HSNT Blog

When you’re thinking about back-to-school season, you think about the students returning to school and shopping for supplies and uniforms, often forgetting the furry friends that will now have to say goodbye to their companions for hours, days, or even months for college students. Pets have routines, just like people do. Their routines are based on those of the people who take care of them. If your household has students, the home routines are always disrupted during school b

Are you an animal lover and looking for the newest addition to your family, or are you wanting to become a pet owner? Look no further, because the 2026 HSNT Mega Adoption Event is the perfect event for you. HSNT Mega Adoption Event 2026 Details ● Saturday, August 15th and Sunday, August 16th Amon G. Carter Jr. Exhibits Hall, 3401 W Lancaster Ave, Fort Worth, TX 76107 A Mega Adoption event is when multiple local and regional animal shelters come together to showcase

Photo of Heartworm Disease in Dogs Heartworms. It is the diagnosis that every pet owner dreads hearing during a routine checkup. Hearts drop at the thought of what might happen to a beloved best friend. But what exactly are heartworms, and is the disease as serious as it sounds? According to Humane Society of North Texas veterinarian Dr. Cynthia Jones, heartworm disease is the resulting damage caused by parasitic worms, which can lead to severe lung damage, heart failure, and

Regarding concerns about lowered adoption fees The HSNT MEGA Adoption Event on August 15-16 is fast approaching, with all adoption fees being $25 or less. Due to the lowered adoption fees, advocates worry there would be a high return turnout with pets that are adopted; fret not, statistics show this isn't the case. Many reasons for pets to be returned to the shelter have nothing to do with how much the adoption fee was; researchers from the School of Veterinary Medicine, Univ

Deciding to add a pet to your family is a big deal, and an extremely fulfilling one. If you’re a first-time pet owner, it can also feel a little overwhelming. Don’t worry. We’ve helped thousands of people in North Texas make the transition smooth and joyful through our adoption program at the Humane Society of North Texas. Whether you’re adopting a bouncy puppy, a curious kitten, or a sweet adult/senior animal, a little preparation goes a long way. Here’s what we’ve learned w

There are many reasons to consider fostering pets at HSNT or your local animal shelter. By fostering, you are saving lives. You save the life of the pet you foster and the life of the new rescue that can now stay at HSNT because you helped us clear kennel space. Some people believe fostering is the perfect scenario: all the pet love, while remaining free from long-term commitments. Others are not as convinced that it is something they want to do, and we understand that. Howev

Pets are family, but caring for your companion can become costly. Today’s prices have caused many pet owners to struggle to provide essentials for their pets. If you are in this position, you’re not alone. Food insecurity is nothing to be ashamed of, and it does not mean that you love your pet any less. The Humane Society of North Texas understands this, so we’ve provided a free resource for the North Texas community. Learn more about how we are helping bridge this gap wit

Bringing home a newly adopted dog is an exciting milestone, but it's also a big adjustment for both you and your new companion. Every dog enters a new home with a different history, personality, and comfort level, which means trust takes time to build. That's where the 3-3-3 rule for adopted dogs comes in. This widely recognized guideline helps set realistic expectations by explaining what many dogs experience during their first 3 days, 3 weeks, and 3 months after adoption. W

Volunteering for the MEGA adoption event was an experience I eagerly anticipated, but I had no idea just how transformative it would be. I initially pictured myself strolling through the halls, walking a few dogs, helping families with adoption waivers, snapping some pictures, and contributing to a meaningful cause. I had no idea I was about to witness something that would fundamentally change how I think about rescue, community and the profound connections that can form in t

Let’s set the scene: you love your birthday; who doesn’t? You get to celebrate with all your friends by having a cake and probably a dinner, and you receive presents; it’s the perfect day. You look over, and you see your pet in the corner. You suddenly realize, “Wait, I didn’t think about celebrating their birthday.” Your pet doesn’t get to throw their own birthday party or curate the guest list to go with it; it’s your job to do that for them! Here is how to throw your furry

