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DALLAS - Dallas Animal Services (DAS) is inviting the community to participate in its Second Annual “Calming the Canines” event on Wednesday, December 31, 2025, to help reduce stress and anxiety for shelter pets during New Year’s Eve fireworks.
Loud fireworks can be especially overwhelming for animals in a shelter environment. DAS warmly encourages community members to read, sit, and offer quiet comfort to the pets from 10:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. on New Year’s Eve. The calming presence of volunteers and families has been shown to noticeably reduce stress behaviors in shelter dogs during loud holiday celebrations.
The program has quickly become one of DAS’s most meaningful community events, welcoming more than 200 participants at both the 2024 New Year’s Eve and July 4, 2025 events.
“New Year’s Eve can be especially stressful for dogs in a shelter environment,” said Erika Bennett, Assistant General Manager of Shelter Programs at Dallas Animal Services. “Seeing our community show up late at night, simply to sit with our pets, read to them, and offer quiet comfort is incredibly powerful. It reminds us that our animals aren’t alone—and neither are we in this work.”
All are welcome, and attendees are encouraged to bring books, folding chairs, yoga mats, blankets, or treats to sit comfortably while spending time with the animals. A brief safety orientation will be held at the start of the event. DAS will also provide approved treats to pass out to the dogs, and donations are always appreciated.
Parking at the shelter is limited, so guests are encouraged to arrive early and carpool when possible to ensure a smooth check-in and safe flow of visitors.
DAS staff and volunteers will be on-site throughout the evening to guide participants and ensure a safe, calm, and positive experience for both people and pets.
What: Second Annual “Calming the Canines” New Year’s Eve Event
When: Wednesday, December 31, 2025
Time: 10:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.
Where: Dallas Animal Services 1818 N. Westmoreland Rd. Dallas, TX 75212
Who: Open to the public; families, volunteers, and animal lovers of all ages
Why: To comfort shelter pets during loud fireworks and help reduce stress and anxiety
About Dallas Animal Services: Dallas Animal Services is one of the largest municipal animal shelters in the country, Dallas Animal Services (DAS) is one of the largest animal shelters in the country, with a mission to make the City of Dallas a safe, compassionate, and healthy place for both people and animals. DAS cares for more than 20,000 animals each year, focusing on public safety, lifesaving, and maintaining a high quality of life for pets and the people who love them. To learn more about how you can support DAS through adopting, fostering, volunteering, or donating, visit BeDallas90 or visit our Shelter at 1818 N. Westmoreland Road.
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