In the early morning hours of Sept. 20, 27 dogs were transported from the Fort Worth Animal Care & Control (FWACC) Shelter to New England, marking a significant milestone in the shelter’s efforts to combat pet overpopulation. The transfer was part of FWACC’s Transport Program, which works with rescue groups in areas of the country where there is a lower demand for adoptable pets.
This particular transport included a mix of small, medium, and large breeds, with six dogs coming from the shelter’s Urgent Pet Placement list. These animals were loaded onto the shelter’s “Bark Bus” and embarked on their journey northward to start new lives.
FWACC's Transport Program, which partners with rescue groups primarily in New England and the Pacific Northwest, has been instrumental in creating space at the shelter and saving the lives of hundreds of animals. To date, 1,053 dogs have been saved through the program in FY2024 alone, surpassing the initial goal of 800. This is the highest number of dogs saved since 2020.
The success of the program is credited to the hard work of shelter staff, volunteers, and transport partners. Nia Hernandez, FWACC’s Transport Program Manager, praised the dedication of the team, saying, "Our goal was 800, but I knew the team was going to surpass it... It’s an amazing feeling knowing that the team was up for the challenge and never gave up."
Transport fosters play a key role in this life-saving effort by providing temporary homes for pets before they are transferred. These foster arrangements typically last two weeks, ensuring the animals are prepared for their journey. FWACC is actively seeking more fosters to keep the program running smoothly.
The next transport is scheduled for Oct. 3, with 272 urgent dogs already having left the shelter this fiscal year through the program.
