FORT WORTH, TX – Fort Worth Animal Care and Control has issued an urgent plea for community help as city shelters face a severe space crisis, currently caring for more than 600 dogs and cats.
Cat Occupancy Reaches Alarming 253%
The overcrowding is most severe at the Silcox Animal Campus, where cat occupancy has skyrocketed to 253% capacity. The facility is housing 165 cats and kittens despite having only 65 standard enclosures.
A large portion of the feline population consists of kittens under eight weeks old. Due to the space shortage, many are stuck in temporary accommodations not built for long-term care. Additionally, Henry’s Animal Campus is managing another 56 cats and kittens.
Dogs Overwhelmed at 137% Capacity
The situation is equally critical for canines. The Silcox Campus is housing 442 dogs across its 321 available kennels, pushing the facility to 137% capacity. To manage the overflow, staff have been forced to put many dogs in temporary outdoor kennels.
Meanwhile, Henry’s Animal Campus is stretched thin, caring for 250 large-breed dogs.
How Local Residents Can Help
City officials are begging residents to step up immediately through adoption or fostering to ease the burden. To encourage volunteers, the shelter is offering full support:
- Free Supplies: Fosters will receive all necessary food, supplies, and medical support from the shelter.
- Where to Go: Interested residents can visit either the Silcox Animal Campus or Henry’s Animal Campus to adopt or sign up to foster.
