Dallas Animal Services (DAS) is reaching out to the community to foster or adopt pets during the holiday season. This initiative, titled “Home for the Holidays,” aims to provide care for animals in need as the shelter experiences one of its busiest times of the year. DAS has reported an impressive number of outcomes, achieving a total of 1,377 adoptions in October and 1,378 in November. The department is now targeting a goal of 1,400 positive outcomes for December, having already recorded 588 successful placements this month.
Victoria Chittam Bennett, Assistant Director of DAS, expressed gratitude for the community’s ongoing support. “Every adoption opens a kennel for another pet in need, and the holidays are an especially meaningful time to welcome a new companion,” she stated. This sentiment reflects the shelter’s commitment to finding homes for all its residents.
Holiday Programs and Opportunities
For those interested in adoption, DAS is hosting the Friends of Dallas Animal Services (FODAS) 12 Days of Holiday Giveaways. This program is entirely funded through donations from community supporters, providing adopters with additional incentives to welcome a new pet into their homes. More details about the initiative can be found at friendsofdas.org, with updates shared on social media channels.
In addition to adoption opportunities, DAS is offering a unique short-term foster program called Silent Night Holiday Staycations. This initiative allows residents to provide temporary care for shelter dogs during the holiday season, giving them a much-needed break from the shelter environment. Pickup dates for fostering are scheduled for December 20-21, while drop-off will occur on December 27-28 or January 3-4. Participants are typically invited to spend 1-3 hours at the shelter to select a foster pet, and interactions with pets outside the home should be limited.
Amanda Earl, Assistant Director, highlighted the importance of these foster experiences. “Holiday Staycations allow our dogs to decompress and show their personalities in a home environment,” she said. The insights gathered from these stays greatly assist the shelter in matching pets with permanent homes.
Community Involvement and Support
DAS encourages all community members to engage in various ways, whether through adoption, fostering, volunteering, or simply sharing information about adoptable pets. “Together, we can bring home the holidays for the pets relying on us,” stated Paul Ramon, Director of DAS.
For further information on adoptable pets, holiday programs, or how to get involved, individuals can visit the DAS website at https://bedallas90.org/ or visit the shelter located at 1818 N. Westmoreland Rd. The holiday season presents a significant opportunity for the community to contribute to the welfare of pets in need, ensuring that more animals find loving homes this December.
