| City of Fort Worth Animal Shelter & Control: Adoption 2026 | city of fort worth animal shelter |
City of Fort Worth Animal Shelter & Control: Adoption 2026
Use this Fort Worth animal-help dashboard to adopt a dog or cat, find the right FWACC campus, reclaim a lost pet, report a stray or dangerous animal, surrender by appointment, understand microchip/license rules, or find low-cost pet help.
Verified city route: Fort Worth Animal Care & Control is the official city shelter/control system. The main city number for shelter and animal issues is 817-392-1234.
Official source checked
Last verified: August 12, 2026. Details use City of Fort Worth FWACC pages, location pages, animal-control laws, adoption/fee pages, surrender guidance, microchip/license pages and pet resources.
96-hour hold rule
Fort Worth animal-control law says impounded animals, including animals released from quarantine, are kept for 96 hours; after that, disposition is at the City’s discretion.
No fake data
No fake reviews, no fake ratings, no unverified animal availability, no invented adoption specials, and no BreadcrumbList schema inside this Custom HTML.
Choose What You Need
- Clickable action cards
- Shelter locations and hours
- Who to call first
- Adoption fees
- Adoption micro-steps
- Lost/found pet steps
- Reclaim and impound fees
- Found stray decision guide
- Surrender appointment rules
- License and microchip rules
- Animal control laws
- Wildlife, bites and cruelty
- Chip & Snip help
- Before you leave home
- Call scripts
- Map
- Official links
- 10 FAQs
Clickable Fort Worth Animal Help Cards
Tap the matching action. Each card points to the official city route or safest next step.
Fort Worth Animal Shelter Locations and Adoption Hours
Fort Worth uses full-service city campuses plus PetSmart adoption centers. Full-service campuses handle adoptions, reclaims, rescues, fosters and volunteers; PetSmart centers are adoption-focused.
| Location | Address / phone | Official hours | Important pause / service note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chuck & Brenda Silcox Animal Care & Adoption Center | 4900 Martin St., Fort Worth, TX 76119 817-392-1234 | Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday: 12pm-6pm Tuesday: Closed | Full-service shelter. No intakes or adoptions on Tuesdays. Intake hours: 11am-5pm on open intake days. |
| Henry’s Animal Campus | 351 Hillshire Drive, Fort Worth, TX 76052 817-392-1234 | Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday: 12pm-6pm Wednesday: Closed | Full-service shelter. Paused for adoptions and intakes on Wednesdays. Intake hours: 11am-5pm on open intake days. |
| Alliance PetSmart Charities Adoption Center | 2901 Texas Sage Trail, Fort Worth, TX 76177 817-392-7117 | Sunday: 10am-6pm Monday-Saturday: 9am-8pm | Adoptions and volunteers. Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. |
| Hulen PetSmart Charities Adoption Center | 4800 S.W. Loop 820, Fort Worth, TX 76109 817-392-6561 | Sunday: 10am-6pm Monday-Saturday: 9am-8pm | Adoption center inside PetSmart. Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. |
Who to Call First
Use this before driving, holding a found animal, reporting a loose animal, or starting a surrender.
| Situation | Call / click | What to say | Next micro-step |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adopt a pet | 817-392-1234 or FWACCadopt@fortworthtexas.gov | “I want to adopt [animal name/ID]. Which location is the pet at today?” | Bring valid ID and confirm location before driving. |
| Lost pet seen online | FWACCintakes@fortworthtexas.gov | “I recognize animal [ID/name] as my pet and need reclaim instructions.” | Go to the listed location in person to begin reclaim. |
| Found a pet within 72 hours | Animals at FWACC | “I found a pet at [exact location] within the last 72 hours.” | Use lost/found guidance rather than the owner-surrender form. |
| Owner surrender | FWACCINTAKES@fortworthtexas.gov | “I am a Fort Worth resident and need surrender support.” | Fill out the surrender process form and wait for next steps. |
| Loose / stray animal complaint | 817-392-1234 | “There is a stray or loose animal at [address/cross streets].” | Give color, size, direction of travel and safety risk. |
| Bite / quarantine question | 817-392-1234 | “There was a bite involving [dog/cat/ferret] at [location].” | Seek medical/veterinary advice and follow quarantine instructions. |
| Wild or exotic animal | 817-392-1234 | “This involves [species] at [location]. Is this a city animal-control issue?” | Do not handle wildlife unless instructed. |
Fort Worth Adoption Fees and What They Include
The city fee page lists standard adoption fees and discount rules. Temporary events may change prices, so verify any special before posting it as current.
