City of Dallas, TX

08/21/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 08/21/2026 13:35

DAS Volunteer Newsletter - August 21, 2026

DAS Volunteer Newsletter - August 21, 2026

City of Dallas sent this bulletin at 08/21/2026 02:07 PM CDT

Thank you, MEGA Volunteers!

To all the volunteers who assisted and promoted the MEGA adoption event last weekend in Fort Worth, thank you! Thanks to everyone's efforts, we were able to help 13 dogs and 3 cats find their forever homes and while also introducing community members to Dallas Animal Services. We couldn't have done it without you!

New Dryers Coming Soon

We are excited to announce that DAS will be getting new dyers, thanks to the generous donors at Friends of DAS!

If you have worked a laundry shift in the past year, you are probably just as happy as we are. These new machines will allow us to get clean blankets and towels to our pets quickly, helping them be happy and comfortable. Thank you FODAS!

Love Fits Every Lifestyle

Beginning September 1st, DAS will be launching a new campaign called Love Fits Every Lifestyle.

The goal is to help potential adopters see how a shelter dog could fit into their life. We want to highlight each dog's personality and the type of home where they'll thrive.

As you spend time with dogs, we'd love for you to think about whether they fit one (or more) of these lifestyle categories:

Social Butterfly- Loves meeting new people and making friends wherever they go.

Runner- Enjoys staying active and would make a great walking, jogging or hiking partner.

Adventure- Curious, confident and always ready to explore somewhere new.

‍‍‍Family Dog- Gentle, affectionate and happiest being part of the action with their people.

❤️Sidekick- Wants to be by your side through every errand, road trip and lazy Sunday.

️Homebody- Content with quiet days, cozy naps and relaxing at home.

Your firsthand experiences help us paint a more complete picture for adopters and connect pets with families that fit their personalities.

Two ways to give feedback: Through your observation notes and through Kennel Bling that can be distributed. If you have any more ideas, please email [email protected], or the Volunteer Team.

DAS x Rough Riders Game

DAS has partnered with the Frisco Rough Riders on community night, and we want you there! We are looking for 2-3 fosters or volunteers to bring their foster or daycation dog to the stadium and help promote them for adoption to fans. We are also hoping to get two volunteers to assist with tabling during the game.

Due to entry restrictions, all volunteers and fosters will need a ticket to enter the stadium. You can purchase your ticket through this link.

Want to bring your foster or a daycation dog? Click here.

Want to table the event alongside staff? Click here.

First Fridays- September 4th

Join us for our next First Friday Event on September 4th. During this event, we will have extended adoption hours, local vendors, carnival games, prizes, and lots of fun!

This month, we will need volunteer assistance with Meet and Greets, Lobby Ambassador, Event Photography, carnival games and much more.

The City of Dallas will be undergoing furloughs throughout the month of September, and we will be relying on our amazing volunteers to make this event a success!

Paws at the Finish Line: Katy Trail 5K

Dallas Animal Services will be at the Katy Trail 5K on Thursday, September 10th. DAS will have a designated area to cheer on participating runners, promote DAS programs, and showcase adoptable dogs.

We are looking for 2 volunteers to help set up the booth on Wednesday, September 9th and 3 volunteers to work the table on Thursday, September 10th. Sign up for either day here.

Please note: Thursday participants should plan to arrive at the venue by 5pm, as road closures are expected before the start of the race.

Daycation and foster dogs are welcome to join! Ideal candidates will be comfortable in busy and loud environments. Sign up to attend this event with a dog.

Medical Scribe

Interested in data entry or veterinary medicine? We have the volunteer position for you!

Our medical team is needing assistance taking notes during pets' intake exams and checkups. In order to volunteer in this capacity, you will need to complete a background check and complete a Chameleon program training. Email [email protected] for more details.

Clear the Shelter Volunteer Day

Clear the Shelters is an annual nationwide pet adoption and donation campaign that helps provide loving homes for animals in need. This event takes place throughout the month of August. We are asking volunteers to join us on Saturday, August 22nd as DAS tries to Clear the Shelter! Volunteers will be assigned to regular opportunities such as Enrichment, Furtography, observations, Meet & Greets, Greeter, Playgroup Helper, and more! Sign up to volunteer this day here!

Know someone who wants to learn about volunteering? We will be hosting a volunteer information session at 11am, followed by a tour of the facility! We'll have opportunities for them directly after the session such Enrichment and Furtography.

