Instead of flowers or chocolates, Dallas Animal Services is asking residents to consider a different kind of valentine this year — a shelter dog in need of a little love.
As part of a Valentine’s Day weekend push, DAS is inviting the community to participate in special programs designed to get adoptable dogs out of kennels and into homes, parks and, ideally, permanent families.
The city shelter will host a Valentine’s Date Night adoption event Saturday, Feb. 14, with extended hours until 8 p.m., giving would-be adopters more time to meet available pets in a festive setting.
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In addition to on-site adoptions, DAS is promoting two popular short-term foster opportunities: Valentine’s staycations and Valentine doggie daycations.
“Instead of traditional Valentine’s gifts, we’re inviting the community to treat a shelter dog to some quality time outside — or inside — the shelter,” Assistant Director Amanda Earl said in a news release. “These programs help our dogs decompress, let their personalities shine, and often lead to successful adoptions.”
Valentine’s staycations
For residents looking for a longer dose of puppy companionship, staycations allow participants to bring a dog home for the holiday weekend.
Pickup is scheduled for Friday, Feb. 13, between 11 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. Dogs can be returned Feb. 15 or 16, with staff coordinating drop-off times.
Participants interested in fostering beyond the weekend can work with the shelter to extend their stay.
“These weekend stays can make a tremendous difference for our dogs,” Earl said. “A quiet home, a soft bed and a little love go a long way.”
DAS says it can provide supplies, guidance and other fostering resources if needed.
Valentine doggie daycations
For those unable to commit to a full weekend, doggie daycations offer a few hours of adventure. Participants can take a dog out for sunshine, walks or outings, then return them to the shelter the same day.
Volunteers are encouraged to take photos and videos and complete a short report card afterward to help showcase each dog’s personality to potential adopters.
The news release shared that a recent study conducted by The Hockaday School found that more than 90% of dogs who participated in DAS daycations achieved positive outcomes, including adoption, fostering, rescue placement or reunification with previous owners.
How to participate
Participants must be 18 or older.
Pickup times are available Saturday, Feb. 14, from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 to 2 p.m., and Sunday, Feb. 15, from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 to 2:30 p.m.
Residents can visit BeDallas90.org/doggie-daycations to sign up for a daycation or email DASfoster@dallas.gov for questions about staycations.
Volunteer inquiries can be directed to DASvolunteer@dallas.gov.