving the compassionate residents of Fort Worth.
If you're a proud Fort Worth resident in need of support for animal intake, you're in the right place — we're here to help! If your pet was adopted from our facilities within the last 30 days, we're happy to assist, regardless of your location. For residents of unincorporated Tarrant County, please direct surrender inquiries to the Sheriff's office for the most accurate guidance.
Public Awareness: Feline Panleukopenia and Its Impact on Our Shelter
Dec. 9, 2024 - Fort Worth Animal Care & Control is seeing multiple felines surrendered from the community that are testing positive with feline panleukopenia virus (FPV). FPV is a highly contagious and potentially fatal virus affecting the cats in our care. As part of our intake policy, we cannot turn away sick or injured animals in need. This open access to every animal — no matter their health status — creates unique challenges, as it does for all open intake shelters.
Feline panleukopenia is particularly difficult to contain because cats can shed the virus for days before showing any symptoms. Although most cats won’t display signs for five to seven days after exposure, they may still be highly contagious upon arrival. Even vaccinating at intake, which we already do, cannot fully prevent this situation. Additionally, our ability to isolate and quarantine every new arrival is limited; while we do have medical treatment areas and isolation kennels, these spaces remain consistently full.
We ask for your understanding and support as we continue working tirelessly to provide compassionate care and protect the health of the animals we serve. Together, we can help ensure each animal’s best chance at a safe, healthy future.
Surrenders
Can’t keep your pet?
Initiate the process to surrender your pet to Fort Worth Animal Care & Control at the dropdown menu below.
Our partner Spay Neuter Network’s Pet Support & Resource Center will reach out to you via email with resources and applicable next steps.
Start the surrender process
If you're still unable to keep your pet or rehome them directly, please make an owner-surrender appointment to begin the surrender process with Fort Worth Animal Care & Control.
PLEASE NOTE: Pet surrenders are currently by appointment only.
If this is an emergency or if you have additional questions, please email us at FWACCINTAKE@fortworthtexas.gov.
How to start the surrender process:
Please fill out THIS FORM to start the process to surrender your pet to Fort Worth Animal Care & Control.
Our partner Spay Neuter Network’s Pet Support & Resource Center will reach out to you via email with resources and applicable next steps.
NOTE: Surrender appointments are currently being scheduled two to three weeks out. We will accommodate any emergencies as best we can. If you feel you or your pet’s health or safety is at risk, please call 817-392-1234.
IMPORTANT: We are only able to accept owner surrenders from City of Fort Worth residents with a valid photo identification with a Fort Worth address, or if you have adopted a pet from us within the last 30 days.
If this is a pet you have found within the last 72 hours, there is no need to fill out this form. Please visit our Lost and Found page for further assistance.
I want to keep my pet, but I need help!
We're here for you. Check out our Pet Resource Guide HERE(PDF, 313KB) and additional community resources in the dropdown menu below:
Find additional resources
Pet Support & Resource Center with Spay Neuter Network
Need support to keep your pet? Fill out THIS FORM and Spay Neuter Network’s Pet Support & Resource Center will reach out with more resources!
3-3-3 Guide to New Pets
Going to a new environment can overwhelm many pets, and that's completely normal. Click HERE for information about what to expect from your new furry family member in the next three days, weeks and months.
Home-to-Home
Home-to-Home is an online platform that allows residents to proactively rehome their pets when keeping them is no longer an option.
SPCA Rehome List
The SPCA of Texas with Adopt-A-Pet.com can help you safely find a loving home for your pet with their Rehome List web resource.
HSNT Rehome
Click HERE for information on rehoming or surrendering your pet through the Humane Society of North Texas.
Together, let's ensure a bright future for all our beloved pets.
We encourage all pet owners to provide proof of current vaccinations when surrendering their pets to the City of Fort Worth. For more information, please contact the shelter at 817-392-1234.
Fort Worth Animal Care & Control encourages residents to explore rehoming options through their personal networks of friends and family before considering surrendering their pets to our shelters.