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DALLAS – Dallas Animal Services (DAS) offers options to help pet owners during times of need. Throughout the year, DAS implemented a variety of new services and programs to keep pets safe and off the streets.
“We realize that this is an incredibly difficult time for many Dallas residents, and we want the community to know that DAS is more than just a shelter or animal control, we are a resource center for pet owners,” said DAS Director Ed Jamison. “If you’re struggling, we can do more than rehome your pet. We are working with non-profit community partners to help keep families together. “
To learn more about the non-profit community partner programs, call 3-1-1.
In April, DAS launched a pet support call center in collaboration with Spay Neuter Network (SNN) which helps to connect pet owners with options and community services with the goal of keeping the pet in a home. The call center has helped an average of 31% of pet owners to successfully keep or rehome their pet rather than surrendering them to a shelter. If surrender is the only option; pet owners can also make an owner surrender appointment with DAS. To contact the pet support call center, residents should call 3-1-1.
In August, DAS launched a resource guide to help pet owners facing financial hardships due to COVID-19 or the recession. The guide features information on pet food assistance, options for low cost veterinary care, housing support and financial assistance.
In June, DAS partnered with Human Animal Support Services (HASS) as a tier one pilot shelter to implement more social service-inspired programs to help keep pets with their families, get lost pets home more quickly and assist pet owners who are struggling to meet their pets’ needs while still prioritizing public safety and addressing the loose dog challenges faced by our city. HASS is a national coalition which recognizes pets as part of the family unit and works to transform the animal welfare field in order to keep these family units together.
“When we were approached about HASS, we immediately recognized that we were already were working to implement many of HASS’ foundational programs,” said Jamison. “So, joining the coalition was the natural next step. It’s going to take a lot of work, but I believe this team will transform how residents interact with animal shelters for the better.”
At this time, DAS is taking owner surrendered pets by appointment, which can be made online at dallasanimalservices.org.
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