To help increase community involvement and improve care for shelter animals, Fort Worth Animal Care and Control is relaunching its volunteer program. The program is geared to provide new and experienced volunteers with opportunities to help animals in need.

The gist

According to a city news release, Fort Worth Animal Care and Control volunteers help with the care of more than 20,000 animals annually. Volunteers play a vital role by:

• Improving the shelter environment
• Supporting pet adoption efforts
• Helping with dog walks
• Offering specialized/foster care

Zooming in

The news release states there are four Animal Care and Control locations: Chuck and Brenda Silcox Center, North Animal Campus, Alliance PetSmart and Hulen PetSmart. Under the new, revamped program, specific volunteer roles include:

• Kennel assistant: feed, clean, and socialize animals
• Adoptions Assistant: match pets with families.
• Dog walker: provide exercise and mental stimulation
• Animal enrichment: help reduce stress and improve adoptability
• Pet photography: capture photos of adoptable pets
• Neonatal assistant: Care for newborn or orphaned animals

According to the news release, those wishing to volunteer can sign up by visiting the Fort Worth Animal Care and Control volunteer online portal. The portal also contains required documents potential volunteers will need to complete as well as shift schedules.