April 8th-14th
This week, we’re highlighting the impact of fostering—whether it’s for a few days or a few weeks. Every time a pet enters a home, even temporarily, it creates space, reduces stress, and gives them a chance to show who they truly are outside of the shelter environment.
Kitten season is here—and it’s arriving fast. We are seeing a major influx of kittens entering the shelter each day, and right now, we do not have enough foster homes to keep up with what’s coming in.
As a current foster, you already know the impact a home environment makes. Many of these kittens are too young or too vulnerable to thrive in the shelter, and foster placement is critical to giving them the best chance at survival and healthy development.
We are fully equipped to support you—we provide all supplies (formula, bottles, food, litter, etc.), along with training and ongoing guidance every step of the way.
If you’re able to take on additional kittens, try bottle feeding, or even help with a short-term placement, now is the time. Every open home creates space for more kittens in need.
The need is urgent—and it’s growing daily.
Your support is what makes this lifesaving work possible.
If you have room to help, please email us ASAP at fwaccfoster@fortworthtexas.gov
Not every foster commitment has to be long-term to make a life-changing impact.
Short-term fostering—even just a weekend or a few days—gives shelter pets a much-needed break from the kennel environment. During that time, animals are able to decompress, rest, and show more of their true personality in a home setting.
These short stays also give us valuable insight into behavior outside the shelter, helping us better match pets with adopters and increase their chances of finding the right home.
For many animals, just a little time away can make a big difference.
We have many short-term fostering opportunities available:
Transport Fostering - Fostering pets who have been tagged to head out of state
Event Fostering - Fostering pets identified for upcoming adoption events
SlumberPawty Fostering - Short 48 - 72 foster stays that allow animals to get a break from the stress of the shelter.
Even a brief stay in a home can significantly reduce stress in shelter dogs. Studies show that time outside of the kennel environment lowers cortisol levels, allowing dogs to relax and behave more like they would in a home.
That means a Slumber Pawty—even just one night—isn’t just a break, it’s a reset. These short stays help dogs decompress, sleep better, and show more of their true personality, making them more appealing to adopters.
Curious how you can make an impact in just 24–48 hours?
👉 Learn more about Slumber Pawty fostering HERE
We’re excited to introduce our new Weekly Spotlight in the Fosters Needed Trello—a dedicated space where you can easily find animals who would benefit most from foster right now.
Instead of multiple sections, we’ve brought everything together in one place. This includes pets from both Silcox Shelter and Henry’s Campus, animals in need of foster to make their transport, and dogs selected for upcoming events.
Each week, these animals are carefully selected based on urgency, length of stay, and their need for a break from the shelter environment. Many are simply waiting for the chance to decompress in a home, show their true personality, and get noticed.
If you’ve been thinking about fostering—or are ready for your next foster—this is the best place to start.
👉 View this week’s Weekly Spotlight in the Fosters Needed Trello and choose a pet to help - CLICK HERE
The first few days in a new environment can feel overwhelming for a foster pet. Giving them time to settle in without too much pressure helps build trust and confidence.
Allow them to explore at their own pace, keep routines calm and predictable, and remember that what you see in the first 24–72 hours may not reflect their true personality.
Patience during this period sets the foundation for success.
👉 For more information on the importance of decompression CLICK HERE
Bobby has been here for a while now—quietly watching the days pass, still greeting each one with the same soft, hopeful energy.
He’s not the dog who barks for attention or demands to be seen. Instead, Bobby meets you at his kennel with a gentle wag, an easy presence, and a quiet kind of trust that feels earned. When you take him out, he stays close, taking in the world at his own pace, then settles beside you like he’s always belonged there.
There’s something special about dogs like Bobby. Despite everything he’s been through, he hasn’t hardened—he’s remained soft. He leans in for affection, takes treats gently, and moves through his environment with a calm, steady demeanor. Around other dogs, he keeps things neutral and respectful, choosing peace over reaction.
Right now, Bobby is only eligible to leave through a rescue, which means his journey is taking a little longer. But while we work on finding that next step, what he truly needs is a chance to breathe outside of the shelter.
A foster home—even for a few days—would give him that.
A quiet place to rest.
A moment to exhale.
A chance to be seen for who he really is.
Because Bobby hasn’t given up—and we don’t want him to have to keep waiting to be chosen.
👉 CLICK HERE for more on our boy Bobby
Have you explored the Volunteer & Foster Resource Center yet? This is your one-stop hub for everything you need to feel confident and supported in your foster journey.
Inside, you’ll find:
🐾 Upcoming events and opportunities to get involved
🐾 Step-by-step how-to guides for fostering success
🐾 Report cards and helpful tracking tools
🐾 Behavior and medical resource articles to guide you along the way
This resource is constantly growing and evolving—and we’d love your input on what would be most helpful to you!
Take a few minutes this week to explore and get familiar with all it has to offer. It’s designed with you in mind and is here to support you every step of the way.
FWACC Volunteer & Foster Resource Center
💙 Thank You for Being Part of This Work
Every time you open your home, take a dog out for the day, or share a pet’s story—you are changing outcomes.
Because of you, animals get a break from the shelter, a chance to decompress, and the opportunity to show who they truly are. That’s what leads to connections, adoptions, and second chances.
As we continue to grow our programs and create more opportunities for impact, know that none of this happens without you.
We’re so grateful to have you as part of this community. 🐾