Fort Bend County Animal Services is carrying out several changes in 2026 to enhance animal care and community services, officials announced in a Dec. 19 news release.

The big picture

Built on insights from its 2025 independent shelter assessment—which was passed by Fort Bend County commissioners Dec. 18—animal service officials will focus on several improvements, including:

• A 14-day length of stay goal
• Enhanced medical care
• Behavioral support and enrichment
• A pathway plan program, which will implement clear, efficient and transparent pathways for every animal from intake to outcome
• Community accessibility

Additionally, the county is expanding access to pets and adoption through programs such as a mobile pet adoption unit, collaborative adoption events and media campaigns, per the release.

In their own words

“Animal welfare is a cornerstone of public health, and through compassion, purpose and strong partnerships, we are building a healthier, more caring community,” Dr. Letosha Gale-Lowe, Fort Bend County Health and Human Services director and local health authority, said in the release. “By ensuring the well-being of our four-legged residents, we strengthen the health, safety and quality of life for all county residents.

Zooming out

The 2025 assessment—conducted at no cost to taxpayers by Houston Pets Alive!—evaluated FBCAS across key areas, including intake policies, population management, enrichment, behavior support, community involvement and access to services, per the release.