Grooming Station

The DAS Groom Station is now open! Volunteers can help bathe and care for dogs, some who have been in the shelter for extended periods, while others may be recent strays in need of a good wash. The volunteer team will approve eligible dogs to ensure they have not been recently spayed/neutered.

Grooming a pet helps prevent discomfort, improves their appearance, and can positively support the adoption process.

Ready to get started? Watch our Groom Station video first! After completing it, you’ll see all available shifts in your My Impact account.

For questions, please email the volunteer team.

Animal Adoption Ambassador

Help us promote pets for adoption through our ambassador program! Depending on the season, this position may involve working with dogs or kittens from our nursery. Ambassadors will set up in the adoption lobby and showcase the wonderful qualities of our pets. You will be provided with kennel cards and brief notes on the animal before beginning.

This opportunity is best for volunteers who are outgoing and enjoy customer service. We want everyone's first impression of DAS to be a great one!

Ambassador shifts are available on Saturdays from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. If you've completed your handling training, sign up now!

Ticket To Ride

Our first Ticket to Ride Transport of the year will be taking place on January 24th. We are looking for two volunteers with canine handling training to walk dogs before their trip. Shifts are available for Friday, January 23rd from 5:00PM to 7:00PM and Saturday, January 24th from 12:00AM to 2:00AM. Sign up now.

On Wednesday, January 21st we will also be needing four volunteers to assist with crate assembly at Better Days from 1:00PM- 3:00PM. This opportunity is open to all. Sign up here.

Rescue Ride Contact List

If you able to assist with pet transports, please email DASvolunteer@dallas.gov to be added to our rescue ride transport list! Transports are needed sporadically throughout the week and we rely heavily on volunteer support to get these done. Helping with transports opens up more kennel space and is vital to the functioning of the shelter!

Handling Videos Needed

We are highlighting our long-stay dogs through handling videos to help them stand out to rescues, potential adopters, and fosters! These short videos (30 seconds to 2 minutes) showcase each dog’s personality and skills, helping them get noticed.

If you have completed your canine training and would like to help create this impactful content, please email DASvolunteer@dallas.gov or stop by the volunteer desk for more information.

Volunteer Shout Out!

Every newsletter we try to randomly select an active volunteer to recognize for all of their hard work! This month, we would like to shout out Darina Janovova. Thank you for everything you do as a volunteer!

How long have you been volunteering with DAS?

I started in October 2025. In truth, I had been putting it off thinking I wouldn't have the time etc. Now I can't imagine a week without at least a few shifts at DAS. I am simply spending less time idling on my phone, TV and such. The takeaway is: If you are thinking of volunteering, stop making excuses and just do it.

Do you have any pets at home?

We have a big dog and two cats. My husband and I work and travel a lot, so this is a good-sized family for now. But I am lobbying hard to at least add a foster dog from DAS (or get him to volunteer too).

What is your favorite volunteer position?

My usual is the 5-7 p.m. dog walker + kennel care combo, which I can squeeze in even on workdays. I love that, after completing the DAS training, we can just come in, clock in and get to work at our own pace. During these shifts, I can give four dogs great walks and then clean ten to fifteen kennels, including calming down and petting stressed dogs. The time flies, and I go home happy.

What is your favorite part about volunteering with DAS?

It's like a balm for the soul. To me, animals are the embodiment of ultimate goodness, and it is pure joy to interact with them. I, for example, love taking care of "tough dogs" and bringing out their cuddly side. The exercise is a great bonus. After volunteering at DAS for only two months, I ran my best half-marathon time, and it's thanks to the jogging with dogs.

Do you have a favorite DAS story to share?

I don't have a memory-worthy DAS story yet. Give me a few more months :-). I really enjoyed the DAS volunteer holiday party in December, and frankly, I just enjoy the little moments each time: seeing dogs get adopted and seeing the incredible live-release statistics daily and monthly. Big kudos to the City of Dallas and all the people who care enough to make it happen!