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Make a Difference in the Lives of Fort Worth Shelter Animals

Cowtown Friends is a non-profit fundraising and advocacy partner to Fort Worth Animal Care & Control. Help support the homeless animals of Fort Worth with your donation!

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HOW WE SUPPORT FORT WORTH ANIMAL CARE & CONTROL

ENRICHMENT

Providing financial assistance and items to support the shelter’s lifesaving enrichment program.

SHELTER SUPPORT

Supporting the mission of the shelter by providing necessary items to aid shelter staff and volunteers to save lives.

OUR
MISSION

To support Fort Worth Animal Care & Control and enhance its efforts to save the lives of animals in need.

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OUR
VISION

Every pet who comes to Fort Worth Animal Care & Control is supported with the resources needed to find a loving home.

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HOW YOU CAN HELP

Join the movement! Help your community shelter through by getting involved in Cowtown Friends' efforts in helping Fort Worth Animal Care & Control.

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LATEST NEWS & UPDATES

Check out our blog and latest news here! Learn about our current efforts and strategies.

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GET TO
KNOW US

Learn more about what we do to help! Through Enrichment & Shelter Support we make a difference in "Cowtown".

WHO WE ARE

Meet Ruka! (ID: 57821678)
Ruka is an affectionate, goofy, people-loving Husky mix who’s ready to find his forever home! He’s about 2 years old, around 80 pounds, and full of love and personality. He is HW+ but is beginning treatment soon.

Ruka is dog, cat (dog-savvy ones), and human friendly, and has done amazing at adoption events — even with kids! That said, he's a big boy who loves giving hugs, so probably best in a home without small children.

This handsome guy isn’t fazed by storms, loud noises, or new things in his environment. He’s smart, funny, and knows cues like “sit,” “down,” “wait to eat,” and “go to your bed". Ruka walks well on a leash and isn’t a big barker — though he’ll chat and howl when he’s excited!

Important quirk alert: Ruka HATES crates and does best when not contained in one. When left free during the day he’s been a perfect gentleman.

You can tell Ruka’s had a rough past, but he’s incredibly resilient and still full of joy. His current foster reports that he is "100% a snuggle monster who just wants to be your adventure buddy and couch pal."

Ruka would thrive in an active home that is is ready for a loyal, hilarious, and loving companion.

He is available for adoption and currently in a foster home through Fort Worth Animal Care & Control so please email FWACCfoster@fortworthtexas.gov if you are interested in meeting him!

Last week, we had the chance to celebrate the Fort Worth Animal Care & Control staff with an Olive Garden lunch at all shelter locations and in addition breakfast at the PetSmart adoption centers. Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, we’ve also been able to keep the animals busy with new enrichment items while the shelter was closed, making sure they stay happy and mentally engaged.

For the month of April, we’ve contributed to enrichment supplies and the foster supply closet with your North Texas Giving Day donations, and purchased supplies and raffle prizes for the recent Kitten Shower.

Because of the community’s ongoing support, we’re able to say YES to shelter staff requests without needing to pause and fundraise each time. We truly couldn’t do this without you — thank you for standing with us and the animals who need us most.

To donate: https://www.cowtownfriends.org/donate

We love happy updates on some of our favorite dogs!

In December 2024, we met Paisley at Fort Worth Animal Care & Control when she starred in a video about dogs selecting their Christmas presents. Her exuberance and zest for life (and toys) won our hearts (as well as many of yours) so we were certain she would be adopted in no time. Sadly, this sweet girl was passed over for months. However, we got news a few days ago that after spending some time at the Petsmart adoption location that Paisley has found her forever home! Based on her adoption and freedom ride photos, we can tell there are a lot of snuggles and a ton of love in her future. Thank you to her new dad for recognizing what a special spirit she is. Be good, sweet Paisley!

Even though Fort Worth Animal Care & Control remains closed to the public, the staff continues to work tirelessly to care for the animals in need. These are challenging times, and we want to take a moment to recognize their unwavering dedication, compassion, and commitment. To show our appreciation, we provided a catered breakfast for both the North and South campuses, ensuring the team knows how valued they are.

Next week, we’ll extend our gratitude to the field staff with a special breakfast as well. Their hard work does not go unnoticed, and we remain committed to supporting the shelter in any way we can during this difficult time. Thank you to all the staff members who continue to make a difference for these animals every day!

