Fort Worth shelter reaches record level of success with high live release rate and strong adoption numbers
Fort Worth, Texas – Fort Worth Animal Care & Control has reached a major turning point in its efforts to improve outcomes for animals, achieving a 90% live release rate for the 2026 fiscal year to date. The milestone reflects a steady climb in performance and signals that a large majority of animals entering the shelter system are now leaving alive, many finding permanent homes or temporary care through foster programs.
City officials marked the achievement as a significant moment for both the department and the broader community. The live release rate, often used as a key measure in animal welfare, represents the percentage of animals that are adopted, transferred, or otherwise saved rather than euthanized. Crossing the 90% threshold is widely viewed as a strong benchmark, and for Fort Worth, it highlights years of continued effort and collaboration.
“We are so excited to see more animals saved and to see how the community and FWACC staff are coming together to improve each year,” said Code Compliance Director Brian Daugherty. “These numbers are a testament to the work they’ve all done to improve our city and the lives of people and pets.”
Strong monthly progress leads to milestone achievement
The path to this milestone was shaped by consistent improvements over recent months. In December 2025, the department recorded a live release rate of 92.88% for that single month, signaling strong momentum. That trend carried into the new year, with February reaching 91.94%. These numbers helped push the overall fiscal year rate past the 90% mark, a level that indicates that nearly every animal entering the shelter is being given a second chance.
Officials noted that the last time adoption numbers were this high was during 2021, when the pandemic led many people to seek companionship at home. While those unique conditions have long since passed, the department has continued working to maintain and even improve those outcomes in a more typical environment.
“Reaching a 90% live release rate shows what’s possible when our community and lifesaving partners come together in a coordinated effort to prioritize compassionate care,” said Assistant Director Christopher McAllister. “It pushes us to keep building on that success to save even more lives.”
Behind the numbers is a large network of people and daily work that often goes unseen. Staff members continue to build connections with rescue organizations across the region and beyond, helping move animals into areas where adoption demand is higher. Volunteers also play a key role, offering enrichment time that allows animals to leave their kennels, interact, and reduce stress, making them more adoptable.
At the same time, shelter staff handle the demanding side of operations. They ensure facilities remain clean, provide medical care, and assess animal behavior to help match pets with the right homes. These efforts create a safer and more effective system that supports long-term success.
Rescue partners have also been essential in reaching this level. Many take in animals that need extra care or rehabilitation, giving them time and resources that shelters alone may not be able to provide. Their work expands the chances for each animal to survive and thrive.
Since the start of the fiscal year, 4,087 animals have been adopted, while another 1,013 have entered foster homes. These numbers reflect a strong response from the Fort Worth community, which has stepped forward to support animals in need and help drive meaningful change in local animal welfare.
