|
We are continuing to see cases of distemper within our shelter. Shelter staff and volunteers must wear aprons and gloves when handling animals. Please wash and sanitize hands frequently and change gloves and aprons in between each animal. It is critical that every shelter staff member who handles animals follows these protocols for the safety of our animals. We need everyone who handles animals in the shelter to wear PPE and change between each animal in order to save lives.
Thank you to everyone for remaining flexible as our operations change to respond to the distemper situation.
For the safety of Dallas dogs, DAS will begin limiting owner surrenders of dogs to existing appointments and emergencies until disease levels drop. DAS is encouraging struggling pet owners to visit Bedallas90.org/pet-resources to access pet support resources and DAS’ Home to Home Program, which helps residents locate adopters and avoid the shelter.
DAS asks that residents who find friendly lost dogs schedule a time to have them vaccinated, and if possible, take them home for three days while their vaccines take effect. DAS will provide resources to help find the dog’s owner and if unsuccessful, the finder will bring the dog into DAS. Finders can make a vaccine appointment by emailing DASPetSupport@dallascityhall.com visiting https://das.as.me/vaccine, or calling 214-670-6742. An appointment is not required but will reduce wait times.
DAS will continue to adopt dogs that have a vaccine history and are not showing signs of illness or have tested negative. DAS will provide adopters with information on distemper as a precaution and two weeks of post-adoption support. All DAS adopters also receive a voucher for a free vet exam and $250 in care with VCA Animal Hospitals.
If you would like to help us with our Three to Thrive program, let us know! We are seeking out new and existing fosters willing to take an owner surrendered dog home for 3 days (72 hours) following intake and vaccination to allow their distemper vaccine time to course through their immune system and provide a base level of protection.
Never fostered before with DAS? Sign up at BeDallas90.org/foster
Existing foster? Check out our new Three to Thrive Trello board to select an incoming dog you would like to foster: https://bit.ly/threetothrivedas
Starting on Friday, May 27, Dallas Animal Services' hours will change to the following:
Monday: 11 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Tuesday: 11 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Wednesday: 1 p.m. - 7 p.m.
Thursday: 11 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Friday: 11 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Saturday: 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Sunday: 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Dogs who are co-housed should never be given treats, toys, and food unless separated. Please be mindful of this important safety rule!
If you don't have what you need to do your job, let us know! Send an email to your Unit Lead if supplies are missing. We also invite staff to provide comments and suggestions on what will make your daily tasks easier to perform.
Admin - Whitney Hanson whitney.hanson@dallas.gov
Medical - Michael Burk michael.burk@dallas.gov
Field - Ann Barnes ann.barnes@dallas.gov
Shelter - Marian Cannell marian.cannell@dallas.gov
COVID-19 cases are back on the rise in the Dallas area. For resources including vaccine information, please visit https://dallascityhall.com/pages/corona-virus.aspx.
|
