Dallas Animal Services says its dog kennels are at the highest capacity it has seen in years, and the organization needs the community’s help.
On Sunday, there were 674 dogs in 388 kennels, including 67 nursing puppies with their mothers, according to a statement released Tuesday. The shelter said the last time capacity was that high was October 2023.
“Our team is doing everything we can to manage the number of dogs in our care, but we can’t create space without the community,” Victoria Chittam Bennett, assistant director of Dallas Animal Services, said. “Every adoption or foster placement makes an immediate difference — not just for that dog, but for the next one who needs our help.”
“Every adoption or foster placement makes an immediate difference — not just for that dog, but for the next one who needs our help,” Victoria Chittam Bennett, assistant director of Dallas Animal Services, said. (Courtesy of Dallas Animal Services)
The organization said adopting or fostering is a meaningful way for community members to keep animals safe and prevent the spread of disease, which is possible when kennels are overfilled.
Dogs up for fostering and adoption can be found on the Dallas Animal Services’ website or in person at 1818 N. Westmoreland Road during business hours. (Courtesy of Dallas Animal Services)
Dallas Animal Services has struggled with overpopulation in recent years, with 170% overcapacity for dogs reported in May 2024. The 170% represented 510 dogs in 300 kennels, according to previous reporting from The Dallas Morning News.
In July 2023, intake numbers ranged from 40 to 80 dogs daily, and the Dallas shelter was at about 120% capacity.
Dallas Animal Services is one of the largest municipal animal shelters in the country and works to promote public safety while finding positive outcomes for animals in its care, according to the organization’s website.
Ways to help
Dogs up for fostering and adoption can be found on the Dallas Animal Services’ website or in person at 1818 N. Westmoreland Road during the hours below.
Monday, Tuesday, Thurday and Friday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Wednesday from 1 to 7 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Those interested can learn more about fostering by contacting DASFoster@dallas.gov or adopting by contacting DASAdopt@dallas.gov.