Give your pets some stimulation while keeping them safe in the summer heat! Heat can be an extreme challenge in North Texas, especially for pets. During the hot summer months, it is important for pets to stay active while also being safe. Here are a few activities for your pets this summer: 1. Indoor Enrichment On extremely hot days, provide your pets with indoor enrichment to help prevent overheating. Some indoor enrichment activities are: ● Puzzle Feeders: Pets love p

If you’re looking for ways to support your local Dallas/Fort Worth area animal shelter, the answer might be in your own home. Whether you’re a crafty person who loves making DIY items or looking for ways to involve little ones in community service, homemade pet toys are an easy, low-effort donation you can contribute to HSNT or your local animal shelter. Toys, homemade or store-bought, are a great tool for stimulating shelter pets. Not only do homemade toys provide enrichment

Photo Credit: Lori Hays If you've been scrolling through the news lately, you may have come across headlines about something called New World screwworm making its way into the United States. It sounds alarming, and the coverage can feel overwhelming. But before you spiral, here's what actually matters: this parasite is preventable, it is treatable, and North Texas animal health professionals are already on it. We sat down with HSNT's veterinary team, Dr. Mendes and Dr. Jones,

The Fourth of July is a time for fireworks, family gatherings, parades, and patriotic fun across North Texas. But for our pets, the loud booms and crowds can turn a festive holiday into a stressful or even dangerous one. At HSNT, we want you and your furry family members to celebrate safely and joyfully. Here’s a guide to pet-friendly ways to celebrate the Fourth of July in North Texas, alternatives to traditional fireworks, and essential safety tips for a pawsome Independenc

The United States of America is celebrating 250 years of independence; your furry friend should celebrate too. Licking and chewing can have a soothing, anti-anxiety effect for pets sensitive to loud noises. Below are some amazing pet-friendly Fourth of July recipes When using peanut butter or Greek yogurt, always ensure it is 100% xylitol-free, as this sweetener is highly toxic to pets. Red, White & Blue Pawsicles Ingredients: ○ ¼ cup of diced strawberries ○

As we celebrate America’s 250th Independence Day here in North Texas, it's the perfect time to reflect on the loyal companions who have stood by Americans through our nation’s history: our dogs. From the battlefields of the Revolutionary War to the White House, dogs have been woven into the fabric of American freedom and celebration. At the Humane Society of North Texas, we honor these four-legged patriots while reminding everyone that true independence for animals means safe

Few dog behaviors are as adorable as the classic head tilt. You're talking to your dog, and suddenly their ears perk up, their eyes focus on you, and their head tilts to one side as if they're trying to solve a mystery. But why do dogs tilt their heads? Is it simply cute behavior, or is there a deeper reason behind it? While every dog is different, researchers and animal behavior experts believe there are several explanations for this common canine habit. Understanding dog he

The 4th of July holiday is just around the corner. While it is a time for families to get together, celebrate, and relax, for your dogs, this may be a day of high anxiety, especially at nighttime when the fireworks shows begin. It is not a myth that dogs often struggle with fireworks. But why? The main reason dogs react negatively to fireworks is the high sound and volume they produce. Often, dogs are not used to loud sounds, but they also have greater sensitivity than human

Suede, an adorable Great Dane HSNT Alum, relaxes at home on a sunny day in a vast green field under a clear blue sky. Photo credits Haute Dog Photography. Summer in North Texas means longer days, backyard evenings, and something most pet parents don't think about until it's too late: snake season. When Suede, a Humane Society of North Texas (HSNT) alum, came inside one evening with a paw swollen to nearly three times its normal size, her family didn't hesitate. They removed h

When most people begin searching for a new canine companion, they immediately picture puppies. While puppies are certainly adorable, many families overlook some of the best companions waiting in shelters today: senior dogs. Across North Texas, countless older dogs spend weeks or even months waiting for homes while younger animals are adopted quickly. Unfortunately, many potential adopters never realize just how much a senior dog has to offer. If you're considering pet adoptio