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Animal Care and Control
Volunteer with the Fort Worth Animal Shelter!
Want to make a difference? Join us!
There are so many ways to volunteer your time to help Fort Worth Animal Care and Control (FWACC). We could not save more than 90% of the pets who come through our doors annually without our incredible volunteer team. If you're passionate about helping people and pets, we have a "job" for you!
Volunteers are needed for almost everything we do, but our biggest volunteer needs are:
- Adoption Matchmaker (most needed for medium and large dogs) - help families find their perfect match among the 300 or more pets waiting at our shelter.
- Dog Enrichment Program - provide enrichment (in the form of toys, treats, and more) to pets in our care. Enrichment is critically important to help pets stay mentally and physically stimulated while they are in the confinement of a shelter.
- Pawparazzi - help photograph the pets in our care waiting for their homes. By having clear, distinguishing photos showcasing the animals personality, it helps increase their adoptability and connect them with their new family.
- Play Yard Monitors - with over 300 dogs in our shelter on any given day, we rely on our play yard areas to help dogs get much needed exercise and enrichment in play groups. These volunteers help us monitor the yards and ensure the play groups are safe and fun for every dog involved.
- Greeters - help potential adopters find their way around the shelter and meet adoptable cats and dogs
- Off-Site Adoption Centers/Events - assist with adoption matchmaking, cleaning and greeting potential adopters at our two off-site adoption centers and off-site adoption events
- General assistance with cleaning, laundry, dishes, and more!
- Foster Volunteers - volunteering in our foster care program is an extremely rewarding opportunity for individuals and families. Our foster program allows pets that are too young for adoption, who are recovering from an illness or injury, or who are in need of other care to stay in private homes until they are ready to be adopted.
Our general volunteer program is open to individuals as young as 13 years of age however, anyone between the ages of 13 and 15 must be accompanied by a parent/guardian when volunteering at any location. Volunteers age 16 and older may volunteer on their own.
Looking for group activites?
We love having volunteer groups visit us! We are able to accommodate groups of at least 5 but no more than 25 volunteers, all of whom must be at least 18 years old. We call this our “Day of Service Program”. Opportunities are available most Mondays-Sundays, and must be scheduled at least two (2) week in advance. Scheduling is made on a first come, first-served basis. Please contact our volunteer coordinator, Lydia McKaye, by email at lydia.mckaye@fortworthtexas.gov (be sure to include the preferred date, time, and names of volunteers in your email).
By choosing to volunteer, you will have the opportunity to strengthen our great city by connecting with families, neighbors, and communities through service. Your help is very much appreciated by staff and the shelter pets - help us make a difference in your community!
General Interests
Adoption Ambassador
Volunteers will assist with different aspects of the adoption process. Some of these duties include greeting and directing patrons, taking out animals for potential adopters, answering basic questions about the animals, and educating patrons about responsible pet ownership. Adoption Ambassadors may also help it a patron is reclaiming a lost pet and assist them in finding their animal in the shelter
Greeters must have strong interpersonal skills and enjoy interacting with the general public in a non-judgmental and professional manner.
Animal Care
Volunteers will assist the staff in maintaining the general welfare (feeding and cleaning) of the animals. Duties may include feeding the animals, providing fresh water, cleaning and sanitizing the cages, and promoting a healthy environment.
Dog Bathing
Volunteers will wash dogs (not necessarily groom) prior to surgery and as needed. Bathing dogs in a gentle manner also helps it to remain calm and well socialized.
Mobile Adoption Events
Promote FWACC’s mission and recruit volunteers, adopters, and donors at special events around town. Work at information tables and booths, hang out with adoptable animals and assist during the adoption process while appropriately representing FWACC. Depending on the event, dog walking, animal handling and pet and crate care may be needed. Locations vary across the city.
PAL (Petting, Attention, Love)
Volunteers will help meet the emotional and social needs of the animals in our shelter by providing one-on-one interacting with the dogs and cats either in their kennels our outside in a play yard (dogs only).
PetSmart Volunteer
Walk, play and care for our dogs and cats at one of our Adoption Centers located at either PetSmart Hulen, Alliance, or Watauga. Volunteers may also answer questions from the public about adoptable animals.
Photographer
Volunteers will photograph our pre-selected animals for media and rescue publication. Photoshoots should either be in the conference room our outside play area at the Animal Shelter. If you can, try to bring a toy or some sort of noise-maker to get the animal’s attention when taking photos. Volunteers are encouraged to have their own “fancy” camera for this activity.
Veterinary Clinic Assistance
Volunteers will clean instruments and put surgical packs together. Volunteers will also help retrieve and return animals from and to their cages.
Volunteers must be attending a veterinarian technician school or agree to additional training as needed to qualify for this activity.
