LIVE: 2025 DAS Distemper Outbreak Updates
Dallas Animal Services is currently dealing with a Distemper Outbreak.
This is CRISIS MODE - action must be immediate and constantly adapted, all day every day, in order to save the dog's lives.
In an effort to avoid mass euthanasia, shelter staff is hustling around the clock.
Floor staff and volunteers are wearing full PPE in 100 degree summer weather.
Dogs cannot leave their kennels.
Everyone is working overtime.
DFW COMMUNITY participation is essential to save lives.
Action needs to be swift. Let's go!
Distemper Quick Facts
- Respiratory Virus
- Highly Contagious
- Treatable outside an overcrowded shelter environment, not possible inside
- DA2PP is a core, annual vaccine - if you keep up with annual vaccinations for your dog, your dog is 99.9% protected against distemper
- DAS VACCINATES upon intake, then booster 2 weeks later
- FALSE POSITIVES a vaccine may register as the virus if both administered within close time frame. This will generally show as "low positive."
- FALSE NEGATIVES a newer-intake dog may test negative then have a positive result later, but if caught very early - easier to treat (in a home)
- TREATMENT If able to be treated - Adults have 80-90% survival rate, Puppies have 50-60% survival rate; DAS can provide guidance and here is a manual from American Pets Alive
NOTE: There is no time or quarantine space, in an overcrowded shelter, in the midst of a Distemper outbreak crisis to isolate and re-test when likely false positives come back. If you want to see the dogs get more time - the way to do that is FOSTERING. If you cannot foster, support foster efforts via donations to the shelter, local rescues, and individual foster wishlists.
Timeline Chronicle (below)
- Most recent at top
- Information comes from DAS staff and press releases
How To Help
- Consider fostering or adopting!
- Support DAS staff with patience, kindness, meals
- Send enrichment items for the dogs (they cannot leave kennels for walks or play)
- Donate to those who support DAS efforts
Locations of DAS Dogs
- BOARDING / BETTER DAYS PROJECT 1103 E Levee St Dallas, TX 75207
- SHELTER / DALLAS ANIMAL SERVICES 1818 N Westmoreland Road Dallas, TX 75212
All About FOSTERING!
DOG BASICS for a happy home for all!
Please connect with DAS staff for questions. This website and article is not managed by DAS. DAS Management has communicated the items below, where noted.
FRI AUGUST 15 2025 @ 11am
Shelter Management - URGENT FOSTER PLACEMENT NEEDED
The below dogs all have tested with a low positive believed to be caused by vaccine interference (vaccine presenting as virus for a positive outcome).
They all need foster, foster to adopt, or rescue placement by 11am SATURDAY AUGUST 16, in order to avoid EU (euthanasia).
Email dasfoster@dallas.gov or dasadopt@dallas.gov with name, ID number, and "urgent low positive placement" as email subject.
Please know that though Distemper diagnosis is not likely, it is still possible. Scroll down for information on treatment (needs to happen in a home). If you are interested in adoption - foster to adopt is recommended!
PHOTO is above corresponding DOG ID!
BEAR A1257266
- 3yo, 42lb, HW-,not yet neutered
- good on leash, good manners
- 7/30 owner surrender for housing loss
- PLAYGROUP: After having the time to warm up to things, would later start feeling more comfortable, greeting other dogs to socialize and showed interest in gentle push play but not really understanding how to play but wouldn't mind the rougher dogs
"Bear is a handsome and seemingly cautious boy. Sat in the center of his kennel when I approached his gate. Calm and no problem with eye contact, but did not come to his gate to greet me. Disinterested in treats and possibly pets. Quiet personality." -VOLUNTEER 8/14
"friendly, and VERY excitable upon intake. Loves people, will jump right on you like he knows you. Likes treats and walks great on leash." -STAFF 7/30
BUDDY A1257254
- 1yo, 45lb, HW-, not yet neutered
- 7/30 Stray
- good manners, calm
"Buddy is a handsome and calm boy. Greeted me at his door by calmly sitting and waiting for a treat. Some tail wagging. Clearly treat motivated. Good manners." - VOLUNTEER
"able to enter kennel, started sniffing me, tail wagging, allowed pets, gentle sweet" -STAFF
MIKEY A1080242
- 6yo, 54lb, neutered, HW-
- alum, previously adopted 2019
- medium energy
- good on leash
- social, likes getting pets
- PLAYGROUP: Dog was high energy coming out to yard and quickly joined play with the others. Does well with similar energy dogs as his energy can be too much for gentle group. Enjoys sticking with others for play and socializing.