| Adoption / item | City-listed amount | What is verified | Ask before adopting |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dog adoption | $49 | Every FWACC adopted pet is spayed/neutered, vaccinated and microchipped. | Age, behavior notes, heartworm status if dog, resident-pet meeting and first-week setup. |
| Cat adoption | $25 | Every FWACC adopted pet is spayed/neutered, vaccinated and microchipped. | Carrier, litter habits, medical notes, indoor setup and other pets. |
| Animals age 5 and older | Half off | City fee page says adoptions are half off for animals age 5 and older. | Ask staff to confirm age and fee at checkout. |
| Senior citizen adopters age 65+ | Half off | City fee page says senior citizens 65+ can adopt any animal for half off. | Bring proof of age if needed. |
| Military identification | Free adoption | City fee page says adoptions are free for residents with military identification. | Bring eligible ID and confirm current checkout rule. |
| Microchip | $12 | City fee page lists microchips at $12; registered microchips are required for Fort Worth dogs/cats. | Confirm registration contact information before leaving. |
Adoption Micro-Steps
Follow this order so users can complete the task without bouncing between multiple city pages.
Search animals first
Open Animals at FWACC and note the pet name, ID and exact location. Fort Worth has multiple adoption locations.
Check the location pause day
Silcox has no adoptions/intakes on Tuesdays. Henry’s has no adoptions/intakes on Wednesdays. PetSmart centers have different hours.
Bring valid ID
Fort Worth’s adoption page says to bring valid ID to one of the adoption centers.
Ask for a one-on-one appointment if needed
FWACC offers optional adoption appointments for a more personalized experience by emailing FWACCadopt@fortworthtexas.gov or calling 817-392-1234.
Ask the practical questions
Ask about vaccines, microchip, spay/neuter, temperament, medical notes, food, leash/collar or carrier needs and first-week care.
Confirm exact checkout price
Use the standard $49 dog / $25 cat fees as a planning baseline, then confirm senior, military or event pricing at the shelter.
Lost or Found Pet in Fort Worth
The fastest route is a mix of online search, in-person reclaim, microchip updates and direct FWACC contact.
If your pet is lost
- Search Animals at FWACC for lost/found animals and note the listed location.
- If you recognize your pet, go to the listed location in person to start reclaim.
- Email FWACCintakes@fortworthtexas.gov with questions or identifying details.
- Bring valid ID, proof of ownership, photos, microchip information and vaccination records if available.
- Check both full-service campuses if you are unsure where the animal was taken.
- Update your pet’s registered microchip company immediately.
- Post on Petco Love Lost, PawBoost, Nextdoor and Fort Worth lost/found Facebook groups.
If you found a pet
- If the pet was found within the last 72 hours, use Lost and Found help rather than the owner-surrender form.
- If you are in Fort Worth, take the pet to the nearest shelter location to where it was found when directed.
- FWACC can help scan for a chip, check lost-pet reports and offer reunion guidance.
- Only hold healthy, non-aggressive dogs if you can do so safely.
- Post clear photos and found location, but keep one identifying detail private for ownership proof.
- Do not privately rehome a found pet before the owner has a fair chance to reclaim it.
- Call animal control if the animal is aggressive, injured, sick, unsafe or causing an urgent public-safety issue.
Reclaim and Impound Fee Planning
Final reclaim cost can depend on the animal, length of stay, microchip/license status, repeat impoundment, quarantine, boarding or other service fees.
Bring ID
Bring valid photo identification and proof you own the pet, such as photos, vet records, adoption paperwork, license or microchip records.
Go to listed location
FWACC says if you recognize your pet, go to the listed location in person to begin the reclaim process.
Email for questions
For reclaim or lost/found questions, use FWACCintakes@fortworthtexas.gov.
| Fee type | City-listed amount | Practical note |
|---|---|---|
| Microchip | $12 | Registered microchips are required for Fort Worth dogs and cats. |
| Replacement license tag | $5 | Requires copy of original license receipt. |
| Repeat impoundment, second offense | $20 | Added for repeat impoundment. |
| Repeat impoundment, third offense | $40 | Added for repeat impoundment. |
| Repeat impoundment, fourth offense | $85 | Added for repeat impoundment. |
| Fort Worth resident daily boarding | $8/day | Daily boarding after impoundment. |
| Aggressive dog daily boarding | $16/day | Higher boarding category. |
| Quarantine-transfer fee | $50 | May apply in quarantine-transfer situations. |
Found Stray Decision Guide
Fort Worth’s stray guidance is designed to reduce unnecessary shelter intake when safe reunion is possible.
Safe to help
If the animal is healthy, non-aggressive and you can safely hold it short-term, start with chip scan, lost/found posts and FWACC guidance.
Needs animal control
If the animal is aggressive, sick, injured, bite-risk, trapped, severely distressed or unsafe, call 817-392-1234.
Nearest shelter rule
FWACC guidance says if you are in Fort Worth, take the pet to the nearest shelter location to where it was found when intake is the correct route.
