Dallas Animal Services showcases achievements at national conference

Dallas Animal Services (DAS) launched the Dallas90 Initiative, to maintain a 90% live release rate sustainable over time. This effort comes after DAS achieved a 90% live release rate for the first time in its history in December 2018. To continue that effort, DAS was recently invited to present at the Best Friends Animal Society conference, to share their accomplishments and educate shelter managers across the country on how to duplicate their efforts.

Part of the Dallas90 program includes a strong emphasis on data-driven decisions. DAS Director Ed Jamison and Assistant Director Ryan Rogers explained to attendees that DAS is open with its data and metrics, sharing updates with the City Council, the Animal Advisory Commission, and the public through Dallas Open Data.

Jamison also spoke about communicating within the animal shelter team, change management and working with stakeholders, as well as a question and answer forum.

Dallas90 also strives to be compassionate. DAS hosted the organization Dogs Playing for Life, an enrichment program created to promote the importance of playgroups in shelters. DAS and Dogs Playing for Life held hands-on teaching that including showing how DAS manages and assesses dogs in their facility. DAS Manager Marian Cannell spoke at a round table, educating listeners about how to increase the quality of life through enrichment programs at a high volume animal shelter like DAS.