Fort Bend County Pets Urgently Seeks Freeze Fosters Amid Upcoming Freeze in Katy Area
As a bitter cold front approaches, Fort Bend County Pets is making an urgent plea to the community: help shelter dogs stay warm by becoming a temporary foster home. With temperatures in the Katy area expected to dip to 27°F by Monday, bringing wind chills as low as 17°F, the shelter is seeking to place as many dogs as possible in foster care to keep them out of the cold.
The shelter, currently operating over capacity, has many dogs housed in outdoor-only kennels. Although these kennels are heated and shielded by garage doors, the shelter stresses that nothing beats the comfort and warmth of a home.
Barbara Vass, Community Involvement Coordinator for Fort Bend County Pets, emphasized the immediate need. “We’re hoping to find 40 Freeze Fosters who can open their homes temporarily to our dogs. It’s not just about keeping them warm—it’s also an opportunity to learn more about the pets and find them better matches with forever families.”
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The Bigger Picture
Fort Bend County Pets, founded to protect the community from rabies and to manage wild and domestic animal populations, has grown into an organization deeply embedded in the community. They actively collaborate with rescue organizations, schools, and volunteers to promote spaying, neutering, and responsible pet ownership. Their core values include providing compassionate enforcement of animal laws and helping unclaimed pets find new homes.
“Every foster placement counts,” said Palmer. “Not only does it keep pets safe during extreme weather, but it also increases their chances of finding loving, permanent homes. These small acts of kindness can create a ripple effect of positive change.”
For those unable to foster, the shelter encourages spreading the word about the need or donating supplies. Community support is crucial to the shelter’s ability to provide care and comfort to animals in need.
A Shelter in Need
According to December 2024 shelter statistics, Fort Bend County Pets cared for 588 dogs and cats last month alone. Despite 308 adoptions and 60 animals returned to their owners, the shelter remains over capacity. Volunteers and rescue organizations have been crucial in supporting the shelter’s operations, but the upcoming freeze presents an additional challenge.
“Fostering during this cold spell means so much more than keeping a dog warm,” said Vass. “It gives us the chance to gather valuable insights about their personalities, which helps us match them with the perfect forever families. Plus, it gives the dogs a much-needed break from the shelter environment.”
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How You Can Help
Fort Bend County Pets is inviting community members to stop by their shelter or give them a call to learn more about fostering. The process is simple, and fosters are provided with supplies and support to ensure a smooth experience. Fostering even for a short time can have a lasting impact on both the animal and the foster family.
The shelter is located at 1210 Blume Road in Rosenberg. They are open Monday through Saturday, and staff members are eager to assist potential fosters in finding the right fit. Interested individuals can also browse available pets on their website, www.fortbendcountypets.com, or call 281-342-1512 for more information.
With the freeze fast approaching, the shelter hopes to rally the community to ensure every dog stays safe and warm. “Together, we can make a huge difference for these animals—and help them find the forever homes they deserve,” said Vass.
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.