Surrender Appointment Rules
Owner surrender is not a walk-in shortcut. Fort Worth’s official surrender page says surrenders are currently by appointment only.
| Surrender topic | Verified detail | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Start process | Fill out the city-linked surrender form. | Wait for Spay Neuter Network’s Pet Support & Resource Center to email resources and next steps. |
| Appointment timing | City page says appointments are currently being scheduled two to three weeks out. | Start early; emergency accommodation is limited. |
| Eligibility | FWACC can accept owner surrenders from City of Fort Worth residents with valid photo ID showing a Fort Worth address, or if you adopted the pet from FWACC within the last 30 days. | Prepare ID and adoption paperwork if applicable. |
| Emergency / safety concern | If you feel you or your pet’s health or safety is at risk, call 817-392-1234. | Do not wait for the normal appointment timeline if safety is at risk. |
| Vaccination proof | FWACC encourages owners to provide proof of current vaccinations when surrendering pets. | Bring vaccination records if available. |
| Rehome alternatives | FWACC encourages residents to explore friends/family, Home-to-Home, SPCA Rehome and HSNT resources first. | Use these if the pet can be safely placed without shelter intake. |
Fort Worth Pet License and Microchip Rules
Fort Worth’s microchip rule is the key detail many pages miss.
| Rule / item | Verified detail | Practical action |
|---|---|---|
| Rabies vaccination | A dog, cat or ferret must be vaccinated against rabies by 4 months of age, receive a booster 12 months after that, and then be vaccinated at least once every three years. | Keep rabies certificate accessible. |
| License requirement | A dog, cat or ferret must be licensed by 4 months of age after being vaccinated for rabies. | Use FWACC license route if needed. |
| Microchip requirement | Registered microchips are required in Fort Worth for all dogs and cats. | Register and update the microchip, not just implant it. |
| License replaced by microchip? | City license/microchip page says owners whose pets are microchipped do not need a pet license for their dog or cat. | Make sure chip registration is current. |
| Microchip purchase | Microchips are available through TCAP, FWACC and veterinary clinics. | Ask about low-cost or free options such as Chip & Snip. |
| Replacement tag | Replacement tag is $5 with a copy of the original license receipt. | Use if a physical license tag is lost. |
Animal Control Laws Fort Worth Pet Owners Should Know
These practical law points help users avoid citations, reclaim delays and unsafe situations.
Spay/neuter rule
Female dogs/cats over 6 months and male dogs/cats over 8 months must be spayed/neutered or the owner must obtain an intact pet permit.
Leash/restraint
Dogs must be securely confined on the owner’s property; when off property, dogs must be on leash and accompanied by the owner.
Cat boundary rule
Fort Worth law says a cat must remain within the boundaries of its owner’s property.
Tethering ban
Fort Worth bans attaching an unattended dog to a stationary object or trolley system, with limited exceptions when the owner is present.
Barking/noise
It is a violation to keep an animal or bird that causes frequent or long-continued noise disturbing nearby people.
Wild/exotic pets
Wild and exotic animals are prohibited as pets within Fort Worth city limits. Call Animal Care & Control for prohibited-animal questions.
Wildlife, Bites, Dangerous Dogs and Cruelty
Not every animal problem is a shelter-adoption issue. Use the right route for public safety and animal welfare.
Wildlife
Fort Worth says wildlife rescue groups are better equipped for wildlife; Animal Care & Control’s focus has always been dogs and cats.
Bites and quarantine
Regardless of vaccination status, a biting animal must be quarantined for 10 days from the day of the bite.
Dangerous dog definition
A dangerous dog includes a dog that makes an unprovoked attack causing bodily injury or commits acts causing reasonable fear of attack and injury.
Cruelty / fighting
Animal fighting should be immediately reported to the Fort Worth Police Department. Use animal-neglect/cruelty guidance for non-emergency concerns.
Proper care
Owners must provide sufficient food, clean water, adequate shelter and veterinary care needed to prevent suffering.
Noise complaint process
Fort Worth’s noise complaint process generally gives owners 10 days from the complaint date to correct the problem or comply.
Chip & Snip: Free Neighborhood Pet Help
This section adds public value beyond a basic shelter listing.
Free spay/neuter
Fort Worth’s Chip & Snip mobile clinic provides free spay and neuter surgeries in eligible scheduled neighborhoods.
Free microchipping
The program includes microchipping, helping meet Fort Worth’s registered-microchip requirement for dogs and cats.
Core vaccinations
Chip & Snip also provides core vaccinations at no cost, based on residential ZIP code and clinic schedule.
Before You Leave Home
Pet ID/name, location, valid ID, payment, leash/collar or carrier, resident-pet/household questions.
Photos, microchip number, license/tag details, vaccination records, proof of ownership and exact last-seen location.
Go to listed shelter location, bring ID, ownership proof, vaccination records and payment for applicable fees.
Fort Worth photo ID, appointment form, medical/behavior history, vaccination records and rehome attempts.
