Animal News

Dallas animal shelter alerts pet owners about dangers of Halloween

Halloween is the second-worst day of the year for pets.

Photo courtesy of Huffhines Art Trails

Halloween is great for candy and costumes, but according to Dallas' animal shelter, it's the second-worst day of the year for pets.

With all of the trick or treating going on, it's the second most common day for pets to get lost. (The worst day for pets: Fourth of July.)

Dallas Animal Services anticipates that 400 dogs may get loose by the end of the weekend, due to Halloween activities.

"Halloween is a fun time for humans, but can be terrifying for pets," says Jordan Craig, Interim Assistant Director at Dallas Animal Services in a release. "Their human companions are dressed in scary costumes, there are noisy decorations, and trick or treating gives nervous pets plenty of opportunities to run out the door to escape the scary situation."

Shelter officials recommend that pet owners keep their pets in a crate or in a separate room away from festivities, humans in costumes, and the front door.

If pets cannot be indoors, pet owners should check their fence to make sure it is secure, and check frequently on their pets throughout the evening.

Dallas Animal Services is already over capacity for adoptable medium and large dogs. If 400 more do arrive, they have a problem.

As a result, DAS is putting out a call for adopters and temporary fosters, to avoid euthanizing healthy and friendly dogs due to limited space.

The shelter is offering a free adoption special through Sunday on all pets at the main location at 1818 N. Westmoreland Rd., or the PetSmart Everyday Adoption Center at 16821 N. Coit Rd.

Potential adopters can visit www.dallasanimalservices.org to see photos of available pets. A valid government ID is required to adopt a pet. Free adoption includes spay/neuter surgery, current vaccinations, microchipping, and more.

DAS Director Ed Jamison says they're trying to be open and honest about the situation, so they can save lives.

"That is why we are pleading to the community for help," Jamison says. More dogs are coming into the shelter than leaving and we are out of kennel space. If you’ve been considering adopting or fostering, now is the time. We need the community's help to give these dogs the second chance they deserve."

DAS' foster program has also been a lifesaver. They're hosting a foster orientation on Sunday, November 3 at 11 am, but will give a one-on-one orientation for those who can attend sooner. DAS covers all medical care for foster animals and provides foster parents with other supplies as available.

For more information contact the DAS main location and adoption center at dasadopt@dallascityhall.com or 214-670-6800.

pets

All are welcome

Texas nearly tops the list of the most diverse states in America

Party on the Plaza Hispanic Heritage Month

Photo courtesy of Avenida Houston

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Capturing the vastly diverse landscape of America is no easy feat, but one new study analyzing diversity across all 50 states puts Texas at nearly top of the list.

According to WalletHub's annual "Most Diverse States in America" report, Texas is the second most diverse state in the country — coming in only behind California, which ranked No. 1. The study ranked each state based on six main categories: Socioeconomic diversity, cultural diversity, economic diversity, household diversity, religious diversity, and political diversity.

Texas came in so close — earning a score of 70.48 points out of a possible 100, behind while California earned a 70.77 score — beating Texas by less than a third of a percentage point.

As one of the biggest states in America – that also happens to border another country – Texas' ranking got a major boost just from its incredibly diverse (and large) population. WalletHub found Texas has the fourth-most racial and ethnic diversity nationwide, with a population that is 40 percent white, nearly 40 percent Hispanic, nearly 12 percent Black, and 5 percent Asian.

Though many may associate diversity with just racial and ethnic identities, it also encompasses other cultural perspectives such as religion, household size, and language. In fact, the study revealed Texas has the third-most language diversity in the U.S.; about 35 percent of Texas residents speak a non-English language at home. The state claimed No. 3 for the most religious diversity, and No. 4 for household size diversity.

But it's the Lone Star State's economic diversity that shines above the rest of America, WalletHub said, as Texas has the fourth most prosperous state economy in the nation.

"Texas really stands out in terms of industrial diversity, though, leading the country when it comes to the range of jobs residents have to choose from," the report said.

Texas cities like Dallas and Arlington, which ranked among the top 10 most diverse cities in America in 2024, are great examples of how diverse communities can foster new perspectives, greater versatility, and economic prosperity.

The states with the worst diversity were mostly on the East Coast. West Virginia (No. 50) claimed the title as the least diverse state in America, followed by Maine (No. 49), New Hampshire (No. 48), Vermont (No. 47), and Montana (No. 46).

The top 10 most diverse states in America are:

No. 1 – California
No. 2 – Texas
No. 3 – Florida
No. 4 – New Mexico
No. 5 – Hawaii
No. 6 – Nevada
No. 7 – New Jersey
No. 8 – New York
No. 9 – Maryland
No. 10 – Arizona

The full report can be found on wallethub.com.

texas rankings diversity wallethub reports