Want to join us in supporting a great cause? We are raising money to replace some of the fabric sections of the Kuranda beds we purchased for the North and South shelters over two years ago. Due to the wear and tear from nearly 20,000 animals that come through FWACC each year, we need to occasionally replace parts of the beds to ensure each dog has a comfortable place to sleep. Your contribution—whether it’s $5 or $500—will make an impact. Every little bit helps. Thank you for your support!

We are incredibly grateful to a generous donor who has helped make a meaningful difference at the Fort Worth Animal Care & Control North Animal Campus. Thanks to their thoughtful contribution, we’ve been able to purchase 4 new benches for our shelter’s campus.

These benches are more than just a small addition—they are a crucial part of making the campus more welcoming and accessible for everyone. For those navigating the campus, whether they’re visiting, volunteering, or accessing services, having these benches will offer a place to pause, rest, and recharge.

We couldn’t be more thankful for the kindness and support shown by our community, including our generous donors like the family that allowed us to purchase these benches!

Join @ampersandrunningclub on April 19th from 8-11am for a fun morning run (or not) and meet adoptable dogs from Fort Worth Animal Care and Control! Whether you're running or just enjoying the event, you'll have the chance to support rescue dogs and grab some exclusive merchandise, including our popular “Rescue Dogs, Drink Coffee, Repeat” shirts. Don’t miss out on this chance to find your new best friend!

Ampersand Coffee West 7th:
3009 Bledsoe
Fort Worth, TX 76107

Hanz is now URGENT for capacity!! He is an absolute MUST SAVE! Please please share this perfect boy! He is used to dog test other dogs at the shelter!

Hanz attended our adoption event this past weekend and we all fell in love with him! He is dog and kid friendly, loves belly rubs and will mimic your energy- adventure or chill! Check out his excellent day out with an amazing volunteer.

Hanz 57620649 is 1 year old, 84 lbs, neutered male.

If you can envision Hanz being a part of your life, please email FWACCtag@fortworthtexas.gov

Available for adoption, foster, or rescue through Fort Worth Animal Care & Control.

Located at South shelter: 4900 Martin Street 76119

Another great day at @maplebranchbrew. One lucky baby found his forever home, another has a scheduled meet, and the rest enjoyed their time out of the shelter. These opportunities for dogs to get out of the shelter and show off their true personalities are a key reason why these events are so important. We learn so much about these dogs and how they do out and about, which in the end makes them more adoptable in the long run, even if they don’t find their families at the events. Thank you to all the amazing volunteers and fosters from Fort Worth Animal Care & Control for coming out today and to Maple Branch for being the best hosts we could ask for!

What better way to spend this beautiful day than meeting your new best friend?

We’ve got some amazing, dog-friendly pups from Fort Worth Animal Care & Control looking for their forever homes! Join us at @maplebranchbrew until 4 PM today (2628 Whitmore St., Fort Worth, TX 76107).

Come learn how you can make a difference—whether through adoption, fostering, volunteering, or donating. While you’re here, enjoy some delicious food and a cold beer. We can’t wait to see you!

Thank you so much to our friends at @hwfeed for once again filling a car with lots of amazing donations. These items go a long way towards helping keep the foster closets at Fort Worth Animal Care & Control stocked.

Thanks to your generous donations, we purchased nearly $10,000 worth of martingale collars and leashes to keep Fort Worth Animal Care & Control shelter dogs safe during adoption events, outings, and foster stays! In the past, dogs relied on flimsy blue slip leashes or flat collars that risked escape—but now, 1,750 martingale collars and 1,500 sturdy leashes from our trusted partner, Campbell Pet Company, will ensure their security.

This simple yet life-saving investment wouldn’t be possible without our incredible community. Your support makes a lasting impact on these dogs’ lives, and we can’t wait to see them out and about in their new gear!

SHORT TERM FOSTERS NEEDED! Fostering for Fort Worth Animal Care & Control’s transport program is such an easy, fun way to save a life & open up a much needed kennel.

From staff:
We need your help getting our transport dogs (and a few cats) out of the shelters by END OF DAY TOMORROW!

We could really use empty kennels and assistance with making sure they all make their trip. To find all their information and MORE pets in need, please visit our bio and click on the Trello link and look under “Destination Transportation”

The shelter will supply food, treats and toys.
EMAIL fwaccfoster@fortworthtexas.gov if you can help!

