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Help shelter dogs in Dallas find new homes with the Doggie Daycation Program

Dallas Animal Services (DAS) has launched a brand-new, creative initiative, the Doggie Daycation program. Here’s how you can help shelter dogs in DFW.

Dog wearing sunglasses, relaxing on a beach towel.
Photo by Josh Rakower courtesy of Unsplash.

What is Doggie Daycation?

The Doggie Daycation program provides individuals with the unique opportunity to get acquainted with the dogs in a setting outside the shelter. Additionally, it allows the dogs to explore the world beyond their kennels, creating a win-win situation for both parties.

Participants are asked to document their day out with the dogs by capturing photos and videos, and by taking notes about the dogs’ behaviors and personalities out of the shelter context. These materials are intended to aid in the adoption process by providing potential adopters with insights into the dog’s behavior in a normal setting.

 

Volunteer guidelines:

  • Dog Selection:
    • Multiple dogs will be available for selection on the morning of your daycation.
    • Not all dogs are eligible for a Daycation; medium-to-large-sized dogs are prioritized.
    • While they try to offer a range of sizes and energy levels, small or low-energy dogs may not always be available.
    • Be prepared to handle a dog weighing 40+ lbs.
  • Supplies:
    • All necessary supplies, including a harness and leash, will be provided.
  • Hydration and Safety:
    • Take frequent water breaks and monitor for overheating.
  • Interaction Guidelines:
    • No dog-to-dog or dog-to-cat contact.
    • Avoid trips to dog parks.
  • Transportation:
    • Dogs must ride in an enclosed vehicle (no truck beds, convertibles, or open Jeeps).
  • Supervision:
    • Dogs must always be controlled by an adult over 18 years old.
    • Stay within the city of Dallas and within a 30-minute drive from the shelter.
  • Leash and Fence Requirements:
    • Keep the dog on a leash unless they’re confined in your backyard or your home.
    • If let off-leash in a backyard, it must have a 6-foot fence and the dog must be supervised.
  • Fostering and Adoption:
  • Reporting:
    • Report any medical concerns, biting incidents, or aggression immediately to the emergency contact(s) provided.

Learn more

Interested participants can sign up for the program on the BeDallas90 campaign website. More information about the Doggie Daycation program, along with other opportunities to assist animals in Dallas, can also be found on the website. If you have any questions, you can email DASVolunteer@dallas.gov.

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This article first appeared on Good Info News Wire and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.

This story was generated in part by AI and edited by The Courier DFW staff.

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