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.

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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!

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There are some important DOGGIE DAYCATION rules, for everyone's safety...

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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!
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