Dallas Animal Services adopted out 12,261 pets in 2024, a 41% increase that ranked the city fourth nationally.
The shelter’s 3,580 additional adoptions compared to 2023 represented nearly 4% of the entire country’s increase in shelter adoptions.
The achievement signals a potential shift in how major cities handle animal welfare. DAS outpaced the second-highest Texas shelter by over 4,000 adoptions, according to data from the Best Friends Animal Society, which covers nearly 4,000 shelters nationwide.
“We’re incredibly proud of what this team has accomplished,” Paul Ramon, director of Dallas Animal Services, said in a City of Dallas press release. “These numbers represent thousands of lives saved and families made whole — and we’re just getting started. With ongoing evaluations and investments in the adoption process and continued support from the city and our community, we expect even more lifesaving impact in 2025.”
The shelter’s success comes amid ongoing challenges facing municipal animal services across the nation. Many cities struggle with overcrowding and limited resources.
DAS achieved the highest year-over-year adoption increase of any reporting shelter in the country. El Paso placed second among Texas cities.
The shelter credits the community’s support, as well as the dedicated staff and volunteers, for the record numbers. Officials say continued momentum could save even more animals in 2025.
Dallas Animal Services operates as one of the largest municipal shelters in the United States. Residents can learn about adoption, fostering, and volunteer opportunities at BeDallas90.