Dallas is facing a canine overcrowding crisis with Dallas Animal Services (DAS) bursting at the seams, operating at a staggering 133% capacity for dogs, while felines fare slightly better at 73% capacity. In a move to spur adoptions and give these pets new homes, Friends of Dallas Animal Services (FODAS) is dangling a $50 Petco gift card to incentivize the first 100 folks who take home either a pooch over 30 pounds or a grown cat, this promotion running from Friday through Sunday.

The push for adoption comes amidst a surge in animal intake; last weekend, a whopping 156 dogs and 79 cats were received by the shelter, and although dog and cat adoptions are robust, and the foster program is blossoming, the incoming numbers are outstripping these efforts “While adoptions are strong and our foster program is thriving, intake continues to outpace our outcomes,” Paul Ramon, Interim Director of DAS, as reported by the City of Dallas.

Despite the crowding, DAS hasn't lost sight of its BeDallas90 campaign which aims to maintain a 90% live release rate for the sheltered animals, a target they notably hit in the fiscal year 2019 to 2020. With a slight backslide, March 2024 saw them holding an 87% live release rate for both dogs and cats, still inching toward their goal.

Prospective adopters or temporary foster parents interested in taking in these canine or feline companions should head to 1818 North Westmoreland Road during operation hours, which span 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on the weekdays and close an hour earlier on weekends, for a chance to add a new member to their family and simultaneously ease the burden at the shelter. For those looking to browse adoptable pets from the quiet of their homes, or learn how to offer other types of support to DAS, directions and details can be found at their BeDallas90 campaign site.