"I observed Mikey from his half kennel. He began wagging his tail in a medium speed when he saw me, making eye contact with gentle eyes. He had a friendly demeanor" -VOLUNTEER
"Mikey is an excellent running buddy, very friendly and social." -D90 RUNNER
"Mikey is very sweet - excited to have some company but sat well for photos and treats, solicited pets and very nice demeanor!" -VOLUNTEER
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THURSDAY AUGUST 14 2025 @ 10pm
DAS Virtual Town Hall 8/13/25 recap
Approaching things a bit differently this Distemper outbreak, DAS staff is so far seeing success with their strategy to eradicate the virus from the building as quickly as possible.
Volunteers and Staff will continue to wear PPE in all situations.
A few pods/rooms of dogs have been cleared of the virus and those dogs can now go to their corresponding play yard or for walks on the walking trail. Yay!
Multiple pods/rooms have been cleared for limited, in-kennel engagement with PPE changed between each.
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WEDNESDAY AUGUST 13 2025 @ 4pm
Shelter Management - URGENT FOSTER PLACEMENT NEEDED
The below dogs all have tested with a low positive believed to be caused by vaccine interference (vaccine presenting as virus for a positive outcome).
They all need foster, foster to adopt, or rescue placement by 5pm THURSDAY AUGUST 14, in order to avoid EU (euthanasia).
EXCEPTION in list: GILMORE is in kennel with a dog who tested positive for distemper but her test came back NEGATIVE
Email dasfoster@dallas.gov or dasadopt@dallas.gov with name, ID number, and "urgent low positive placement" as email subject.
Please know that though Distemper diagnosis is not likely, it is still possible. Scroll down for information on treatment (needs to happen in a home). If you are interested in adoption - foster to adopt is recommended!
PHOTO is above corresponding DOG ID with this batch!
GILMORE A1257105
- 5mo, 35lb, too young for HW test, not yet spayed
- stray 7/28
"Gilmore was sitting quietly in the kennel she shares with another dog. She remained seated when I stopped and spoke to the two dogs. She looked at me while I spoke to her. She had friendly eyes. She had a friendly demeanor." -VOLUNTEER
"wagging at kennel door, sniffed my hand, allowed pets, sweet & friendly" -STAFF
BERTHA A1257097
- 3yo, 57lb, HW+, not yet spayed
- stray 7/28
"at kennel door wagging tail sniffed my hand allowed pets sweet and friendly" -STAFF
"Bertha was standing quietly in her kennel that she shares with another dog when I approached. She began wagging her tail enthusiastically. Her eyes were friendly. She had a friendly demeanor." -VOLUNTEER
WYLIE A1241469
- 2yo, 62lb, neutered, HW-
- appears housebroken
- has been on daycation, notes unavailable
- PLAYGROUP: mingled and explored, enjoyed on/off socializing then slowed down to relax alone
2/24/25 Stray
3/20/25 Foster to Adopt / Adopted
7/27/25 Stray
"sweet, allowed pets, licked my hand, gentle tail wagging" -STAFF 7/29/25
"Was easy to leash, but when walking he was scared and alert. His body was low to the ground on our way to the yard. Once in the yard he kept to himself. Did seem housebroken. Once he felt comfortable with me, he came up and allowed pets and cuddles. Took him on a walk to the trail, was very calm and seemed leash trained. When trying to come back into the building he did not want to go through the door. I had to carry him in. Once inside he walked slow and alert back to kennel. Over all very sweet and playful, but timid in loud settings." -STAFF 2/25/25
PAT A1256888
- 10mo, 45lb, not yet spayed, HW-
- timid/nervous in shelter
- stray 7/28
- PLAYGROUP: mostly kept to self but did well with gentle dogs with lower energy and preferred their company
"Pat was laying on the floor when I approached. I spoke to her she briefly looked up and then looked away. I was able to enter the kennel and take a picture but the dog did not move." -VOLUNTEER
"Pat was standing in her kennel when I approached. She sat down and would look at me and then looked down and then look back. She had a shy demeanor." -VOLUNTEER
CARISSA A1256411
- 5yo, 80lb, not yet spayed, HW+
- good on leash, good manners
- knows sit and down