Fort Worth, TX
Just be local to DFW to short term foster.

Amelia has been at the shelter for nearly three months, and her time is running out. She was found as a stray on December 5 and is now on the urgent list due to length of stay and space. At just one year old and 43 pounds, she is a wonderful dog who has attended multiple adoption events, where she has proven to be well-behaved, great on a leash, and extremely friendly with both dogs and children.

Amelia is a volunteer favorite and loves to give hugs. Despite her loving nature and excellent temperament, she has yet to find a home. The shelter is at capacity, and without immediate help, her future is uncertain. She needs an adopter, a foster, or someone to share her story before it is too late.

Amelia (57399357) is available for adoption, foster, or rescue at Fort Worth Animal Care & Control: 4900 Martin Street, Fort Worth, TX 76119.

Adoptions are first come, first serve in person from 12-6pm every day of the week except Tuesday.
Interested in fostering, email FWACCfoster@fortworthtexas.gov
Rescue tags can be sent to FWACCTag@fortworthtexas.gov

Thanks to the incredible financial support of the Rombauer Family, 393 dogs have been rescued from Fort Worth Animal Care & Control through 9 life-saving transports!

Among them, 65 dogs were saved from the euthanasia list, finding safety through dedicated out-of-state rescue partners and local fosters. Now, these dogs are in loving forever homes—never facing the risk of being returned to FWACC.

None of this would have been possible without the Rombauer family. Their unwavering commitment to the shelter’s transport program has truly been the difference between life and death for so many deserving dogs. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for making these happy endings possible!

What an amazing day! Two dogs from Fort Worth Animal Care & Control found their homes, including last call Delilah. In addition, another family signed up as a foster family and will be picking up a dog tomorrow. We are so grateful to all the fosters and volunteers who choose to spend their day with us helping advocate for these amazing dogs and to @maplebranchbrew for allowing us to showcase us shelter dogs each month.

It’s a BEAUTIFUL day to adopt a dog!

We have amazing pups available for adoption from Fort Worth Animal Care & Control! They are all extremely dog friendly and SO sweet!
We are at Maple Branch Craft Brewery @maplebranchbrew (2628 Whitmore St., Fort Worth, TX 76107) until 4pm today.

Stop by to learn how you can support your local animal shelter through donating, adopting, fostering, and volunteering! Don't forget to grab a beer, food, and join us. We can't wait to see yall soon!

You know what helps during a cold snap in Texas? A new cuddly canine! Come join us this Sunday, February 23rd from 1-4pm at @maplebranchbrew. We will be making our monthly appearance with a bunch of adoptable dogs from Fort Worth Animal Care & Control, including Buddy, Lola, and Gingy , who are waiting patiently for homes over their very own. So mark your calendars, tell your friends, and join us for Sunday Funday with our furry shelter friends!

Thanks to funds from @northtexasgivingday , our recurring monthly enrichment order for February is complete and supplies have been delivered to both Fort Worth Animal Care & Controls’s North and South campuses! These items keep the animals mentally engaged while they wait for their forever homes and provide much-needed support for foster families. Your generosity allows us to continue these monthly orders, ensuring the animals and fosters at FWACC have the resources they need. Thank you for making a difference!

#fortworth #adopt #adoptdontshop #foster #ilovemydog #shelter #shelterdog #dogsofinstagram #savealife #adoption #fosterdog #fosterdogsofinstagram #adoptme #dogs #dog #dogsoftiktok #doglover #fostercare #fosteringsaveslives #shelter #shelterdog #shelterdogs #saveme #puppies #puppylove #puppygram #puppiesofinstagram

Need a Valentine?! Look no further!
URGENT SHORT-TERM FOSTERS NEEDED!

Fort Worth Animal Care & Control has zero open kennels! Both locations are overflowing and in need of space. The shelter desperately needs fosters for all transport dogs by Friday, 2/14, to make room for incoming animals and help ensure every dog can make their freedom trips.

Typically transport fostering can be anywhere between a few weeks up to a month or so depending on their departure date.