Forestry
Graffiti Abatement
Volunteer Opportunties
Keep Fort Worth Beautiful
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Keep Fort Worth Beautiful (KFWB) is an award-winning affiliate of Keep America Beautiful and Keep Texas Beautiful that has served our community for more than 40 years. Our mission is to educate and engage Fort Worth residents and businesses to take responsibility for improving their community environment.
KFWB has three goals:
- End Littering
- Improve Recycling
- Beautify Communities
We encourage all residents, businesses and visitors to become a volunteer to help prevent litter and make a difference in our community!
If you have any questions, please contact us at KFWB@fortworthtexas.gov OR our website for more information: fortworthtexas.gov/kfwb
General Interests
Volunteer-Led Cleanups & Beautification Projects
These flexible volunteer opportunities are for all individuals and groups who want to clean litter and have a positive impact on their community. They are also great for organizations who are looking for a day of service project. We provide free supplies to anyone cleaning litter in a public space in Fort Worth. All ages and abilities welcome!
Library
Thank you for your interest in volunteering with the Fort Worth Public Library. At this time, due to pandemic conditions, we are not utilizing volunteers inside our facilities or in special projects. We appreciate your willingness to share time and talents with the City of Fort Worth. Once restrictions related to COVID-19 are lifted, we will re-open applications for Library volunteers.
Neighborhood Services
Thank you for your interest in volunteering with the City of Fort Worth Neighborhood Services Department. We are currently not accepting applications. Please check back with us once the COVID 19 virus threat has passed.
If you are looking to serve during this state of emergency, please visit http://fortworthtexas.gov/COVID-19/volunteer/ to discover ways to help.
General Interests
Andrew "Doc" Session Community Center
Location:
Andrew "Doc" Session Community Center
201 South Sylvania Avenue
Fort Worth, TX 76111
Reports to: Linda Beltram
Community Center Supervisor
Como Community Center
Location:
Como Community Center
4900 Horne Street
Fort Worth, TX 76107
Reports to: Clara Kirby
Community Center Supervisor
Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center
Location:
Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center
5565 Truman Drive
Fort Worth, TX 76112
Reports to: Paula Jackson
Community Center Supervisor
North Tri-Ethnic Community Center
Location:
North Tri-Ethnic Community Center
2950 Roosevelt Avenue
Fort Worth, TX 76106
Reports to: Arturo Mercado
Community Center Supervisor
Northside Community Center
Location:
Northside Community Center
1100 N.W. 18th Street
Fort Worth, TX 76164
Reports to: Eric Lopez
Community Center Supervisor
Southside Community Center
Location:
Southside Community Center
959 East Rosedale Street
Fort Worth, TX 76104
Reports to: Felicia Johnson
Community Center Supervisor
Worth Heights Community Center
Location:
Worth Heights Community Center
3551 New York Avenue
Fort Worth, TX 76110
Reports to: Deierdre Jimerson
Community Center Supervisor
Park and Recreation
We are currently only accepting applications on a very limited basis. Please check back with us once the COVID 19 virus threat has passed.
If you are looking to serve during this state of emergency, please visit http://fortworthtexas.gov/COVID-19/volunteer/ to discover ways to help.
General Interests
Adopt-a-program
Central District Operations
Location:
Central District Operations
2901 Crestline Road
Fort Worth, TX 76107
Reports to:
Mike Keller - Field Operations Supervisor
Mark Bass - Asst Field Ops Supervisor
Chisholm Trail Community Center
Location:
Chisholm Trail Community Center
4936 McPherson Blvd.
Fort Worth, TX 76123
Reports to:
Sharetta Goodwin
Community Center Supervisor
Diamond Hill Community Center
Location:
Diamond Hill Community Center
1701 N.E. 36th Street
Fort Worth, TX 76106
Reports to:
Jacob Lohse
Community Center Supervisor
East District Park Operations
Location:
East District Park Operations
2300 Avenue H
Fort Worth, TX 76105
Reports to:
Bobby Muriel - Field Ops Supervisor
William Roden - Asst Field Ops Supervisor
Eugene McCray Community Center
Location:
Eugene McCray Community Center
4932 Wilbarger Street
Fort Worth, TX 76119
Reports to:
Community Center Supervisor
Fire Station Community Center
Location:
Fire Station Community Center
1601 Lipscomb Street
Fort Worth, TX 76104
Reports to:
Daniel Leach
Community Center Supervisor
Greenbriar Community Center
Location:
Greenbriar Community Center
5200 Hemphill Street
Fort Worth, TX 76115
Reports to:
James Turner
Community Center Supervisor
Handley Meadowbrook Community Center
Location:
Handley Meadowbrook Community Center
6201 Beaty Street
Fort Worth, TX 76112
Reports to:
Jerry Wallace
Community Center Supervisor
Highland Hills Community Center
Location:
Highland Hills Community Center
1600 Glasgow Road
Fort Worth, TX 76134
Reports to:
Terrance Jones
Community Center Supervisor
Hillside Community Center
Location:
Hillside Community Center
1201 East Maddox Avenue
Fort Worth, TX 76104
Reports to:
Delana Jones
Community Center Supervisor
Meadowbrook Golf Course
Location:
Meadowbrook Golf Course
1815 Jenson Road
Fort Worth, TX 76112
Phone: 817-392-6191
Reports to:
Heath Eagle- Golf Professional
Danny Smith- Field Ops Supervisor
Mobile Recreation Program
Location:
Mobile Recreation Program
1601 Lipscomb Street
Fort Worth, TX 76104
Reports to:
Sandra Medina
Program Coordinator
North District Park Operations
Location:
North District Park Operations
1700 Brennan Avenue
Fort Worth, TX 76106
Reports to:
Mario Rocha - Field Ops Supervisor
Luis Alfarez - Asst Field Ops Supervisor
Park Research and Assessment
The City of Fort Worth Park & Recreation Department is creating individual webpages for each of the 290+ parks in the city. We’d like to include history, natural features & iNaturalist info on each park’s webpage. We are seeking volunteers to help us with the following:
- Research & compile history for specific parks (history of previous owners, location within community, archaeology of site, etc.)