September Staff Furloughs

The City of Dallas will be undergoing furloughs throughout the month of September, resulting in non-uniformed departments being short-staffed, including Dallas Animal Services.

We are needing additional volunteer support to help in areas where staffing will be limited. Areas including Kennel Care, Meet and Greet Assistants, Laundry Helper, Pet Support Runners, and Medical Assistants, and more.

Any and all help during this time is greatly appreciated! We are so grateful for all of our volunteers and the time you dedicate to supporting the shelter. We will continue to update you on this subject.

Current Donation Needs

Do you know a person or company looking to donate? Here are our some of our current needs.

SNN Vaccine Clinic Update

Due to staffing shortages, Spay Neuter Network (SNN) we will no longer be hosting vaccine clinics at DAS after September 12th.

SNN has been a valued partner of DAS for many years, and we are sad to see these clinics go. Our Pet Support team is continuing to explore options to provide similar services to our community members.

5-Minute Meet & Greets

Due to high foot traffic, limited play yards, and the Texas triple-digit heat, Meet and Greets are currently limited to 5 minutes per pet.

With this update, we hope to serve more adopters and fosters in the lobby and process adoptions more efficiently.

Pets must still be 6 months or older to use a play yard for meet & greets. If a dog younger than 6 months, potential adopter can meet them kennel-side.

Dallas Stray Hold Change

The City of Dallas has updated its policy on stray holds for puppies.

Starting 8/11/2026, pets 6 months or younger will no longer have a stray hold placed unless the pet is microchipped.

These pets will immediately be eligible for foster, adoption, and rescue.

Volunteer Town Hall

Join us on August 26th at 6PM for our Volunteer Town Hall! We will be going over important updates and new/upcoming opportunities.

https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/275671849366613?p=GHPtbYRWu7PD30Ihx7

Meeting ID: 275 671 849 366 613

Passcode: jp6Dk9NL

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 Deanna. Thank you for everything you do as a volunteer!

How long have you been volunteering with DAS?

January 2023

Do you have any pets at home?

Yes! My DPA foster dog, Cali. :)

What is your favorite volunteer position?

Dog walking and photography.

What is your favorite part about volunteering with DAS?

Getting to know the dogs' unique personalities and advocating for them, and seeing them have happy outcomes. I also love this community and the shared goal we all have as volunteers.

Do you have a favorite DAS story to share?

I have so many! But my most recent favorite was when I was volunteering at the Dogust First Friday event. A family came to visit a dog they had previously Staycationed for a few days, and I took her out to the yard to visit with them. They brought her a bandana and a birthday hat and sang "Happy Birthday" to her. It was such a sweet moment to be part of, and definitely one I won't forget.

Welcome New Volunteers!

Welcome all of the new volunteers who have joined us since the last newsletter!

|David D. | Neha D. | Cassie G. | Javier G. | Sara L. | Satvik P. | Abby R. | Hailey C. | Heather F. | Lauren H. | Ali K. | Grace M. | John N. | Sabrina P. | Campbell W. | Sarah W. | Alex P. | Philip B. | Ryan C. | Isabelle C. | Fabiola G. | Christine J. | Jimmy L. | Lauren O. | Cardo P. | Clayton T. | Navaeh C. | Grady F. | Karina G. | Macey P. | Ricardo P. | Valeria R. | Conor S. | Ian B. | Makenzie M. | Jaydeep R. | Kennedy R. | Willow W. | Matthew B. | Akasia B. | Kelli D. | Eniola D. | Jacob G. | Melissa K. | Abby M. | Wendy N. | Maryn R. | Molly S. | Raleigh S. | Shikhar T. | Baylee W. | Anny C. | Sara G. | Autumn M. | Taylor M. | Hannah N. | Christina R. | Stephanie S. | Takiyah S. | Jack W. | London Y. | Cory Z. | Dakota B. | Kerensa C. | Nolen C. | Abby D. | Amanda E. | Audrina G. | Roger H. | Valerie M. | Amy M. | Brette M. | William S. | Jacky V. | Eriana W. | Kerensa C. | Nolen C. | Amanda E. | Audrina G. | Stephanie G. | Roger H. | Malia H. | Candace L. | Valerie M. | Amy M. | Brette M. | William S. |

Dallas Animal Services, 1818 N Westmoreland, Dallas, TX 75212 | WebsiteContact: [email protected]

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City of Dallas, TX published this content on August 21, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on August 21, 2026 at 19:35 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]