To find MORE dogs in need and all their information please go to on our bio, click Transport Fosters Needed and look under “Destination Transportation”

If you are able to help with a transport dog please reach out us via email at fwaccfoster@fortworthtexas.gov

We met this absolutely adorable girl at our adoption event a few weeks ago. She was so well behaved that she earned herself a transport spot to a wonderful rescue group in the northeast. Unfortunately a short-term foster has not stepped up yet so she is at risk of losing this life-saving opportunity. She loves everyone she meets and is very dog friendly!

Blair - A0057545708 (SAC)
Departs 3/22 so needs to return to north drop location on 3/20 for health certificate & prepare for transport
Spayed female, 3 years old, 56 pounds

If you are available to short-term foster her and your local to the DFW area, please email FWACCfoster@fortworthtexas.gov

Blair is currently at Fort Worth Animal Care & Control, Silcox location: 4900 Martin St., Fort Worth, TX, 76119.

104 days at the shelter! Sable is tagged for transport but in order to catch her freedom ride on 3/12 she MUST find a local DFW foster home to stay in until 3/11 . PLEASE email FWACCfoster@fortworthtexas.gov if you can temporarily foster her!

Meet Sable, a 1-year-old, 44-pound bundle of joy who’s been waiting far too long for her hero. Found as a stray on October 23, 2024, she’s been at the shelter ever since, but she hasn’t let that dim her playful, party-loving spirit! Sable is incredibly dog-friendly, loves pets and cuddles, and walks beautifully on a leash. She’s sweet, social, and ready to bring endless love and fun into your life. Don’t let this amazing girl wait any longer!

Sable (A0057141950) is available for foster at Fort Worth Animal Care & Control: 4900 Martin Street, Fort Worth, TX 76119.

Meet Sable, a 1-year-old, 44-pound bundle of joy who’s been waiting far too long for her hero. Found as a stray on October 23, 2024, she’s been at the shelter ever since, but she hasn’t let that dim her playful, party-loving spirit! Sable is incredibly dog-friendly, loves pets and cuddles, and walks beautifully on a leash. She’s sweet, social, and ready to bring endless love and fun into your life. Don’t let this amazing girl wait any longer—come meet Sable today and give her the happy ending she deserves!

Sable (A0057141950) is available for adoption, foster, or rescue at Fort Worth Animal Care & Control: 4900 Martin Street, Fort Worth, TX 76119.

Adoptions are first come, first serve in person from 12-6pm every day of the week except Tuesday.
Interested in fostering, email FWACCfoster@fortworthtexas.gov
Rescue tags can be sent to FWACCTag@fortworthtexas.gov

#fortworth #adopt #adoptdontshop #foster #ilovemydog #shelter #shelterdog #dogsofinstagram #savealife #adoption #fosterdog #fosterdogsofinstagram #adoptme #dogs #dog #dogsoftiktok #doglover #shelter #shelterdog #shelterdogs #saveme #blacklab #lab #labradorretirever #puppy #fwacc #fortworthanimalcareandcontrol #dallas #dfw

The power of social media is truly incredible—it helped Alfred find his forever home!

Senior Alfred was found as a stray on August 21 and, sadly, ended up on the euthanasia list at Fort Worth Animal Care & Control. Fortunately, a dedicated shelter foster, Rochelle Galletta DeGrenier, stepped in and gave him a second chance at life. She reached out to us, asking for help in sharing his story. Earlier this month, Alfred’s post touched the hearts of a wonderful couple, and today, he officially became part of their family.

We are so grateful to the volunteers who saw the goodness in him, his foster who provided a bridge to a brighter future for the past 5 months, and his new family for opening their hearts and home.

UPDATE: Rescued by Lucky and Sadie’s Place!!! donate here: https://www.paypal.me/LuckyandSadiesPlace

Posting on behalf of a dedicated volunteer that asked if we could spread the word on Bella who is defeated at the shelter and needs an understanding person to save her.

‼️LAST CALL FOR 5 PM SUNDAY 1/26‼️
Fort Worth Animal Care & Control

Bella 57670327
Terrier
7 year old spayed female, 39 lbs
Intake: 1/17/25, owner surrender
Last call: Bella is displayed fearful behavior during the intake process, indicating she is highly stressed in the shelter environment. Her fear responses suggest she may require a slow and patient approach to build trust and reduce her anxiety. An experienced adopter or foster who can provide a quiet, low- stress environment and work on her confidence at her own pace would be ideal. Bella may benefit from behavior support to help her adjust and thrive.

Please ADVOCATE, PLEDGE, ADOPT or FOSTER!