- Compile natural history information (flora, fauna, soils, geology, etc.)
- Points of interest at each park
- Continue adding iNat observations
- Take quality photos of significant features of each park
- A field component for assessing the park will be phase 2 of the program.
Registration & online training is required.
Reports to:
Michelle Villafranca
Pecan Valley Golf Course
Location:
Pecan Valley Golf Course
6400 Pecan Valley Drive
Fort Worth, TX 76132
Phone: 817-392-6490
Reports to:
David Fowler - Golf Professional
Tee Jay Burge - Asst Golf Professional
R.D. Evans Community Center
Location:
R.D. Evans Community Center
3242 Lackland Road
Fort Worth, TX 76116
Reports to:
Jim Feltz
Community Center Supervisor
Riverside Community Center
Location:
Riverside Community Center
3700 East Belknap Street
Fort Worth, TX 76111
Reports to:
David Keith
Community Center Supervisor
Rockwood Golf Course
Location:
Rockwood Golf Course
1851 Jacksboro Highway
Fort Worth, TX 76114
Phone: 817-392-6560
Reports to:
Shawn Watson, Golf Professional
South District Park Operations
Location:
South District Park Operations
5199 James Avenue
Fort Worth, TX 76115
Reports to:
David Moody - Field Ops Supervisor
Jack Morrison - Asst Field Ops Supervisor
Southwest Community Center
Location:
Southwest Community Center
6300 Welch Avenue
Fort Worth, TX 76133
Reports to:
Nicholle Wilson
Community Center Supervisor
Sycamore Community Center
Location:
Sycamore Community Center
2525 East Rosedale Avenue
Fort Worth, TX 76105
Reports to:
Aaron Muhammad
Community Center Supervisor
Sycamore Creek Golf Course
Location:
Sycamore Creek Golf Course
401 Martin Luther King Freeway
Fort Worth, TX 76104
Reports to:
Gary McMillon - Golf Professional
Andrew Jones - Field Ops Supervisor
Thomas Place Community Center
Location:
Thomas Place Community Center
4237 Lafayette Avenue
Fort Worth, TX 76107
Reports to:
Karen Stuhmer
Community Center Supervisor
Victory Forest Community Center
Location:
Victory Forest Community Center
3427 Hemphill St.
Fort Worth, TX 76110
Reports to:
Peggy McCoy
Community Center Supervisor
Water Gardens
Location:
Water Gardens
1502 Commerce Street
Fort Worth, TX 76102
Reports to:
David Shoffit - Asst Field Ops Supervisor
John Langevin - Gardener
West District Park Operations
Location:
West District Park Operations
7151 Calmont Avenue
Fort Worth, TX 76116
Reports to:
Doug Herron
Asst Field Ops Supervisor
Youth Athletics Program / Aquatics
General volunteer opportunities for youth sports and aquatics.
Police Department - Citizens on Patrol
Thank you for your interest in Citizens on Patrol (COP)
Citizens on Patrol volunteers act as additional "eyes and ears" for the Fort Worth Police Department, within neighborhoods. Citizens volunteer time to actively patrol their neighborhoods to watch for and report suspicious and/or criminal activity. They receive training involving vehicle, bicycle, and foot patrol and the use of their radio. Volunteers choose the days and times they wish to patrol and they adhere to no fixed schedule.
General Interests
Police Department - Community Emergency Response Team (CERT)
General Interests
- Computer Operator
- Damage Assessment
- Disaster Records & Reports
- Disaster Services
- EOC Assistance
- Logistics
- Medical - EMT
- Medical - LPN
- Medical - Other
- Medical - Paramedic
- Medical - RN
- Other
- Public Affairs
- Radio Operator
- Receptionist
- Shelter Work
- Social Work
- Telephone Work
- Translating
- Volunteer Reception Center
