Cowtown Friends of Fort Worth Animal Care & Control

Cowtown Friends of FWACC is a non-profit organization run by a volunteer board that is dedicated to enriching and enhancing the lives of animals in the care of Fort Worth Animal Care & Control by providing for certain needs above and beyond what the City of Fort Worth can fund.  Nearly 20,000 animals came through the shelter doors last year, and our ability to help is made possible through generous donors and committed volunteers. We invite volunteers and the local community to be part of the effort, and if you are already a supporter, thank you for putting the animals first.

For North Texas Giving Day 2024, Cowtown Friends of Fort Worth Animal Care & Control hopes to raise $10,000 to support two vital and life-saving shelter initiatives. Donating to these causes provides the opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of countless animals at FWACC. By donating to support the vital programs of enrichment and the Foster Closet, you're not merely contributing funds; you're investing in a compassionate future for animals in need.

Foster Closet

Last month, there were nearly 600 animals in the foster program at FWACC, with roughly 1/2 of those entering the program that same month.  The Foster Closet at FWACC is a program designed to provide essential items and support to foster families that temporarily care for animals in need. Foster families often need specific supplies including, but not limited to, crates, food, toys, leashes, and bedding to properly care for animals. The Foster Closet ensures that these necessities are readily available, removing the financial barrier for families who want to help but might otherwise be unable. The Foster Closet for FWACC fosters is more than just a repository of supplies; it's a vital lifeline for animals in transition and the families who care for them.  As such, it is our goal to keep the foster closet at both FWACC North and South locations stocked with the necessary supplies to ensure that foster families have what they need when they take an animal home.   It is our goal to send home foster bags with that include toys, treats, leash, collar, bowls with every animal entering foster, but with nearly 300 animals entering foster each month, it can add up quickly.  By fundraising for the foster closet initiative on North Texas Giving Day 2024, the community can come together to support a compassionate and impactful cause, ensuring that this crucial part of the program continues to thrive and expand. It's an investment in the well-being of animals and a testament to the shared values of empathy and care that define North Texas.

Shelter Enrichment

The purpose of shelter enrichment is to reduce stress and improve the well-being of shelter animals by providing activities which allow dogs to solve problems, use cognitive skills, and focus their energy, which in turn contributes to an animal’s well-being and reduces the likelihood of undesired behaviors.  Last month, there were over 1,500 animals in the shelter's care, and in a shelter environment like that, enrichment for all dogs is important to maintain wellness, reduce the potential for inappropriate behaviors, and increase “adoptability” of all the dogs in their care.  Thus, shelter enrichment will have direct benefits on both the physical and mental health of countless animals at FWACC throughout their shelter stay.  Your donations will help us keep the shelter enrichment program stocked with items including, but not limited to, KONGs, Benebones, dog treats, treat dispensing toys, catnip, cat toys, out and about bandanas and leashes, and any additional supplies shelter staff requests. Shelter enrichment at FWACC is not just a program but a commitment to enhancing the lives of animals during their shelter stay. It recognizes that physical comfort and mental stimulation are as vital as food and shelter. By supporting this initiative on North Texas Giving Day 2024, donors will play an instrumental role in ensuring that Cowtown Friends can continue to help FWACC engage in this vital program. The result will be happier, healthier animals who are more likely to find their forever homes, reflecting a community that cares deeply about the welfare of its furry friends.

Why Should You Donate? 

In sum, donating to FWACC's enrichment and Foster Closet programs on North Texas Giving Day isn't just a charitable act; it's a powerful statement about the kind of community we want to be. It's a chance to provide animals with more than just shelter but a pathway to a happier, healthier life. Join us in making a difference that resonates far beyond this one day. Your support is more than a donation; it's a lifeline.

100% of funds raised on North Texas Giving Day will go toward the above initiatives