Tails are wagging in Fort Worth as the city's main animal shelter campuses, Chuck and Brenda Silcox Animal Adoption and Care Center and the North Animal Shelter, announce a new initiative called “Pause for Paws.” This will initiate a rotating, once-per-week closure at each campus starting Feb. 6 to allow staff to dedicate more time to the well-being of their furry residents and to maintain facility standards, stated a release from the City of Fort Worth.
The Silcox Center will go to take a break every Tuesday, while the North Shelter will follow suit on Wednesdays. On these days, the shelters will not perform usual intake and surrender services, those in need will be redirected to the campus that remains operational. Adoptions and pet reclaims will still be processed, with the latter available if the animal is confirmed in the facility.
Additional services available during the "pause" include adoptions by appointment and continued rescue and foster activities. Regular operations at partner PetSmart Everyday Adoption Centers and field services remain unchanged during this period.
Shelter Superintendent Anastasia Ramsey was quoted in the official statement saying, “This intentional break aims to allocate more time for attentive care toward our pets and facilities.” The pause will also allow staff to engage in more training opportunities that will enable them to better assess the animals and "chart their optimal journey toward loving forever homes", according to the City of Fort Worth.
Aside from improved animal care, the weekly day off is meant to facilitate deep cleaning and a boost in disinfection efforts to significantly reduce disease spread. These measures are expected to generate not only healthier environments for pets but also a more inviting atmosphere for potential adopters. A video released offers a glimpse into the changes that the new schedule promises to bring.