Copy/Paste Call Scripts
Adoption
Hi, I’m interested in [animal name/ID]. Which FWACC location is this pet at today, and what should I bring to adopt?Lost pet
Hi, my [dog/cat] is missing near [cross streets]. Description: [color/size/collar/microchip/license]. Has a matching animal been brought to Silcox, Henry’s, Hulen or Alliance?Found pet
Hi, I found a [dog/cat/other] at [exact location] within Fort Worth. The animal is [healthy/injured/aggressive]. I can/cannot safely hold it. What should I do next?Surrender
Hi, I’m a City of Fort Worth resident and need surrender or rehome support for my [dog/cat]. I can provide ID, vaccination records, medical and behavior details.Map: Chuck & Brenda Silcox Animal Care & Adoption Center
Use this map for the primary full-service FWACC shelter at 4900 Martin St. Check your animal’s listed location before driving because FWACC has multiple campuses and adoption centers.
Official Fort Worth Animal Links
The important details are summarized above. Use these links for live pet lists, current hours, fees, forms and final verification.
City of Fort Worth Animal Shelter FAQ
What is the main Fort Worth animal shelter phone number?
The main Fort Worth Animal Care & Control phone number is 817-392-1234.
Where is the main City of Fort Worth animal shelter?
The primary full-service shelter is the Chuck & Brenda Silcox Animal Care & Adoption Center at 4900 Martin St., Fort Worth, TX 76119.
What are Fort Worth animal shelter adoption hours?
The Silcox center is open for public shelter hours 12pm-6pm Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday, and closed Tuesday. Henry’s Animal Campus is open 12pm-6pm Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday, and closed Wednesday.
How much does it cost to adopt a dog from Fort Worth Animal Care & Control?
The City of Fort Worth fee page lists dog adoption at $49. Adoptions are half off for animals age 5 and older and for senior citizens age 65 and older; adoptions are free for residents with military identification.
How much does it cost to adopt a cat from Fort Worth Animal Care & Control?
The City of Fort Worth fee page lists cat adoption at $25. Every pet adopted from FWACC is spayed or neutered, vaccinated and microchipped.
What should I bring to adopt from FWACC?
Fort Worth’s adoption page says to bring a valid ID to one of the adoption centers. You should also bring a leash/collar for dogs, a carrier for cats or small pets, and any landlord or household approval needed.
How long are impounded animals held in Fort Worth?
Fort Worth animal-control law says impounded animals, including those released from quarantine, are kept for 96 hours. After 96 hours, disposition is at the City’s discretion.
Can I surrender a pet to Fort Worth Animal Care & Control without an appointment?
No. The City says pet surrenders are currently by appointment only. The surrender process starts with the city-linked form, and eligible Fort Worth residents must provide valid photo identification with a Fort Worth address.
Are microchips required for Fort Worth dogs and cats?
Yes. Fort Worth says registered microchips are required for all dogs and cats. The City also says owners whose pets are microchipped do not need a pet license for their dog or cat.
Does Fort Worth offer free spay/neuter or microchip help?
Yes. The Chip & Snip Community Pet Clinic provides free spay and neuter surgeries, microchipping and core vaccinations, with eligibility based on residential ZIP code and the clinic scheduled by FWACC.
Animal Shelter Action Planner: Lost Pet, Found Pet, Adoption, Reclaim & Surrender Helper
Use this free tool to create a practical next-step plan before visiting or contacting an animal shelter, humane society, rescue, or animal control agency. It does not search a live shelter database, but it helps you prepare the right documents, questions, safety steps, and official-source searches.
Build a USA-wide shelter action plan
Select your situation and location. The tool will create a general action plan, search links, call questions, and a copyable checklist.
Lost pet recovery checklist
Check the steps you have completed. This helps you stay organized during the first urgent hours and days.
Found pet safety decision helper
Use this when you find a stray or loose pet and need a safe next step.
Adoption readiness checker
This helps adopters prepare before visiting a shelter or rescue. It is not a guarantee of approval.
Pet reclaim document checklist
If your pet may be at a shelter, prepare proof before visiting. Exact requirements and fees vary by agency.
Owner surrender preparation helper
Surrender rules vary. Many shelters require appointments, proof of residence, behavior/medical information, and may offer alternatives.
Animal control contact decision helper
Choose the situation and get a general USA-wide contact path. Local rules may differ.
Adoption and first-month budget planner
This is a planning guide, not a shelter fee database. Always confirm adoption fees and included services with the shelter.
Your generated shelter plan
Your action plan, search links, call script, checklist, or budget guide will appear here.
Start with the Planner tab
Select your state, city/county/ZIP, pet type, and goal. The tool will create a practical USA-wide shelter action plan.
Privacy note: this tool runs in your browser. It does not send your entries to animal-shelter.org.