The Chuck & Brenda Silcox Animal Care & Adoption Center is returning to full operation at noon on Saturday, March 18.
Free pet adoptions: Drop by for popcorn and Sno-cones. Meet the healthy, adoptable pets who have been waiting more than a month to see new families. All adoptable pets on opening weekend will be vaccinated, microchipped, sterilized and will go home with a Welcome Home adoption kit that includes food, toys and a new collar or leash. All adoptions are free during this event.
The Silcox location is at 4900 Martin St.
What caused limited operations? In February, Fort Worth began to divert services away from the Chuck & Brenda Silcox Animal Care & Adoption Center to the City’s North Animal Campus and PetSmart Adoption Centers. This decision was made due to a major increase in sick dogs with canine influenza virus at the Silcox location.
Most dogs have been cleared by the veterinarians and are no longer showing clinical signs of disease. (It is important to note that even if an animal is not showing clinical signs, it may still have a disease and be contagious.)
A few dogs remain in the medical treatment ward, but the disease is now contained. Other private and municipal shelters in the DFW metroplex have been experiencing the same challenges with diseases and have taken similar measures.
All Fort Worth Animal Care & Control facilities continue to follow best-practice isolation and care protocols. These include frequent health assessments by the veterinarian and clinical staff.
Normal business hours for all services – including adoptions, reclaims and rescues – are noon to 6 p.m. Monday through Sunday. Intake hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
How can pet owners help?
To limit the spread of diseases such as canine influenza virus, it is important that all residents vaccinate their pets. Vaccination is the first line of defense to prevent outbreaks of contagious diseases.
It is also important to spay/neuter your pet because it helps control pet overpopulation and can, in some cases, prevent medical and behavioral health issues allowing your pet to lead a longer, healthier life.
“We are asking the public to help us in our fight against these diseases in the shelters and the community by vaccinating their pets and ensuring they stay current on those vaccinations. There are many low-cost or free options out there, but if you have a private veterinarian, they will work with you to determine the best protection for your animal,” said Chris McAllister, Code Compliance assistant director for Fort Worth Animal Care & Control.
If you are a pet owner and you need help providing care for your pet, visit the animal-welfare webpage for a list of organizations that offer low-cost or free animal services in Fort Worth.
New owner-surrender procedures
To help limit animal exposure, the City is also implementing a new policy for residents who must surrender their pets. Owners will be asked to provide proof of vaccinations or maintain care of the animal during a vaccination administration period of 14 days if proof cannot be provided. This policy will help reduce the number of owner-surrendered animals coming into the shelter system sick or becoming sick when they arrive. The policy also provides opportunities for animals to stay with the current owner or get rehomed before coming back to the shelter.
Adoptable pets are also available at the North Animal Campus, Hulen PetSmart Adoption Center and Alliance PetSmart Adoption Center. For locations or more information about Fort Worth Animal Care & Control, contact the City Call Center at 817-392-1234 or visit the website.
Photo: Chop and Arnold are at the Silcox shelter and are waiting to meet new friends.