🙏These dogs must be tagged (email sent by a committed Adopter, Foster or Rescue) by 5pm SUNDAY 1/26. Tags may still be sent after this time but there is no guarantee after 5pm that the dog you are emailing about is still with us. Dogs must be out of the building by 5:30pm MONDAY 1/27.

Email:
💕FWACCTag@fortworthtexas.gov
Write ‘Last Call’ and the animal number in the subject line. You will first receive an auto-generated email and then once a staff member checks emails, you will receive a confirmation back that your tag was received.

❤️New fosters must first fill out the foster application: https://fortworthtexas.galaxydigital.com/agency/detail/?agency_id=156289 - must be in the DFW area

Fort Worth Animal Care & Control - Silcox
4900 Martin St, Fort Worth, TX 76119

Open Daily 12-6pm

All communication must be via email, do not call the shelter!

#adoptdontshop #adoptme #adoptashelterpet #adoptabledogs #shelterdogs #shelterdog #rescueismyfavoritebreed

How cute is this sweet pup in one of the martingale collars we previously purchased?!

Please consider donating to help us fit hundreds of more @fortworthacc foster dogs with their very own collar and leash so they can safely and confidently strut into their foster home.

There is still time to give!!!!

Ways to donate!!

*Directly through our fundraiser link which appears in our Instagram bio.

*Visit our website (link in bio) to learn how to donate via our online portal, PayPal, Zelle, or mailed check.

Our first event of 2025 was a huge success! In addition to providing valuable time out of the shelter for a bunch of amazing @fortworthacc dogs, two of the lucky ones found their forever homes. Be good and make us proud , Louie and Mocha!

Thank you so much to everyone who came out and to @maplebranchbrew for continuing our partnership into the new year. We are so grateful for you!

Dogs available for adoption from Fort Worth Animal Care & Control have arrived! They are all extremely dog friendly and so sweet!

We are at @maplebranchbrew (2628 Whitmore St., Fort Worth, TX 76107) until 4pm today. Stop by to learn how you can support your local animal shelter through donating, adopting, fostering, and volunteering! Don’t forget to grab a beer, food, and join us INSIDE. We can’t wait to see yall soon!

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@cowtownfriends

Make a Difference in the Lives of Fort Worth Shelter Animals

Cowtown Friends is a non-profit fundraising and advocacy partner to Fort Worth Animal Care & Control. Help support the homeless animals of Fort Worth with your donation!

HOW WE SUPPORT FORT WORTH ANIMAL CARE & CONTROL

ENRICHMENT

SHELTER SUPPORT

OUR
MISSION

OUR
VISION

HOW YOU CAN HELP

LATEST NEWS & UPDATES

GET TO
KNOW US

Follow us on Instagram

2023 FWACC BY THE NUMBERS

3,126

Animals Transferred to Rescue Organizations

761

Animals Sent On Transport to Out-Of-State Organizations

6,795

Spay & Neuter Surgeries Performed

6,630

Dogs
Adopted

2,609

Cats
Adopted

3,307

Lost Pets Reunited With Their Owners

19,392

Animal
Intakes

JOIN THE MOVEMENT!

Get the Latest News & Updates

Thanks for submitting!

Make a Difference in the Lives of Fort Worth Shelter Animals

Cowtown Friends is a non-profit fundraising and advocacy partner to Fort Worth Animal Care & Control. Help support the homeless animals of Fort Worth with your donation!

HOW WE SUPPORT FORT WORTH ANIMAL CARE & CONTROL

ENRICHMENT

SHELTER SUPPORT

OUR MISSION

OUR VISION

HOW YOU CAN HELP

LATEST NEWS & UPDATES

GET TO KNOW US

​

Follow us on Instagram

2023 FWACC BY THE NUMBERS

3,126

Animals Transferred to Rescue Organizations

761

Animals Sent On Transport to Out-Of-State Organizations

6,795

Spay & Neuter Surgeries Performed

6,630

Dogs Adopted

2,609

Cats Adopted

3,307

Lost Pets Reunited With Their Owners

19,392

Animal Intakes

JOIN THE MOVEMENT!

Get the Latest News & Updates

Thanks for submitting!

OUR
MISSION

OUR
VISION

GET TO
KNOW US

Dogs
Adopted

Cats
Adopted

Animal
Intakes