There's good news about Dallas' animal shelter: They are having a good month in January. According to a release, Dallas Animal Services (DAS) is on track to reach a 90 percent live release rate for January — a significant milestone not seen since October 2020.

"Live release rate" is a term used by animal shelters that describes how many animals "got out alive" either by adoption, fostering, or being returned to their original owner. A live release rate of 90 percent or above puts a shelter in the "no-kill" zone, meaning few animals have been euthanized.

According to a releasem the shelter is at a current 91 percent live release rate for cats and dogs. Fiscal year to date (October 1–present), DAS stands at an overall 87.5 percent live release rate for cats and dogs — also outstanding.

At the same time, DAS is at 130 percent capacity, meaning it has more animals than it can comfortably hold. As of January 22, 400 dogs were sharing 283 kennels. That figure does not account for 24 kennels not in use due to flooring repairs in progress.

“Our staff, volunteers and advocates have been working tirelessly to save lives. While we may not yet be at the point where sustaining a 90 percent live release rate consistently month-to-month is possible, it would truly be a huge morale boost to achieve this milestone for the month of January,” says Mary Martin, Assistant Director of DAS.

It's a huge milestone following the pandemic when many people adopted pets, then abandoned them in the return to "normalcy."

“The support we’ve received from all levels of the community, from individual Dallas residents to our partner organizations, is outstanding,” said Paul Ramon, Director of DAS. “We truly wouldn’t be here without our supporters like Operation Kindness and others. Today, we are asking those who have not yet gotten involved, to take that leap and join the fight in saving lives.”

The shelter’s current biggest need is for temporary fosters. Housing an adult dog for a week or more can greatly improve the pet’s chances for adoption and opens up a kennel for the 50–75 dogs that arrive daily at DAS.

Everyone should chip in and foster a pet, and can do so by going to the shelter during operating hours or by signing up at BeDallas90.org.