May 12th - May 19th

Spaying and neutering are often emphasized as critical aspects of responsible pet ownership. But why is it so important? Beyond helping control the pet population, these procedures have significant health, behavioral, and community benefits.

1. Reducing Pet Overpopulation:
Millions of pets end up in shelters each year, and many never find homes. Spaying and neutering prevent unwanted litters, helping reduce the number of homeless animals. By taking this step, pet owners are contributing to a long-term solution for overpopulation.

2. Health Benefits:
Spaying females before their first heat reduces the risk of uterine infections and breast tumors, which are malignant in about 50% of dogs and 90% of cats. Neutering males can prevent testicular cancer and prostate issues. These procedures lead to longer, healthier lives for pets.

3. Better Behavior:
Neutered males are less likely to roam in search of a mate, reducing the risk of them getting lost or injured. Additionally, spayed females won’t go into heat, which can lead to behavioral changes such as yowling and frequent urination. These procedures can also reduce aggression and decrease the likelihood of marking behaviors.

4. Cost-Effective in the Long Run:
Though there’s an upfront cost to spaying or neutering, it’s a wise investment. Avoiding the expenses related to caring for litters, as well as the potential medical costs associated with reproductive cancers, makes it a cost-effective choice for pet owners.

5. Supporting Community Welfare:
By spaying or neutering your pet, you’re helping your community reduce the number of stray animals. Strays can be involved in car accidents, spread diseases, and contribute to the strain on shelters and animal control resources. Controlling the pet population benefits everyone, from local shelters to your own neighborhood.

Spaying and neutering your pets isn’t just about preventing litters—it’s a proactive choice that contributes to their health, well-being, and the greater good of your community. Whether you’ve just adopted a new pet or have had your companion for years, it’s never too late to make this responsible decision.

Event Address: Flying Saucer Draught Emporium, 111 E 3rd St, Fort Worth, TX 76102

Time: 12pm - 4pm

We’re looking for passionate fosters and volunteers to help us connect with the public, share resources, and showcase how they can get involved in saving lives. This event is a great opportunity to engage with the community, answer questions about fostering and volunteering, and help guide potential new supporters into our programs - all while finding some amazing fosters and shelter pets a good home!

Volunteer - Bring a Shelter Pet to the Event
Register to Bring a Shelter Pet Link 👉 CLICK HERE

Event Address: 2901 Texas Sage Trail, Fort Worth 76177

Time: 11am - 3pm

Adoption Joy Events are where second chances happen—and we need you to make them possible.

These events bring together dogs of all sizes, ages, and personalities who are ready to find loving homes. Hosted at PetSmart locations, they give our shelter pets the visibility they need outside of the kennel—but we can’t do it without our fosters and volunteers.

Volunteer - Bring a Shelter Pet to the Event
Register to Bring a Shelter Pet Link 👉 CLICK HERE

Event Address: Hollywood Feed 3204 Camp Bowie Blvd Suite 110, Fort Worth 76107

Time: 12pm - 3pm

Join us for our Joy Starts Here adoption event at Hollywood Feed (West 7th) 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, as well as volunteers to assist with handling shelter dogs, supporting meet-and-greets, and creating a positive experience for potential adopters.

Events like this give our pets a chance to get out of the shelter, decompress, and connect—helping them show their true personalities.

Volunteer - Bring a Shelter Pet to the Event
Register to Bring a Shelter Pet Link 👉 CLICK HERE

Event Address: Lowes - 1111 Eastchase Pkwy, Fort Worth 76120

Time: 11am - 3pm

Join us this May for our Fetch a Friend Adoption Event at Lowe’s, where shelter pets are ready to meet their perfect match! We’re looking for both volunteers and fosters to help make this event a success by bringing adoptable pets, connecting with potential adopters, and sharing the impact of fostering and volunteering in our community.

These events play a huge role in proactive placement by giving pets more visibility, allowing them to show their true personalities outside of the shelter, and connecting them directly with adopters.

Sign up today and be part of helping pets fetch their forever homes!

Volunteer - Bring a Shelter Pet to the Event
Register to Bring a Shelter Pet Link 👉 CLICK HERE

Event Address: 3300 Bryant Irvin Road, 76109

Time: 10am - 4pm

Spend the weekend at the 2026 CERA Arts Festival, where creativity meets community—and adoptable pets!

Explore a variety of local artists indoors, then head outside to enjoy food trucks, live music, and the chance to meet adoptable dogs looking for their next home. This relaxed, festival-style setting gives you the opportunity to connect with pets in a fun and engaging environment.

Whether you’re coming for the art, the food, or the experience, you might just leave with something even better—a new best friend.

Come out, enjoy the weekend, and meet a dog who’s ready for their fresh start.

Volunteer - Bring a Shelter Pet to the Event
Register to Bring a Shelter Pet Link 👉 CLICK HERE

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. 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. Or you can click the link below to see this week's candidates!

CLICK HERE FOR DOGGY DAY OUT CANDIDATES

Volunteer Opportunity Spotlight: Cat Caretaker

While our dogs often steal the spotlight, our cats need you just as much — and in a very different, quieter way.

Shelter life can be incredibly overwhelming for cats. The sounds, smells, and constant activity can cause even the sweetest cat to shut down. That’s where our Cat Caretaker Volunteers make all the difference.

This role isn’t just about cleaning kennels (though that’s so important!) — it’s about being a calm, steady, reassuring presence in a world that feels scary to them. It’s sitting with a shy cat until they feel safe enough to peek out… it’s giving a few minutes of gentle pets to a cat who hasn’t felt kindness in days… it’s helping them remember that people can be good.

Why we need Cat Caretakers:
Because clean spaces prevent illness.
Because daily care keeps them healthy.
Because connection builds confidence — and confident cats get adopted.

The impact YOU make:
Every shift, you help turn fear into trust.
You help a hiding cat become visible.
You help a lonely cat feel comfort.
You help a potential adopter see their future companion.

Sometimes, the smallest moments — a quiet cuddle, a fresh blanket, a clean kennel — are what change everything for them.

If you’re someone who is patient, gentle, and finds joy in the quiet connection… this role is for you.

Because at the end of the day, you’re not just caring for cats —
you’re giving them dignity, comfort, and a real chance at going home.

👉 For more information and 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:
May 18th - May 20th

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

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

Did you know that all of our volunteer opportunities are housed in the Volunteer Resource Center?

Not only can you explore each opportunity and learn about the impact you’ll have in each role, but you can also sign up directly from the article—making it easier than ever to get involved.

We’ve streamlined the process so you can spend less time searching and more time making a difference.

Take a minute to

👉 Explore opportunities and sign up here: Volunteer Opportunities

Are you in the loop? Our FWACC Official Volunteer Group Chat on Facebook is where all the real-time connection happens—and we’d love to see it grow!

Right now, we have 383 members… but we know there are hundreds more of you out there who could be part of the conversation.

This is where we share:
🐾 Immediate shelter needs and ways you can jump in
🐾 Volunteer shout-outs and wins worth celebrating
🐾 Fun articles, updates, and behind-the-scenes moments

It’s a great way to stay connected, informed, and engaged with everything happening across the team.

👉 Join the group here: FWACC Official Volunteer Group Chat

Let’s make sure everyone is in the know—invite your fellow volunteers and help us grow this space!