Animal News

Dallas' animal shelter will give $150 if you foster a dog over the holiday

Dogs like this are waiting for you.

Dallas Pets Alive/Facebook

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.

animals

Flood Response

New relief fund launches for 2026 Texas Hill Country flood victims

People look out at flood on July 16, 2026 in Center Point, Texas

Photo by Brandon Bell/Getty Images

The same foundation that collected more than $60 million for the 2025 floods has launched a new fund for 2026.

Texans looking to support Hill Country neighbors affected by floods over the past few days can turn to the same organization they did for the July 2025 floods: The Community Foundation of the Hill Country has launched a new Texas Hill Country Flood Relief Fund that is accepting donations now.

The foundation emphasizes that the two funds are distinct (last year's was called the Kerr County Flood Relief Fund), so donors should note that their contributions will specifically go toward Hill Country residents affected by the current floods. The money raised will offer emergency assistance and long-term recovery support.

According to the Associated Press, nearly 1 trillion gallons of water fell on the three hardest-hit Texas counties over three days — enough to fill 1.5 million Olympic-sized swimming pools or supply 11 million homes for a year. First responders rushed to save people trapped in high waters Friday, as more heavy rain widened the danger from floods that have killed at least two people and left hundreds more in need of rescue.

Earlier in the week, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott declared a disaster in 59 counties including Travis to help emergency services respond quickly.

Although many regional businesses, churches, and other groups organized donations for the 2025 floods, the Community Foundation was the main entity holding and distributing funds. The Kerr County Flood Relief Fund totaled more than $60 million by the end of that July.

"Our hearts break that the Texas Hill Country is once again facing catastrophic flooding. Just one year after the devastating July 2025 floods, many of our neighbors are again in harm's way," said Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country CEO Austin Dickson. "People from across Texas and around the world came together to help Kerr County begin the long road to recovery. As first responders and local and state officials continue their response efforts, the Community Foundation's role is to help ensure communities have the philanthropic resources they need to recover in the weeks, months and years ahead."