Fort Bend County Animal Services Expands Lifesaving Programs Following 2025 Assessment, Reports 95% Save Rate in January
For families across Fort Bend County, the work happening inside Fort Bend County Animal Services (FBCAS) is about more than shelter operations. It’s about public health, responsible growth, and giving lost and abandoned pets a real second chance — while maintaining transparency with residents.
Now, following a comprehensive 2025 independent shelter assessment and the release of its January 2026 Monthly Shelter Statistics Report, FBCAS leaders say measurable improvements are already underway.
The data tells part of the story. The strategy behind it tells the rest.
2025 Independent Assessment Guides Shelter Improvements
In December 2025, Fort Bend County Commissioners Court formally accepted the 2025 independent shelter assessment conducted by Houston Pets Alive! at no cost to taxpayers. The evaluation reviewed nine critical operational areas, including Intake Policies, Population Management, Shelter Medicine & Surgery, Behavior Support, Enrichment, Community Involvement, Access to Services and Equity Issues.
The findings are now shaping targeted improvements designed to:
- Shorten length of stay
- Expand adoption and foster programs
- Improve medical and behavioral care
- Increase accessibility for residents
“Compassion is at the heart of everything we do, and our dedication to ongoing improvement strengthens the quality of care we provide,” said Rene Vasquez, Director of Fort Bend County Animal Services. “By collaborating with expert organizations and engaging our community, we’re ensuring each animal in our care receives the attention, respect and compassion they deserve, and the best possible chance at a happy, healthy life.”
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Key Initiatives Now Underway
According to the assessment findings, FBCAS is implementing several major initiatives:
14-Day Length of Stay Goal
Streamlining intake, reunification, adoption and fostering processes to reduce shelter stress and improve outcomes.
Enhanced Medical Care at Intake
Vaccinations upon arrival, individualized treatment plans and weekly veterinary oversight to protect both animal and public health.
Behavioral Support & Enrichment
Daily playgroups and socialization programs to better prepare animals for adoption.
Pathway Plan Program
A pilot program that creates a clear, data-informed pathway for each animal from intake to outcome, shifting away from traditional herd-health models toward individualized care.
“Our goal is a clear, humane and data-informed pathway for every animal entering our care,” said Barbara Vass, Assistant Shelter Director and Life-Saving Program Manager.
FBCAS veterinarian Carrie Foltyn added that improved tracking systems and individualized procedures — including dental surgeries and medical treatments for long-stay dogs — are already contributing to shorter stays and stronger adoption outcomes.
January 2026 Shelter Statistics: A 95% Save Rate
The latest data from the January 2026 Monthly Shelter Statistics Report shows an overall save rate of 95.16%, with dogs at 91.67% and cats at 98.89%.
From January 1 through January 31, 2026:
- 186 total intakes
- 103 adoptions
- 218 total live outcomes
- 69 community cats returned to field through the Community Cat Program
- 14 pets returned to owners through Return to Owner/Return in Field programs
According to the report, FBCAS has maintained a 90% or higher save rate since August 2018.
The January data also reflects the realities of shelter medicine. One puppy died in care due to severe illness, and several animals were humanely euthanized due to severe injuries or aggression concerns. Shelter officials note these decisions are made in alignment with public safety and humane standards.
For Fort Bend County residents, these numbers reflect a shelter system balancing compassion with responsible enforcement.
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Why This Matters to Fort Bend County Residents
Animal welfare directly impacts public health, neighborhood safety, and community quality of life. FBCAS operates under Fort Bend County Health & Human Services (FBCHHS), reinforcing that animal services are not separate from public health — they are part of it.
Dr. Letosha Gale-Lowe, FBCHHS Director and Local Health Authority, emphasized that animal welfare strengthens the health, safety and quality of life for all county residents.
For homeowners, this means:
- Continued rabies prevention efforts
- Humane enforcement of animal control laws
- Reduced stray populations
- Greater access to adoption and fostering opportunities
For families considering adoption, expanded medical and behavioral support increases confidence that pets are ready for successful placement.
For taxpayers, the independent assessment conducted at no cost underscores the county’s focus on fiscal responsibility and transparency.
Breaking Down Barriers to Adoption
FBCAS is also expanding access to services through:
- A Mobile Pet Adoption Unit bringing adoptable pets directly into neighborhoods
- Collaborative adoption events with regional partners
- Media campaigns promoting pets in need
- Spanish-language materials and bilingual outreach to increase accessibility
These efforts are designed to reach residents where they are — physically and culturally — while reducing barriers to adoption.
What Happens Next
Shelter leadership indicates that the 2025 assessment-guided initiatives are ongoing and evolving. As operational data continues to be monitored, programs like the Pathway Plan will be refined and expanded.
Residents who want to support Fort Bend County Animal Services can adopt, foster, volunteer or donate by contacting AnimalServices@fortbendcountytx.gov or calling 281-342-1512. Visit their shelter at 1210 Blume Road Rosenberg, TX 77471.
As Fort Bend County continues to grow, the health of its animal population remains closely tied to the well-being of its neighborhoods. The January 2026 statistics suggest measurable progress — and a system actively working to improve.
Stay tuned to My Neighborhood News for continued updates on Fort Bend County Animal Services, local adoption events, and public health initiatives impacting our community.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.