Hundreds of animals have pushed Fort Worth shelters far past their limits. From tiny kittens to large dogs, the city faces an unprecedented space crisis.
FORT WORTH, Texas — Animal shelters in Dallas and Fort Worth are asking the public to adopt, foster and volunteer as both cities face critical overcrowding driven by an influx of dogs and cats.
Dallas Animal Services said it is operating at 159% capacity for dogs and 102% capacity for cats after taking in animals from three large-scale cruelty seizures in one week.
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“Our shelter is beyond the population level that allows us to operate most effectively,” Assistant Director Victoria Chittam Bennett said in a statement. “The community’s support is critical right now. Every adoption, every foster placement, every volunteer shift and every pet reclaimed by its owner creates space and resources for another animal in need.”
Volunteer Pat Rodriguez said she has seen the strain firsthand.
“It’s heartbreaking because they’re innocent animals,” Rodriguez said.
Rodriguez regularly volunteers at the shelter by walking dogs and helping prepare them for adoption.
“It’s something I look forward to every day,” she said.
Jennifer Smith with Dallas Animal Services said every animal that leaves the shelter creates room for another one.
“Every animal that leaves opens up a space for another one to come in,” Smith said.
Shelter officials said recent rain and rising summer temperatures may have slowed adoptions and reduced visitation during a critical time.
The overcrowding is not limited to Dallas. Fort Worth Animal Care & Control said both of its shelter campuses are also operating beyond capacity.
At the Silcox Animal Campus, the shelter is caring for 442 dogs, 137% of capacity, and 165 cats and kittens, pushing feline occupancy to 253% of capacity.
Many dogs are being housed in temporary outdoor kennels, while kittens are being kept in temporary spaces not intended for long-term care.
Henry’s Animal Campus also is at capacity, housing 382 animals, including 250 large-breed dogs.
Both cities are urging residents to adopt or foster pets, volunteer at local shelters and reclaim lost animals as quickly as possible.
Officials said every adoption or foster placement creates space for incoming animals and helps shelters continue caring for pets in need.