Rescue Partner Onboarding: Joining Fort Worth Animal Care and Control

Thank you for your interest in becoming a Rescue Partner with Fort Worth Animal Care and Control (FWACC)! As the City of Fort Worth’s only municipal open-admission animal shelter, we care for more than 18,000 pets annually across our two locations, with over 600 animals on-site at any given time. Our Rescue Partner program allows us to collaborate with organizations like yours to save more lives and provide a second chance for animals who may not have space or resources at the shelter.

By partnering with FWACC, your organization plays a critical role in reducing shelter overcrowding and helping animals find safe, loving homes. Rescue Partners allow us to move pets into environments where they can thrive, receive individualized care, and access adoption opportunities that may not be available within the shelter. Whether your organization operates locally or out-of-state, our partnerships and transport program can expand your reach and increase lifesaving opportunities nationwide.

Step 1: Complete the Application
Begin by downloading and submitting our Transfer Partner Application found on our website.

To be eligible:

• Your organization must be established for at least six months.

• You must provide three professional references with at least two references from municipal shelters (city/county) or humane societies.

• Submit a copy of your current 501(c)(3) status issued by the IRS.

Step 2: Verification
Once your application and required documents are received, our team will verify your references and IRS status. This process typically takes 3–5 business days, depending on workload and response times from your references.

Step 3: Approval and Welcome
Upon approval, a team member will reach out to you to:

• Share a link to our Rescue Manual (also available in the Rescue Help Center).

• Schedule a call or Zoom meeting to:

  • Answer any questions about FWACC policies and procedures.

  • Walk you through our operations and the animals eligible for rescue placement.

  • Introduce you to our Rescue Coordinator.

If your organization is located out-of-state, this is a great opportunity to learn about our national transport program—ask us about eligibility during your onboarding call!

Once onboarded, you will be fully equipped to work alongside FWACC to save more lives, provide critical care, and help animals find their forever homes. We are excited to welcome you as a Rescue Partner and look forward to building a lasting, lifesaving relationship with your organization.