Fort Worth Reaches 90% Live Release Rate for the Fiscal Year

Fort Worth Animal Care & Control reached a 90% live release rate for its animals for Fiscal Year 2026, marking a major achievement for the department.

The department celebrated the milestone in a Friday blog post. According to the post, FWACC saw a particular strong performance in recent months. Back in December, it reached a 92.88% live release rate for the overall month.

The trend continued into February with a 91.94% live release rate. "Finally reaching a LRR above 90% for the fiscal year to date is a milestone worth celebrating," the post states. "as it signifies that nearly all animals who came through the shelter's doors found permanent, loving homes."

The last time the department saw adoption numbers at this level was in 2021 during the pandemic.

"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 car," said Assistant Director Christopher McAllister. "It pushes us to keep building on that success to save even more lives."

The post attributes the department's success to the efforts of its staff.

"Team members work daily to expand the department's rescue network, reaching out to partners across the region and beyond," the post states. "They coordinate with volunteers to provide enrichment opportunities, ensuring animals receive time outside their kennels to play, socialize, and decompress."

Additionally, staff members must maintain clean and sanitary facilities, tend to each animal's specific medical needs, and evaluate animal behavior to support safe and successful placements.

Rescue partners play another vital role by transporting animals to areas with higher adoption demand and taking in pets that require specialized or intensive care. "Their commitment to rehabilitation and rehoming is instrumental in increasing positive outcomes," the post states.

Since the start of the fiscal year, more than 4,000 animals left the shelter via adoption and another 1,000 were placed in foster homes.