Dallas Animal Services Announces Valentine's Day Initiatives

Speak now or forever hold your paw-eace. That's right. Next week is Valentine' Day, and the Dallas Animal Services department is calling on local volunteers to give shelter dogs a break from shelter life over the holiday weekend, Feb. 13-16.

Here are the different ways Dallas-area residents can participate.

Valentine's Staycations (Feb. 13-Feb. 15 or 16)

Valentine's Staycations is a short-term foster opportunity that allows participants to pick up a shelter dogs on Friday and return it either Sunday or Monday. (Pickup is coordinated with each participant.)

DAS Assistant Director Amanda Earl said, "These weekend stays can make a tremendous difference for our dogs. A quiet home, a soft bed, and a little love go a long way."

Direct any Staycation questions to DASfoster@dallas.gov.

Valentine's Date Night (Feb. 14, 8 p.m.)

The center is also hosting a Valentine's Date Night adoption event the evening of Valentine's Day with extended hours. Not only will the dogs enjoy all the extra attention, and attendees can scope out adoptable pets.

Valentine Doggie Daycation (Feb. 14-15)

If you can't manage a Valentine's Staycation and you've already got dinner reservations for the evening, consider a Valentine Doggie Daycation. Pick up a shelter dogs for a few hours of fun, record the interactions for potential adopters, and return your furry friend to the center.

Saturday, February 14
• 8:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
• 12:30 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Sunday, February 15
• 8:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
• 12:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Unsure what a Doggie Daycation looks like in practice? DAS suggests taking a hike on a trail, shopping, or visiting a coffee shop or restaurant patio. Just be sure to avoid dog parks, stay within Dallas city limits, and allow for regular water and bathroom breaks.

Visit the website to learn more or contact DASvolunteer@dallas.gov. And visit the center's Facebook page to see photos of pups in need of a shelter break this Valentine's Day.