P.A.W.S. for Patriots

At Fort Worth Animal Care and Control, we are committed to compassionate care for all pets via robust adoption, foster, volunteer and donation programs. We are dedicated to resident safety via education and services that aim to reduce the stray pet population, minimize the threat of diseases and prevent animal-related injuries.

What is P.A.W.S. for Patriots?

P.A.W.S. for Patriots (P4P) empowers veterans by providing therapeutic volunteer opportunities, career pathways and access to vital resources, while improving the lives of shelter animals through care, training and socialization. We strive to honor and support those who served by offering them a renewed sense of purpose and healing as they help shelter pets find loving homes.

P4P vision: To honor and support military veterans by creating opportunities to Serve, Connect and Heal alongside shelter animals — building resilience and purpose through meaningful bonds and service to our community.

P.A.W.S. for Patriots (P4P) empowers veterans and active service members through hands-on volunteer opportunities that provide purpose, skill development, and therapeutic benefits—all while improving the lives of shelter animals. Through P.A.W.S. Academy, veterans work directly with shelter dogs, reinforcing obedience training, behavior shaping, and confidence-building. This program focuses on structured guidance and communication, helping both the dog and handler develop essential skills.

Veterans/Service Members can continue working with these dogs beyond the shelter through P4P Fostering and Ruck & Roll, expanding training, socialization, and exposure to new environments. These programs provide crucial real-world experiences that prepare dogs for successful adoption

Volunteer Program - P.A.W.S. Academy: Veterans will have the opportunity to work hands-on with shelter dogs, focusing on obedience training and behavior shaping. Training sessions emphasize structured guidance, communication, and confidence-building for both the dog and handler. Volunteers will help prepare dogs to pass a training assessment, ensuring they leave the program well-mannered and ready for their future homes. Once the animal has passed the final assessment, we will hold a graduation ceremony for which the pet and the hander will receive completion certificate! Through this experience, veterans gain a sense of purpose while developing valuable skills in animal handling and training.

Veterans participating in P.A.W.S. Academy can further support shelter pets through the P4P Foster Program and Ruck & Roll Day Out, offering valuable opportunities for continued training, behavioral assessment, and relaxation outside the shelter.

P4P Fostering Program – A temporary home provides a calm environment where dogs can build confidence, reinforce obedience skills, and decompress. Fosters play a key role in assessing behavior outside the shelter while helping dogs transition smoothly into adoptive homes.

Ruck & Roll Day Out – High-energy dogs benefit from structured outings such as park visits and trail walks, which offer mental and physical enrichment while reinforcing training in new settings. These experiences improve socialization and adaptability, making dogs more adoptable.

Both programs strengthen the training foundation built in P.A.W.S. Academy, helping dogs become well-adjusted and ready for their future homes while offering veterans a rewarding way to give back.

LETTERS OF APPRECIATION - Receive recognition for your volunteer hours and contributions to our community. 

Boot Camp Program (Coming Soon in 2025!): This specialized volunteer opportunity is designed for transitioning service members and veterans interested in exploring a career in animal welfare. Through immersive experiences, participants will gain valuable skills in shelter operations, field operations, and basic animal medical care. The Boot Camp Program offers hands-on exposure to a range of roles, equipping veterans with insights and practical experience for potential career paths in the rewarding field of animal welfare.