Fort Bend County Animal Services Outlines 2025 Initiatives Following Independent Shelter Assessment
Fort Bend County Animal Services (FBCAS) is moving forward with a series of operational changes following the formal acceptance of its 2025 independent shelter assessment by Fort Bend County Commissioners Court on December 18, 2025. The assessment is now guiding updates to shelter practices, medical protocols, and community outreach efforts intended to address identified gaps and improve outcomes for animals entering the county system.
The evaluation, conducted by Houston Pets Alive! at no cost to taxpayers, reviewed FBCAS operations across nine focus areas, including intake policies, population management, shelter medicine, behavior support, enrichment, access to services, and equity considerations. According to county officials, the findings are being used to adjust internal processes with the goal of reducing length of stay, expanding adoption and foster participation, and standardizing care pathways.
Director Rene Vasquez, who has led Fort Bend County Animal Services for more than three decades, said the assessment reflects an ongoing effort to review and refine shelter operations. “Compassion is at the heart of everything we do, and our dedication to ongoing improvement strengthens the quality of care we provide,” Vasquez said. “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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Among the changes outlined is a 14-day length-of-stay target, which FBCAS officials say will be supported through adjustments to intake, adoption, fostering, and reunification processes. The department is also implementing updated medical practices, including vaccinations at intake, individualized treatment plans, and routine veterinary oversight aimed at supporting animal and public health.
Behavioral support and enrichment were also highlighted in the assessment. In response, FBCAS has expanded daily playgroups, socialization, and enrichment activities intended to address stress and behavior challenges that can impact adoptability.
A key structural change emerging from the assessment is the Pathway Plan Program, a data-informed framework designed to establish clearer movement for animals from intake through final outcomes. Assistant Shelter Director and Life-Saving Program Manager Barbara Vass said the program evolved from a pilot focused on long-stay dogs. “Our goal is a clear, humane and data-informed pathway for every animal entering our care,” Vass said. “Our pilot Pathway Program, focused on our long-stay dogs, was a successful first step in shaping a permanent approach to how FBCAS supports all animals from intake to outcome.”
The program also reflects a shift toward more individualized shelter medicine, allowing veterinary teams to address treatable conditions that may otherwise delay adoption. According to FBCAS veterinarian Carrie Foltyn, improved tracking of health and behavior data is helping staff respond more quickly to individual needs. “By streamlining how we track and report health and behavior data, we’re improving our ability to identify needs quickly and make timely, evidence-based decisions for every animal’s care,” Foltyn said.
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Beyond internal operations, FBCAS is also expanding its outreach through initiatives such as a mobile pet adoption unit, collaborative adoption events with neighboring shelters and rescue organizations, and media campaigns highlighting adoptable animals. The department has also increased the availability of Spanish-language materials and bilingual outreach to better serve Fort Bend County’s diverse population.
County health leadership emphasized the broader public health context of animal services. “Animal welfare is a cornerstone of public health, and through compassion, purpose and strong partnerships, we are building a healthier, more caring community,” said Dr. Letosha Gale-Lowe, Director of Fort Bend County Health & Human Services and Local Health Authority.
Fort Bend County Animal Services officials say the assessment-guided initiatives will continue to roll out in phases, with ongoing evaluation to measure effectiveness. Residents interested in adoption, fostering, volunteering, or learning more about FBCAS services can contact AnimalServices@fortbendcountytx.gov or call 281-341-1512.
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.
