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DALLAS — Dallas Animal Services (DAS) is urgently calling on the community to help as the shelter faces critical overcrowding and an ongoing influx of animals.
This week alone, DAS has taken in animals from three, large-scale, cruelty seizures while continuing to care for hundreds of cats and dogs already housed at the shelter. The surge has pushed the shelter well beyond its ideal operating capacity, creating an urgent need for adoptions, foster homes, volunteers, and pet reunifications.
"Our shelter is beyond the population level that allows us to operate most effectively,” said Victoria Chittam Bennett, Assistant Director of Dallas Animal Services. "Our staff and volunteers continue to provide compassionate care to every animal who comes through our doors, but we cannot do this alone. The community’s support is critical right now. Every adoption, every foster placement, every volunteer shift, and every pet reclaimed by its owner creates space and resources for another animal in need."
Shelter officials are also concerned that recent periods of rain followed by rising summer temperatures may be impacting visitation and slowing pet adoptions at a time when every positive outcome matters.
Dallas Animal Services’ goal is to operate at approximately 80% capacity to support the health and well-being of animals in care. Current population levels far exceed that target, placing additional strain on shelter resources, reducing flexibility for emergency intake, and limiting space for incoming animals.
Community members can help immediately by adopting a pet, fostering an animal, volunteering at the shelter, reclaiming lost pets as quickly as possible, or sharing adoptable animals on social media. Every positive outcome creates lifesaving space for animals entering the shelter each day.
To view available pets, sign up to foster or volunteer, or learn more about supporting Dallas Animal Services, visit BeDallas90.org.
About Dallas Animal Services
Dallas Animal Services is one of the largest municipal animal shelters in the country and is committed to promoting public safety while finding positive outcomes for all healthy and treatable animals in its care. In partnership with the community, DAS works tirelessly to save lives through adoption, foster, and community engagement.
For more information about adoptions, foster and rescue opportunities, volunteering, or supporting DAS, visit BeDallas90.org.
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