April 22nd - 29th | The First 72: Setting Pets Up for Success
This week, we’re focusing on what happens in the first 72 hours when a pet enters a home—and why that time matters more than it may seem.
The first few days in a home are a major transition for any shelter pet. After experiencing a high-stimulation environment filled with noise, unfamiliar routines, and limited rest, entering a home introduces something completely different—quiet, consistency, and space.
During this time, pets are not just adjusting to a new place—they are beginning to process a change in environment. You may see them sleep more, move cautiously, or take time to engage. This is normal and expected.
These first 72 hours are not about seeing a dog’s full personality—they are about giving them the opportunity to begin settling.
Decompression is the process of allowing a pet to mentally and physically relax after leaving a stressful environment.
In the shelter, elevated stress levels can impact behavior, sleep, and overall well-being. Once in a home, those stressors are reduced, allowing the dog’s nervous system to begin regulating.
This is why we encourage a slower approach during the first few days—limited introductions, calm environments, and predictable routines. Giving dogs the space to decompress helps set the foundation for more accurate behavior and long-term success.
Behavior shown in the first 72 hours in a home is often not a dog’s true personality.
Many dogs will appear more shut down, tired, or reserved at first. Others may seem more energetic as they release built-up stress. As they settle, behavior often changes—sometimes significantly.
This is why time and patience are so important. What you see at first is just the beginning.
We have two upcoming events where your involvement can directly impact a pet’s outcome—whether by bringing your foster or supporting on-site.
Adopt Joy at PetSmart Alliance
Date: April 25
Time: 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Location: 2901 Texas Sage Trail, Fort Worth, TX 76177
Join us for our Adopt Joy adoption event and help bring this event to life for our shelter pets.
We’re looking for fosters to bring their foster pets and help showcase them in a community setting, and volunteers to assist with handling shelter dogs, supporting meet-and-greets, and ensuring a smooth, positive experience for both animals and potential adopters.
Events like this give pets valuable time out of the shelter environment—allowing them to decompress and show their true personalities. Your role directly increases their chances of finding the right home.
Herd You Needed A Dog | Spring Event at the Stockyards
This is our first spring version of one of our largest and most impactful events of the year.
Held at Rodeo Plaza in the Fort Worth Stockyards during PBR week, this event brings tens of thousands of visitors from across the country—many actively looking to adopt and take a dog home with them.
We are partnering with Cowtown, The Herd, the Stockyards, Stockyards Heritage, Old Gringo, and more to create a high-visibility adoption experience.
We currently have 10 open foster slots and are counting on you to help us show up strong. This is a major opportunity to get your foster seen and potentially placed into an incredible home.
Do not currently have a foster but want to participate? We’ve got you. We have many dogs who would benefit from getting out ahead of this event—just reach out and we will help match you.
How to Sign Up
Both of these events, along with additional opportunities, are available in the Events Section of your Volunteer & Foster Resource Center.
Make sure to view this weeks spotlights and events pets in your foster Trello Board
If you sign up to foster and do not yet have a foster, email fwaccevents@fortworthtexas.gov and we will coordinate getting a dog into your care ahead of the event.
Thank you for continuing to show up—for the quiet moments, the patience, and the follow-through that leads to real outcomes.
We’ll see you out there.
FWACC Foster Team