At the beginning of next year, the City of Fort Worth will launch a partnership with One Safe Place, a family‑justice center that houses multiple nonprofits serving victims of domestic violence and sex trafficking. The collaboration aims to create a system for temporarily housing or fostering pets belonging to clients, ensuring that concerns over pet care do not keep victims from leaving unsafe homes.
Why pets matter in safety planning
For many survivors, pets are considered family members. The fear of abandoning a beloved animal often deters victims from seeking shelter or other services. By addressing pet‑care needs, the city hopes to remove that obstacle and encourage more individuals to access the vital resources One Safe Place provides.
How the partnership will work
City animal‑control assistant director Chris McAllister first raised the idea at the Animal Shelter Advisory Committee meeting on Oct. 28. A memorandum of understanding is currently being drafted, and the city plans a soft launch in January. The pilot will incorporate pet‑ownership questions into One Safe Place’s intake forms, allowing staff to identify clients who need temporary pet housing.
Once identified, the city will coordinate with local foster networks and shelters to place pets in safe, temporary homes while their owners receive counseling, legal assistance, or emergency shelter. All arrangements will be handled confidentially to protect client identities.
Measuring early demand
The initial rollout will focus on gauging demand. One Safe Place reported 32,561 client visits, 1,281 client intakes, and 4,068 referrals to other agencies in 2025. By adding pet‑care questions, the partnership can quickly determine how many survivors need this service and adjust resources accordingly.
Next steps and oversight
The Animal Shelter Advisory Committee agreed to receive an update on the partnership’s progress at a future meeting. The next committee session is scheduled for Jan. 27, 2027, at 5 p.m., where officials will review early data, discuss logistical challenges, and consider expanding the program if demand warrants.
Fort Worth’s proactive approach reflects a broader commitment to supporting victims of domestic violence and sex trafficking while honoring the role pets play in families. By removing a practical barrier, the city hopes to make it easier for survivors to seek safety and rebuild their lives.
Original reporting: Fort Worth Report — read the source article.
