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.”…