Doggie Daycations
What's a Doggie Daycation?
Doggie Daycations are an opportunity for the public to take out our adoptable dogs for a day away from the shelter. During your daycation, you are encouraged to take plenty of photos and videos, and fill out a report card at the end of your trip. The more photos and information we have for our adoptable dogs, the more they’ll stand out to potential adopters!
There will be multiple dogs to choose from for your daycation, and you will be given options the morning-of the daycation when you arrive to the shelter. Not every dog is eligible for a Daycation, and the dogs most in need of a Daycation are medium-to-large sized dogs. We try to have a range of sizes and energy levels available to choose from, but may not always be able to accommodate requests for small or low energy dogs. Please be prepared to handle a 40+ lb. dog for your Daycation. All supplies needed for a Daycation, including a harness and leash, will be provided.
If you have any questions about a Doggie Daycation, please email DASVolunteer@dallas.gov.
Rules and Reminders
- Take frequent water breaks and watch for overheating!
- No dog-to-dog contact or trips to dog parks. No dog-to-cat contact.
- Dogs must ride in an enclosed vehicle. No convertibles, truck beds, or open Jeeps.
- Dogs must always be in control of an adult over 18.
- You must stay within the city of Dallas for your Daycation and stay within a 30 minute drive from the shelter.
- Keep the dog on a leash unless confined in your home or backyard.
- Must have a 6-foot fence and dog must be under your supervision if let off-leash in a backyard.
- If someone would like to foster your daycation dog, please email DASFoster@Dallas.gov, and if they would like to adopt, please have them email DASAdopt@dallas.gov.
- Send your photos and videos in to DASphotos@dallas.gov
- You must report any medical concerns, incidents of aggression, or biting immediately to the emergency contact(s) below.
- Return your Daycation dog to the shelter by 5pm.
Emergency Contacts
For immediate concerns or emergencies during your doggie daycation, please call the DAS Volunteer Coordinator at (214) 412-4592. If you do not immediately get through, please call the Adoption Team (214) 604-9032 or Erika Bennett (469) 858-5698. If you can’t reach any of the three numbers above, please call our field dispatch at (214) 670-3278.
Daycation FAQs
On hot days, avoid overheating by taking a stroll at indoor, dog-friendly locations (Home Depot, Lowes, Hollywood Feed, pet-friendly cafes, etc.). Check for hot pavement before walking. If it’s too hot for your hand, it is too hot for paws!
Yes, if you are 18 or older you can still book an appointment. Please inform our staff when you arrive and we will do the best to pair you with a dog that is the best fit for the day.
Most of the dogs that come to our shelter are strays, so we do not always have detailed information regarding their personality. Daycations are a great opportunity for us to learn more about a dog’s characteristics outside of the shelter environment. It is always recommended to put a blanket or cover down in your car before transporting a dog.
No. Daycation dogs from DAS should not have any nose-to-nose interaction with outside pets (dogs and cats) in an effort to minimize risk to all parties. Our dogs would love your undivided attention for the day!
Not all dogs are eligible. In order to go out on Daycations, dogs should have positive Playgroup notes, not have medical concerns, should not be on stray-hold, and be over 5 months of age. Most eligible dogs will be 25 lbs or larger.
We appreciate you taking a shelter dog out to enjoy the day! If you took pictures, please email them to DASphotos@dallas.gov with the animal ID number in the subject line. Please submit the Daycation Report Card so we can learn more about their personality.
Where Can I Take My Daycation Dog?
On hot summer days, cool off with a stroll through a Lowes, Harbor Freight, or Home Depot. Feel free to treat your daycation dog to a pup cup from a coffee shop but otherwise limit treats to those made specifically for dogs. Keep paws on the grass, not concrete, on hot days. Remember, visits to dog parks are NOT permitted.
Below are some dog-friendly locations you can visit in Dallas.
Restaurants and Bars
Parks and Trails
Shopping
Want to keep a dog for longer than a Daycation?
What's a Staycation?
Foster a shelter pet for 1 week.
Sign up to host a foster pet in your home for a holiday getaway from the shelter! Help us learn how one lucky DAS dog can flourish in a home.
We’ll go over some details about your environment, then help you choose a friend that will fit in well. Please note: You may spend 1-3 hours at the shelter.
Contact with pets outside of your home should be kept to a minimum.
If you have any questions, please email DASfta@dallas.gov.
Rules and Reminders
- Contact with other animals should be limited to existing pets in your home. Trips to dog parks are NOT allowed.
- Dogs must ride in an enclosed vehicle. No convertibles, truck beds, or open Jeeps.
- Dogs must always be in control of an adult over 18.
- You must live within a 1 hour drive from the shelter, in case of emergencies.
- Keep the dog on a leash unless confined in your home or backyard.
- Must have a fully fenced in property and dog must be under your supervision if let off-leash in a backyard.
- If someone would like to foster your staycation dog same day, call (214) 671-1928. If they would like to adopt same day, apply using the QR code on their kennel card and call (214) 316-0264 to arrange the transfer.
- You must report any medical concerns, incidents of aggression, or biting immediately to the emergency contact listed in your Staycation packet.