Dallas Animal Services urgently needs 150 dogs out this weekend; offering $150 to fosters that save lives

Like many shelters and boarding facilities across the region, Dallas Animal Services (DAS) is facing an increase of canine upper respiratory infections (URI), including the canine influenza virus (CIV). DAS has been working with the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Veterinary Medicine experts to build an ambitious plan to create a ‘clean break’ and stop the spread of illness. For this plan to succeed, DAS needs the community’s help to empty two adoption rooms (150 large dogs) between Friday, Dec. 9 and Sunday, Dec. 11,via adoption, foster, and rescue placement.

These dogs have been exposed to URI, but not all show illness symptoms. To incentivize Dallas area residents to provide a temporary home for these dogs, Friends of DAS is offering a $150 gift card to thank fosters of high need dogs this weekend. DAS will also provide fosters with training, supplies (including crates, bowls, and food) and cover 100% of the foster dog’s veterinary care, including 24/7 online chat with medical personnel.

“Lifesaving is a community-wide effort, and DAS has never needed the community more desperately than we do now,” said MeLissa Webber, Director of DAS. “Securing placement for 150 large dogs in three days is a big ask, but we are confident our community is up to the challenge.”

Though URI is rarely life-threatening in dogs, it spreads quickly and is challenging to contain in a shelter or boarding kennel environment. URI in dogs is much like the human flu virus: most experience mild to moderate symptoms such as coughing, sneezing, lethargy, and congestion that resolve with rest and hydration within 1-2 weeks. In rare cases, dogs can develop secondary infections such as pneumonia that require additional treatment.

“This is the perfect opportunity for first-time fosters to get involved in lifesaving,” said Webber. “Our team will provide you with the training and resources you need and help you pick the right dog for your home. We are committed to making it easy for you to helps us maximize lifesaving this weekend.”

Friends of DAS will also offer rescue groups that pull one of these 150 dogs a $150 cash incentive to support their care. Individuals that currently foster for rescue groups are encouraged to reach out to their rescue to enable them to pull one of the dogs in critical need.

DAS also encourages adopters to take a new family member home this weekend. Adopted pets currently on medication will have their remaining doses sent home. All adopted pets will receive a free veterinary visit with a partner clinic and 30 days of pet health insurance.

Anyone interested in adopting, fostering, or rescuing dogs from Dallas Animal Services should come to 1818 North Westmoreland Road from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 9, and from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 10 and Sunday, Dec. 11.

All dog owners must know that even if their pets stay out of the shelter, they are at risk. Cases of URI and CIV are spreading throughout the Dallas area, with many boarding facilities and private veterinary clinics reporting an increase of illness in the community. DAS has created #DoggyDistancing to encourage owners to isolate their dogs. Until cases in the area decrease, owners should avoid taking pets to doggy daycare, dog parks, pet stores, and boarding facilities.

“This challenge is significant but not insurmountable,” said Webber. “We have a detailed plan to save lives and stop this illness, but the bottom line is that we cannot succeed alone. Our success hinges on the amount of support we get from the community. Please help us maximize or increase lifesaving this weekend; nothing is more rewarding!”

To learn more about #DoggyDistancing or the URI outbreak at DAS, please visit www.BeDallas90.org/uri.