Dallas Animal Services (DAS) is reaching out to the community to encourage them to foster or adopt pets this holiday season as part of their “Home for the Holidays” initiative. This period is typically one of the busiest times for the shelter, and DAS is aiming for a goal of achieving 1,400 positive outcomes in December. So far, the organization has recorded 588 positive outcomes this month.
In the previous months, DAS has experienced significant success, achieving 1,377 positive outcomes in October and 1,378 in November. Victoria Chittam Bennett, Assistant Director at DAS, expressed gratitude for the community’s support, stating, “Every adoption opens a kennel for another pet in need, and the holidays are an especially meaningful time to welcome a new companion.”
Holiday Programs and Initiatives
This holiday season, adopters will have the chance to engage with the Friends of Dallas Animal Services (FODAS) through their 12 Days of Holiday Giveaways. This initiative is entirely funded and supported by donations from local community members, enhancing the festive spirit while also promoting animal adoption. More information is available at friendsofdas.org, and updates can be found on their social media channels.
For those who may not be ready to adopt a pet, DAS offers a short-term foster program called the Silent Night Holiday Staycations. This program allows participants to provide dogs with a relaxing break from the shelter during the holiday season. Pickup dates for the program are scheduled for December 20-21, 2023, with drop-off options available on December 27-28 or January 3-4, 2024. Participants typically spend 1-3 hours at the shelter to select their foster match, and contact with the pets outside the home is encouraged to be limited.
Amanda Earl, also an Assistant Director at DAS, noted the importance of these foster stays, saying, “Holiday Staycations allow our dogs to decompress and show their personalities in a home environment. The insight we receive from these foster stays is invaluable in helping pets find permanent homes.”
Community Involvement
DAS encourages the community to adopt, foster, volunteer, or share information about adoptable pets to meet their lifesaving goals for December. Director Paul Ramon emphasized the collective effort needed, stating, “Together, we can bring home the holidays for the pets relying on us.”
For further details on adoptable pets, holiday programs, or ways to get involved, individuals can visit https://bedallas90.org/ or visit the DAS Shelter located at 1818 N. Westmoreland Rd. The organization continues to rely on the generosity and compassion of the Dallas community to support its mission of finding homes for pets in need.
