Dallas' animal shelter is extending a hugely successful program to save dogs' lives.

It was one week ago when Dallas Animal Services first put out a call to get 150 medium or large dogs out of the shelter, with a goal of stopping the spread of canine upper respiratory infections (URI).

According to a shelter spokesperson, the response from the community was overwhelming. Between December 9-11, they saw 160 medium and large dogs leave the building: 74 were picked up for fostering, 58 dogs were adopted, and 28 were pulled by local rescues.

Another 30 dogs were scheduled for pickup for foster, adoption, or rescue Monday and Tuesday.

“We are blown away by the support the community showed us this weekend,” says DAS Director MeLissa Webber in a statement. “Our volunteers and staff worked incredibly hard to make this happen and it’s so fulfilling to see how many families came out to foster or adopt."

The need to prevent the spread of illness has not stopped, so Friends of DAS is extending the offer for the next 100 medium and large dogs that are fostered or rescued.

Fosters will play a key role by continuing to reduce the percentage of dogs exposed to URI in the shelter and help DAS avoid overcrowding.

Anyone wishing to foster can come by 1818 N. Westmoreland Rd. during DAS' operating hours:

• Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 11 am-7 pm
• Wednesday, 1-7 pm
• Saturday-Sunday 11 am-6 pm

After fostering an eligible dog for 14 days, fosters receive a $150 gift card courtesy of Friends of DAS.

DAS is continuing to offer training, veterinary care, supplies (as available) to animal lovers that come out to foster.

Webber says there is a vaccination for CIV, but it's currently on backorder; some local vets have doses available.

DAS is also encouraging all dog owners, as well as fosters and adopters, to practice #doggydistancing and keep their pet isolated until levels of illness in the area decline.

Webber says they are hopeful that this momentum can carry them into the new year. "We have between 30 to 60 dogs arrive at the shelter each day, so the need is ongoing," she says.

Fort Worth shelter
Fort Worth Animal Care and Control is hosting a similar initiative from December 16-17.

Facing a record-high population, they're inviting the public to come in and adopt or foster an animal.

According to Nia Odgers, Code Compliance Superintendent Nia Odgers, FWACC currently has 508 animals at their Chuck & Brenda Silcox location, a facility that is only designed to house 334 animals long term.

On December 16-17, their goal is to get 150 medium and large animals adopted or fostered. The need is especially acute since some animals at the Fort Worth shelter are being kept outdoors, in areas that are designed to be recreational or temporary holds.

With the anticipated high temperatures, this cannot be sustained.

This program is focused on healthy dogs that need out, and it is being hosted at their Chuck & Brenda Silcox location located at 4900 Martin St. Fort Worth.