Dallas Animal Services has launched holiday adoption and foster programs to help shelter pets find temporary or permanent homes this December.
The initiatives include adoption drives and short-term “Silent Night Holiday Staycations” for dogs needing a break from shelter life. With shelter capacity strained during the busy winter season, every adoption or foster placement opens space for another animal in need. The programs offer residents multiple ways to help while potentially finding a new family companion.
DAS reports strong adoption numbers this quarter, with 1,377 positive outcomes in October and 1,378 in November. The department aims to reach 1,400 placements in December, having completed 588 so far this month.
“We are grateful for the support our community continues to show,” said Victoria Chittam Bennett, Assistant Director. “Every adoption opens a kennel for another pet in need, and the holidays are an especially meaningful time to welcome a new companion.”
Adopters and fosters can participate in the Friends of Dallas Animal Services’ 12 Days of Holiday Giveaways, funded through community donations. The giveaway includes a daily prize drawing through December 25, with a grand prize of two free round-trip tickets on Southwest Airlines. Details are available at friendsofdas.org and on social media channels.
For those unable to adopt permanently, the Silent Night Holiday Staycations program offers short-term fostering from December 20-21 through January 4. Foster families provide dogs with a home environment break while helping staff better understand each animal’s personality and needs.
“Holiday Staycations allow our dogs to decompress and show their personalities in a home environment,” said Amanda Earl, Assistant Director. “The insight we receive from these foster stays is invaluable in helping pets find permanent homes.”
Foster participants typically spend one to three hours at the shelter selecting a match. Contact with other pets should be limited during the foster period.
Director Paul Ramon emphasized the community’s role in meeting December’s placement goals. “Together, we can bring home the holidays for the pets relying on us,” Ramon said.
The DAS shelter is located at 1818 N. Westmoreland Road. Information about adoptable pets and volunteer opportunities is available at bedallas90.org or by emailing [email protected].
