Dallas Animal Services (DAS) is running out of space to shelter dogs after emergency cold-weather animal calls skyrocketed due to the freezing weather conditions in the city.
The situation is so overwhelming that Director of Dallas Animal Services MeLissa Webber is urging members of the public to adopt or foster pets, even if only for a temporary amount of time.
Webber said, “We are currently at capacity for medium and large dogs. We have close to 400 [prospective] pets at our shelter, and we expect to take in dozens more in the coming days. We have so many wonderful dogs who would love to provide extra warmth to your family. Taking them home, even for a few days, will literally save their lives. They are depending on the compassion of our community.”
Webber further advised, “As the temperature continues to drop, prevention is key. Bring your pets inside or make sure they have warm shelter from the wind and weather so that they stay safe and don’t end up at DAS.”
If you are interested in adopting or temporarily fostering an animal – a dog, especially – options for doing so are convenient and safe at either of the two DAS locations via in-shelter or curbside pet pickup: 1818 North Westmoreland Road (Main Shelter) and 16821 North Coit Road (PetSmart Everyday Adoption Center).
Call 311 to report an unhoused pet or a pet observed without the basic needs of fresh, unfrozen food and water.
The City of Dallas web portal is also available to process service requests.