- social, wants to cuddle, love bug
- stray 7/21
- PLAYGROUP: Dog had shy energy with the others, took time easing into interactions, kept to gentler group, defensive energy when interacting with more playful dogs
"laying in front of kennel door allowed me to pet them sweet tail wagging slight whining for attention" -STAFF
MOMMA BEAR A1254524
- 3yo, 64lb, not yet spayed, HW-
- stray 7/1
- came in with babies
- initially timid, reads as if she has warmed up and gotten more comfy during her stay
"Timid, easy going, neutral, avoidant/fearful, disinterested in pets and cuddles" -VOLUNTEER
"Mom barks at first but warms up with wagging tail. Animal care said she's been friendly during cleaning." -STAFF
PENN A1255725
- 2yo, 75lb, neutered, HW+
- stray 7/14
- easy going, good manners
- good on leash, knows sit
- appears potty trained
- friendly, affectionate
- love bug, social
- PLAYGROUP: social with dogs, approaching to mingle, participates in gentle play
- DAYCATION: loved meeting people, unbothered when other dogs seen, awesome walker with lots of slack on leash
"Penn is such a good boy!! Calm in his kennel, very easy to leash, walks well on leash, sweet, solicit pets and overall calm and a joy to be around!" -VOLUNTEER
"friendly and affectionate, tail wagging, loves pets, lied down on back for belly rubs, jumped on me for more affection" -STAFF
"Penn is legit perfection. My favorite of the day. Maybe of the year. Easy to Leash. Non reactive passing kennels and dogs outside walking with us. Amazing on leash. Did not pull at all. Not once. Stayed right next to me. Sought pets and affection. Pottied outside gentle and so easy going. Penn is literally the best boy and is beyond deserving of a home! Absolute perfection" -D90 RUNNER
"He’s a chill dude. Doesn’t seem bothered or overly excited by much. Didn’t bark even once. He doesn’t necessarily seek out attention from strangers but he really likes being pet when people are sitting with him. He hopped right into my car, leaving from the shelter and going to Katy Trail, but after that he didn’t want to get back in the car. I’m not sure if it’s because he thought he was going back
to the shelter." -DAYCATION
TANK A1256177
- 5yo, 50lb, neutered, HW+
- PLAYGROUP: Physical player, Social, giving greetings and participating in rough & rowdy playing with the group. He was high in energy and could be a bit pushy, jumping on others and soliciting play from those not wanting it
"calm, sniffed my hand through kennel door, allowed pets, licking lips, tail wagging, vocal when another dog is getting attention" -STAFF
"easy going, neutral, disinterested in pets/cuddles, stiff posture" -VOLUNTEER
Please take action right away if interested in one of these dogs!
Wanna help support this DLB Media work to help shelter pups? TAP HERE - You rule!
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WEDNESDAY AUGUST 13 2025 @ 11am
Operation Kindness Press Release - MONETARY SUPPORT FOR FOSTERS
To help dogs with canine distemper recover more quickly, reduce the risk of exposure to healthy dogs, and relieve space at the shelter, DAS is in urgent need of temporary fosters. To support volunteers fostering dogs with distemper symptoms, the Friends of Dallas Animal Services initiative of Operation Kindness is supplementing external veterinary care costs, up to $250 per dog, at Preston Center Animal Clinic. You can learn more about fostering with DAS at https://bedallas90.org/foster/.
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TUESDAY AUGUST 12 2025 @ 8:30pm
Shelter Management - URGENT FOSTER PLACEMENT NEEDED
>>UPDATE WED AUG 13 @ 11am JELLY has a foster tag, pending pick up!
Another low-positive Distemper test dog, most likely caused by vaccine interference (vaccine presenting as virus for a positive outcome), needs foster placement by 5pm WEDNESDAY AUGUST 13, in order to avoid EU (euthanasia).
Email dasfoster@dallas.gov or dasadopt@dallas.gov with name, ID number, and "urgent low positive placement" as email subject.
Please know that though Distemper diagnosis is not likely, it is still possible. Scroll down for information on treatment (needs to happen in a home). If you are interested in adoption - foster to adopt is recommended!
