March 17th - March 24th

Dear FWACC Volunteers,

Thank you for being a vital part of our volunteer team! This week we have several volunteer opportunities across both shelters, upcoming events, and special ways to help our dogs enjoy socialization and community outings. Check out the details below and see how you can make a difference this week!

One of the most important tools we use when moving dogs through the shelter is a slip lead, and knowing how to use it correctly helps keep both you and our dogs safe. A properly placed slip lead should sit high on the dog’s neck, just behind the ears, which allows you to guide the dog with gentle direction rather than pulling. This position helps prevent dogs from slipping out of the lead and gives volunteers better control when moving through kennels, hallways, and busy areas of the shelter. It also creates clearer communication with the dog and can help reduce stress during transitions. Taking a moment to place the slip lead correctly and handle the leash properly makes a big difference in creating a safe, calm, and successful experience for both volunteers and our shelter dogs.🐶 Slip Lead Pro Tips

✔ High & Snug Placement – Position the slip lead high on the neck behind the ears for better control and to prevent slipping out.

✔ Make the “P” Shape – When facing the dog, the lead should form a “P” shape so it loosens quickly when pressure is released.

✔ Two-Hand Control – Hold the leash with two hands when possible. One hand near the dog for guidance and the other managing the extra lead length.

✔ Never Put Your Wrist Through the Loop – Always hold the loop in your hand rather than putting your wrist through it. If a dog suddenly pulls or bolts, this prevents injuries to your wrist, arm, or shoulder.

✔ Guide, Don’t Pull – Walk with calm confidence and steady movement so the dog can follow your lead.

✔ Stay Aware – Watch doorways, other dogs, and volunteers moving through the shelter to prevent tangles or sudden reactions.

✨ Remember: Good leash handling keeps volunteers safe, prevents escapes, and helps our dogs feel more secure as they move through the shelter.

Each week we highlight volunteer opportunities where a little extra help can make a big impact for our shelter pets. These roles directly support adoption efforts and help animals get noticed by potential adopters. If you’ve been looking for a way to jump in and help, this is a great place to start!

PetSmart National Adoption Week Volunteers Needed for PetSmart Hulen and PetSmart Alliance

PetSmart National Adoption Week Volunteer

During PetSmart National Adoption Week, volunteers help showcase some of our amazing shelter dogs to the public and support potential adopters throughout the event.

Volunteers may help with:
• Walking and handling dogs during the event
• Helping dogs feel comfortable and relaxed in a busy retail environment
• Talking with visitors about the dogs’ personalities and needs
• Encouraging adoptions by sharing each dog’s story
• Helping keep the dogs looking their best with cute bandanas, collars, and treats
• Assisting staff with basic event support, cleaning kennels, filling water bowls, etc, and keeping things running smoothly

This is a fun and rewarding opportunity to help our shelter dogs get seen, make connections with potential adopters, and hopefully go home with their new families!

PetSmart Hulen: For more information on this volunteer opportunity and link to sign-up:

👉 CLICK HERE

PetSmart Alliance: For more information on this volunteer opportunity and link to sign-up:

👉 CLICK HERE

We have several upcoming adoption events where volunteer support will be essential. These events rely on dedicated volunteers to help showcase our shelter pets, assist with handling, speak with potential adopters, and support overall event operations. Adoption events are one of our most impactful outreach efforts — and they truly cannot happen without you.

We also want to give everyone a heads up that PetSmart National Adoption Week is right around the corner! We will need strong volunteer support at both PetSmart Alliance and PetSmart Hulen on March 28th and 29th. These are always high-traffic, high-impact events, and we are excited to show up strong for our pets.

📅 Mark your calendars now — more details and sign-ups will be coming soon!

👉 For more information on upcoming events and links to sign-up:

CLICK HERE

Help make our pets’ last few days in Texas extra special before they head to their new homes! We’re looking for volunteers to assist with dog walking and light cleaning during our upcoming transport preparation days.

Your support helps reduce stress for the animals, keeps them comfortable before their journey, and ensures everything runs smoothly as they prepare for travel.

Upcoming Transport Dates:
March 16th – March 18th

April 7th – April 9th

April 20th – April 22nd

Every walk, clean kennel, and moment of attention helps these pets start their next chapter feeling safe and cared for!

👉 For more information and to sign up to assist with Transports: CLICK HERE

A few hours outside the shelter can make a huge difference for a dog’s well-being and adoption chances. Our Doggy Day Out program gives dogs a break from the kennel environment while helping them practice real-world experiences like riding in the car, walking through new places, and meeting new people.

Research in animal welfare has shown that even short outings can significantly reduce stress behaviors in shelter dogs, helping them relax and show their true personalities. These outings also create photos, stories, and social media moments that help potential adopters connect with them in a more natural setting.

This week, we’re highlighting two long-stay dogs who would benefit tremendously from a day outside the shelter. A walk along the Trinity Trails, a patio lunch, or a visit to a dog-friendly coffee shop could be exactly what they need to shine.

You can visit the Volunteer Resource Center to learn more about the program and explore our article featuring dog-friendly restaurants, parks, and businesses around Fort Worth — perfect places to take your Doggy Day Out adventure.

Doggy Day Out Program

This week's Spotlights are:

Lucky at Henry's Campus - CLICK HERE

March at our Silcox Animal Campus - CLICK HERE

Thank you for continuing to show up for animals who need it most by opening your homes, your time, and your hearts. Foster care is one of the most powerful ways we save lives, and we are deeply grateful for the commitment you make every day.

Keep an eye out for next week’s updates!

FWACC Volunteer Team