Dallas Animal Services Doggie Daycations
Please note this website is not affiliated with or run by Dallas Animal Services. DLB is posting this information as a helpful assist to fellow volunteers, fosters, and the public.
Dallas Animal Services has brought back the DOGGIE DAYCATION!
What is a doggie daycation? It is the act of taking a dog from the animal shelter for a day to give them a break from the shelter environment and help get them more exposure for adoption.
- OUT ON THE TOWN you and the dog are out and about around town
- NEW MEDIA photos, videos which show off their personality and how good looking they are
- VALUABLE NOTES personality, skills, likes and dislikes, cute quirks
- ADOPTER?! maybe someone will spy them and fall in love!
WHO can take a DAS dog on a Doggie Daycation?
Open to the public! (which, of course, includes existent DAS volunteers and fosters!)
WHEN can you take a dog on a Daycation?
Sign Up for a Doggie Daycation by picking your day and pick up time on the Dallas Animal Services Website!
WHICH dogs are eligible?
The dog has to be over 6 months and have been to playgroup. The list of dogs with those qualifications is quite long so DAS will typically narrow it down to a few dogs to choose from. You may request a specific dog and DAS will do their best to accommodate the request but can't guarantee it.
WHERE can I take a dog during a Doggie Daycation?
Recommended spots for daycations are dog friendly restaurant patios, hiking trails, walking trails, or the volunteer's home (but if the volunteer has a resident dog they can not meet or interact). There is a terrific list on the DAS website!
No dog parks, off-leash areas, daycare facilities, or crowded public areas unless given permission by DAS staff.
GEAR
DAS provides a clip leash, martingale collar, harness, adopt me vest, collapsible water bowl, poop bags, and the rabies tag for the dog.
SUBMITTING NOTES & MEDIA
DAS will provide you information on submitting photos and notes. Photos may be sent in to dasphotos@dallas.gov (Please put the dog's ID# and name in the email subject!). A link will be provided to submit notes.
A Doggie Daycation is a terrific way to help a DAS dog. The dog will so appreciate some time out of the (often stressful) shelter to stretch their legs and nose, and get some one-on-one attention. The notes and media from this "out in the world" time together will help match the dog with an adopter, foster, or rescue more specifically than having shelter-only observation notes. There has been tremendous success, so far, with this program helping the pups find homes!
There are some important DOGGIE DAYCATION rules, for everyone's safety...
DAS DOGGIE DAYCATION RULES & REGULATIONS
Please note there is a handbook with much more info than is in this article. Please review the handbook in My Impact prior to taking your Daycation dog out on the town!
- LEAVE YOUR OWN DOG AT HOME Field trips should be geared towards interacting with humans and not with other dogs
- VIGILANT SUPERVISION Have the dog under YOUR supervision at all times
- UNATTENDED WITH CHILDREN Never leave children unattended with any dog
- PHYSICAL CONTROL OF DOG Never allow a child under eighteen to hold the leash or be in physical control of the dog
- KEEP LEASHED Unless confined in your home/back yard (ensure fence is at least 6 ft high if the dog will be off-leash)
- KEEP DOG SAFE Provide adequate rest, shade, shelter, and water
- POSITIVE REINFORCEMENT ONLY Utilize positive reinforcement training (do not verbally or physically punish the dog)
- NO DOG PARKS Or off-leash dog areas, do not do dog introductions while on your adventure
- TRANSPORT The dog in a safe manner by either being in a crate or safely restrained in a back seat
- NO DOG-TO-DOG INTROS Maintain a ten foot distance from other dogs while walking or in public
- NO DOG-TO-CAT INTROS Maintain a ten foot distance from cats in public or in your home
- EMERGENCY Call DAS Volunteer Team, immediately
- DOG BITE Inform DAS if the dog bites anyone (you included) right away (see handbook for more detail)
- LOOSE DOG Alert DAS (please see handbook for how to respond, based on different scenarios)
- BEHAVIOR OR MEDICAL CONCERNS Report to your coordinator immediately
- POSITIVITY Present the dog in a positive way to potential adopters and members of the public
- CONNECTIVITY Have a cell phone with you at all times that can be used to contact you
- PICK UP & RETURN At the agreed-upon time
Ready to dive into Doggie Daycations?
Hop on over to the Dallas Animal Services Website to learn more and sign up for a doggie daycation!
