Dallas Animal Shelter Calls for Holiday Adoptions and Fostering

Dallas Animal Services (DAS) is launching its “Home for the Holidays” campaign, encouraging residents to adopt or foster pets during this peak season. The shelter aims to achieve a target of 1,400 positive outcomes by the end of December, building on its recent successes where it recorded 1,377 adoptions in October and 1,378 in November.

The urgency of this initiative is underscored by the shelter’s current progress, with 588 positive outcomes already completed this month. “We are grateful for the support our community continues to show,” stated Victoria Chittam Bennett, Assistant Director of DAS. She emphasized that every adoption creates space for another pet in need, making the holiday season an especially poignant time to welcome a new companion into homes.

Fostering Opportunities for the Community

For those who may not be ready to adopt, DAS is offering a unique opportunity called the Silent Night Holiday Staycations. This short-term fostering program allows dogs to enjoy a break from the shelter environment during the holidays. Participants can pick up their foster dogs on December 20-21, 2023, and return them on December 27-28 or January 3-4, 2024.

Typically, potential foster parents spend 1-3 hours at the shelter selecting their match. It is recommended that contact with pets outside the home be limited to ensure a smooth transition. Amanda Earl, also an Assistant Director, noted, “Holiday Staycations allow our dogs to decompress and show their personalities in a home environment.” She added that insights gained from these experiences are invaluable in helping pets find permanent homes.

Community Engagement and Holiday Giveaways

In addition to fostering, the shelter is also encouraging adoptions through the Friends of Dallas Animal Services (FODAS) 12 Days of Holiday Giveaways. This initiative is fully funded by donations from community supporters, which adds an exciting incentive for potential adopters. More details about this program can be found on the FODAS website, as well as through social media announcements.

DAS is calling on the community to adopt, foster, volunteer, or share information about adoptable pets to meet its lifesaving goals for December. As Paul Ramon, Director of DAS, stated, “Together, we can bring home the holidays for the pets relying on us.”

For further information on adoptable pets, holiday programs, or ways to get involved, residents can visit the DAS website at https://bedallas90.org/ or visit the shelter located at 1818 N. Westmoreland Rd.