- 9mo, 37lb, not yet spayed, HW-
- 7/12 Stray
- sweet, calm, timid, good manners
- knows sit, gentle treat taker
- PLAYGROUP: timid then opened up to socialize
- good on leash
- appears potty trained
"Never pulled on leash. She's a lap dog and very affectionate. She was so great, I grabbed her for a Daycation." -VOLUNTEER
"She loves car rides and will climb on your lap to get the best window seat. She loves a little playful tussle with her human. At a restaurant setting, while we ate, she stayed down and took a little nap. No begging, no barking, just pure chill. Very sweet and affectionate, and loves giving hugs and kisses!" -DAYCATION
"Jelly is the sweetest puppy with a charming demeanor. A delightful running buddy, affectionate, and leash trained." -D90 RUNNER
"Jelly is such a sweet girl! I sat down & she ran over and got in my lap & stayed there for the longest time soaking up all the love.
She knows sit & sat for treats taking them gently." -VOLUNTEER
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MONDAY AUGUST 11 2025 @ 8:30am
DLB FYI - GRAB A DOG IN FOSTER!
If you are hesitant about grabbing a dog directly from the shelter for Adoption, Foster to Adopt, or Foster - grab a pup already in a foster home! Foster dogs will have home notes with more detailed info known about them. FIND A DOG IN FOSTER AT DALLAS ANIMAL SERVICES at bedallas90.org/pets - check box for CARE STATUS as "In Foster," Choose SPECIES "Dog." Click APPLY to sort. SUBMIT AN INQUIRY and foster will be in touch. If you do not hear back within 48 hours, please email dasfoster@dallas.gov with the pet's name, ID number, and "foster inquiry" in email subject.
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SUNDAY AUGUST 10 2025 @ 11:30am
Shelter PR - PPE DONATIONS NEEDED
DAS put out a call on social media for PPE Donations specifically medical gowns and coveralls. Donations may be dropped off directly at DAS during business hours or ordered from the DAS Amazon Wishlist.
DLB FYI - ROOM 12 and BETTER DAYS DOG LIST REGULARLY UPDATED (Saturday entry, below)
Status for these dogs updated once a day.
Shelter Management - NEXT BATCH OF PCR TESTS BACK MON or TUES
The next batch of lab results will likely come back Monday or Tuesday and at that time low positives (likely vaccine interference cases) will be urgently promoted for same-day placement. High positives will be identified for euthanasia. Grabbing any dog for foster may help them avoid this fate - the safest place for all the dogs is outside of the shelter! If they are out of the shelter and a positive test comes back, the foster may choose to treat the dog, in home, while in foster.
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SATURDAY AUGUST 9 2025 @ 1:30pm
Shelter Management - BETTER DAYS BOARDING ACTING AS OFF-SITE ADD'L ADOPTION SHELTER
A batch of dogs which have initial first Distemper vaccines + at least one negative Distemper PCR tests are being housed at Better Days Project Boarding in the Dallas Design District. If you see a dog's location listed as "BOARDING" on their DAS website profile page, this is where they are. Please contact miranda.baietto@dallas.gov for connection about a dog in boarding.
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SATURDAY AUGUST 9 2025 @ 12:10pm
Shelter Management - URGENT FOSTER PLACEMENT NEEDED
>> UPDATE SAT AUG 9 @ 2pm VANILLA was picked up by a rescue!
Another low-positive Distemper test dog, most likely caused by vaccine interference (vaccine presenting as virus for a positive outcome), needs foster placement by 5pm Today Saturday August 9 2025, in order to avoid EU (euthanasia).
Email dasfoster@dallas.gov with name, ID number, and "urgent low positive placement" as email subject.
- 11mo, 14lb, not yet spayed
- 7/27 Confiscation SAC (suspected animal cruelty)
- sweet, calm, enjoys pets
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SATURDAY AUGUST 9 2025 @ 12pm
Shelter Management - HIGH PRIORITY PLACEMENTS
Two groups of initial, negative-test dogs have been accumulated in boarding at the Better Days Project Dallas facility and in ROOM 12 at DAS.
These two groups of dogs are the next priority of dogs to remove from the shelter system as soon as possible via Foster to Adopt, Foster, or Rescue.
You may review a dog at bedallas90.org/pets and type in their name or ID number.
To take action to inquire about or meet a dog at Better Days, please email miranda.baietto@dallas.gov
To take action to inquire about or meet a dog at Dallas Animal Services, please email the foster department with the dog's name, ID number as the email subject: dasfoster@dallas.gov Please note you ARE able to outright adopt dogs but because of the disease outbreak, foster to adopt is recommended. Don't forget the 333 Rule when bringing a new dog home to set you, your household, and the new dog up for success!
