Pet Lovers' Choice Awards

We’re excited to share that DAS alumni have the chance to shine on a national stage through the very first Pet Lovers Choice Awards — created by the same team behind the Teen, Kids, and People’s Choice Awards! This televised, fan-voted event celebrates amazing pets and the shelters who support them, and we’d love to see plenty of DAS pets represented. This is also a great opportunity for DAS to gain visibility and potentially earn grant funding that supports our work. For more details, email DASpio@dallas.gov! 

Thanksgiving Opportunities

We will be closed to the public on November 27th in observance of Thanksgiving. However, volunteers are welcome to spend part of your holiday with the DAS family, we would love to have you join us!

Volunteer shifts will be available from 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM, with a limited number of essential shifts open. You can sign up for these shifts through MyImpact. If you would like to help us pass out special meals to our pets and staff members, please fill out this form.

Volunteer Social Media Interest Meeting

Ticket To Ride

Our next out-of-state transport is scheduled for December 6th! We are looking for 2 volunteers on Friday, December 5th from 5PM to 7PM, and 2 volunteers on Saturday, December 6th from 12AM to 2AM, to walk dogs before their big trip. Volunteers with canine handling training can sign up here! 

We will also be assembling crates on Wednesday, December 3rd, from 1PM to 3PM at Better Days. No training required, sign up here.

Silent Night Staycation Volunteers

Help give our pups a home for the holidays through our Staycation Program! On December 20th and 21st, dogs will head out with their temporary foster families to enjoy all the holiday love and snuggles they deserve. We are looking for volunteers to help with check ins and support meet and greets as pets are paired with their foster homes. If you’re available on either day and have completed your canine training, consider signing up for a shift and help make some holiday magic happen. Sign up here!

Calming the Canines

Help us welcome the New Year with a heartwarming celebration for our shelter dogs! On December 31st from 10:30 pm to 1:30 am, we're hosting a special volunteer event designed to give our pets a calm and comforting start to the year. During this event, we will need help with monitoring a specific room and assisting the public by answering questions as they attend the event. You’ll have the chance to read to the dogs, pass out tasty treats, and ensure the kennels stay secure. It’s the perfect way to give our pets a calm, comforting start to the new year.

Last New Year’s, we welcomed over 200 members of the public, and we hope to make this year’s event just as successful. Sign up on My Impact to be part of this special celebration!

Kongs for Calming the Canines

We are excited to host our Calming the Canines event again this New Year’s Eve! To help us prepare, we’re looking for volunteers to join us on Sunday, December 28th from 3–5 PM to make Kongs for our pups. Your help will ensure our dogs stay comforted and relaxed when the fireworks begin. No training is required; sign up here!

If you have any Kongs or treats you would like to donate, we would also greatly appreciate these items!

Sunday Daycation Helper Needed

If you are free Sunday mornings from 8:30 - 10:30 and have completed your canine training, consider signing up for the daycation helper position! During your shift, you will assist staff members by getting dogs ready for their daycation. We try to get as many dogs out as possible on the weekends, and your help would be greatly appreciated! You can sign up for your shift here.

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 Dianne Goldstein. Thank you for everything you do as a volunteer!

How long have you been volunteering with DAS?

I have been volunteering with DAS since 2020.

Do you have any pets at home?

I have two dogs - Frankie, who I adopted through a rescue organization and Stella who is a foster fail from DAS.

What is your favorite volunteer position?

DAS has so many great volunteer programs but the one that means the most to me is helping incoming stray dogs at DAS reunite with their families by using social media and community support to get them back home.

What is your favorite part about volunteering with DAS?

My favorite part of volunteering with DAS is the wide variety of opportunities to help and make a difference for both the pets and the community. DAS also does an exceptional job keeping volunteers informed and engaged in shelter activities, which creates a welcoming environment for everyone who gives their time.

Do you have a favorite DAS story to share?

Several years ago, a man commented on one of my Facebook posts after recognizing his missing dog at DAS. He was in the hospital at the time, and the person caring for his dog had accidentally lost him, leaving the man with no way to get to the shelter. Thankfully, someone who follows my posts saw the situation and immediately volunteered to pick up the dog from DAS and foster him until the owner was well enough to return home. It was such a heartwarming reminder that there are so many kind people willing to step up for a lost dog, help reunite a family, and show compassion to a complete stranger.