Denton's animal shelter placed more pets in homes during the last budget year than in either of the two years before it, according to a staff report prepared for the city's Animal Shelter Advisory Committee.
The Linda McNatt Animal Care & Adoption Center recorded 3,007 adoptions in fiscal year 2026, which ended Sept. 30. That compares with 2,674 the year before and 2,888 in fiscal 2024. Transfers to rescue groups jumped to 524 from 162.
The numbers come as more animals arrive. Live intakes climbed to 4,768 from 4,274, though they remain below the 5,608 logged in fiscal 2024. Animal services officers answered 6,573 calls for service, up from 5,722.
The live release rate, an average for cats and dogs, slipped to 91.5% from 93.1% but stayed above the 87.8% posted two years ago. Through October, the first month of the new budget year, it stood at 92.5%.
Volunteers and fosters
Volunteers logged 11,334 hours last year, which the department values at $396,686. The prior year's figure, 6,400 hours, only counts time from October 2024 on. The foster program cared for 805 pets, and staff say a new app now gives foster families medical and behavior resources, shelter protocols and a private list of kittens, puppies and medical cases that need placement.
The shelter also performed 2,420 spay and neuter surgeries and implanted 2,308 microchips. Staff report keeping the waiting list of owners who want to surrender a pet under 100 applications while the building stays full, and one animal services officer position remains open.