NOTE: Pre-lab indicates an EU Deadline - click this link to find a deadline date
DOGS IN DAS ROOM 12 with a negative Distemper PCR Test
A1258441 CJ
A1234150 PRECIOUS √adopted
A1258585 MARIA
A1258587 PUPPY 2
A1258586 PUPPPY
A1258561 BLUEY √rescue xfer
A1212411 LUCKY
A1258685 KILO
A1258609 SLEDGE
A1258548 GORDO (pre-lab, space)
A1258711 LUCY √foster to adopt
A1258630 MEGAN
A1258676 WHITE GIRL
A1258442 BEAUTY (pre-lab, space)
A1256418 CHAMPION
A1258187 HERMES √in foster (adoptable!)
A1258172 SICILY √in foster (adoptable!)
A1255091 YAPPER
A1258686 CHESTER √foster to adopt
A1258425 MARZ (pre-lab, space)
A1258426 JUPITER (pre-lab, space)
DOGS AT BETTER DAYS with a negative Distemper PCR Test
A1252876 RUDY
A1219151 GHOST
A1243182 AMBER
A1258573 BIBI
A1258575 MYERS
A1095628 CHARLIE
A1249139 CHARLOTTE
A1104794 SASHA
A1255518 KATHLEEN
A1210511 SIENNA
A1252483 DAISY
A1253477 BRUNO
A1256327 MAIZE
A1258141 BLUE
A1258409 PANCHITO
A1258130 XALLOS
A1258136 LUNA
A1258401 DYNASTY
A1258417 LUNA
A1258438 LEXUS
A1258574 BEAUX
A1258181 OLIVER
A1258559 LUCKY
A1258157 NELLY
A1258591 PRITSY
A1258647 ELLIE
A1258407 LOLITA √foster (pending pick up)
A1258443 BEAST
A1258601 SCARLETTE
A1258406 STU √foster (pending pick up)
A1258419 SHADOW
A1258428 ANGELICA
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FRIDAY AUGUST 8 2025
City of Dallas Press Release
Dallas Animal Services is urgently asking the public to temporarily foster dogs to separate and protect healthy pets from a recent distemper outbreak at the city shelter. With intake now limited to only the most critical cases, the shelter is relying on the community to step up and create space—and prevent further spread of the disease.
“Although we vaccinate dogs for distemper upon intake, it takes a few days before the vaccine becomes effective,” said Victoria Bennett, Assistant Director of Dallas Animal Services. “Even just three weeks of fostering can make a huge difference for a dog. This is a critical moment for Dallas to come together. People who can safely foster right now are literally helping stop the spread of disease and save lives in the process.”
Distemper is a highly severe and contagious virus that usually spreads from one dog to another through direct contact, such as coughing and sneezing. Unvaccinated puppies and dogs are vulnerable to exposure in the community.
Distemper is a preventable disease. Dogs can be protected by receiving a distemper vaccine from a veterinarian. It is recommended that puppies receive a distemper vaccine between six-eight weeks of age, followed by an annual booster vaccine to maximize protection from the disease.
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WEDNESDAY AUGUST 6 2025
DAS Virtual Town Hall
Distemper has been detected all over the building.
The shelter believes patient zero was likely a puppy at the end of June or beginning of July.
PCR Tests have been performed on about 30% of the population.
If a dog comes back with a positive Distemper test, they are being euthanized.
Distemper can be treated but it is a 1-on-1 responsive to that dog's symptoms ,as they change, situation which is impossible to do in an overcrowded shelter.
The safest places for the dogs is outside of Dallas Animal Services.
The dogs cannot leave their kennels - no walks, no playgroup or play yard, no meet & greets, no kennel cuddling.
Largest risk of spread is from staff which are around so many dogs while they clean, feed, etc. There is protocol in place for PPE and cleaning to curb spread as much as possible.
All dogs are vaccinated upon intake. Most vaccine history on intake dogs is not known. Two weeks later, dogs will receive their boosters, including Distemper.
DH2PP vaccine is the core set of vaccines for all dogs. When you take your dog to the vet for their annual vaccines - that is the core group. The "D" is Distemper. A fully-vaccinated, adult dog is 99.9% protected from contracting Distemper.
A recent vaccine can show as a false positive as they move to test all the DAS dogs. Meaning - the vaccine presents as the virus in results.
The last DAS Distemper outbreak took a year to fully eradicate from the shelter.
With community support, eradication could happen inas little as 4-6 weeks.
