Dallas Animal Services (DAS) is grappling with a surge in dog intakes, mirroring a nationwide trend in shelters. Currently, the shelter finds itself operating at 139% capacity for dogs, with larger breeds constituting the majority of its population.
In response, the Friends of Dallas Animal Services (FODAS) organization is rolling out an initiative to incentivize adoptions. The first 75 adopters who take home a dog from the shelter this weekend will receive a $50 Petco gift card to assist with purchasing supplies for their new furry companions.
"We have a robust foster program with more than 1,000 pets in foster homes, and our adoptions have been steady, but that simply hasn’t been enough to keep up with the sheer volume of intake," remarked Sarah Sheek, Assistant General Manager of DAS. Last weekend alone, DAS welcomed 161 dogs from Friday to Sunday. "We are trying every strategy we can to find positive outcomes, and we’re asking the community to come out this weekend to help us save lives."
Despite the challenges, DAS remains resolute in its commitment to the BeDallas90 campaign, aimed at achieving a 90% live release rate for animals. The shelter had attained this benchmark for fiscal year 2019 – 2020 and aims to regain ground in the current year. In January 2024, the live release rate stood at 85% for both dogs and cats.
Individuals interested in adopting or fostering dogs from Dallas Animal Services are encouraged to visit the shelter at 1818 North Westmoreland Road. DAS operates from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Wednesdays, and from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.
To see all of the adoptable pets at the shelter and learn more about how to help DAS, please visit BeDallas90.org.
