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Kitten Nursery Updates
We are currently experiencing a significant increase in the number of kittens entering our care. Along with this influx, we've also seen a rise in illness within the nursery; several kittens have recently tested positive for ringworm and panleukopenia.
In response, we have updated our nursery protocols to ensure the health and safety of both the animals and our team. Volunteers are now required to wear full personal protective equipment, including aprons and gloves, and must change PPE between each kennel. To minimize the risk of disease transmission, we are also suspending out of kennel meet and greets with the kittens. All public interactions will be limited to viewing through kennel doors, with no direct contact permitted.
We appreciate your understanding and support as we work to keep our kittens safe and healthy.
Rescue Ride
We're always in need of volunteer support to help transport animals from DAS to our partnered facilities across the DFW area. With kitten season in full swing, we're excited to pilot a new program, the Kitten Rescue Initiative Support Program (KRISP), that allows kittens to go directly to a rescue organization the same day they arrive at DAS.
If you're interested in assisting with transports, please email DASvolunteer@dallas.gov to be added to our volunteer email list. Your help makes a huge difference!
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Kitten Nursery Overnight Shifts Now Open!
As the kitten nursery continues to welcome new arrivals, we are in need of volunteers to help with overnight feeding and cleaning. To meet the growing demand, nursery shifts are now available from 8 PM to 8 AM in two-hour increments. If you are interested in volunteering overnight, you will first need to complete at least two helper shifts during the day to get comfortable with the routine.
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Lime Dips
Our medical team is currently treating over 50 kittens for skin infections such as ringworm, and they could use extra hands! Volunteer support is needed on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 10am to 12pm.
No feline handling experience is required, but we do ask that you complete the 7 Kitten Nursery Training videos beforehand so you're familiar with proper handling techniques. The medical team will provide hands-on training when you arrive for your shift. Once you've completed all 7 videos, sign up here!
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Wildlife Volunteer Transportation
During the summer months, Dallas Animal Services sees an increase in underage, injured, or displaced wildlife brought into our care. These animals often need specialized attention that can only be provided by licensed wildlife rehabilitators. If you are interested in joining a wildlife transportation team, please email DASvolunteer@dallas.gov so we can connect you with our partner organizations.
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Meet & Greet Volunteers Needed
Our Adoption team is need of volunteer support with Meet & Greets, especially in the afternoons on Saturday and Sunday. These interactions are a key part of the adoption process and help our dogs find their forever home. If you've completed the Canine Handling Training and want to be a part of the magical moment when a dog meets their new family, sign up here!
Dog walkers are also encouraged to check in with the Adoption team while on shift to see if there are any Meet & Greets in line that could use assistance. Please do not take a dog to a Meet & Greet without first checking in with the Adoptions team, as they will review all the necessary information with the potential adopters first.
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Water Bucket Donations
We are currently running low on water bowls and buckets for kennels. If you are interested and able to donate, these items can be found on our Amazon Wishlist. We greatly appreciate any and all donations!
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Play Yard Doors
Please note that the play yard doors will now automatically lock. When taking dogs out to the yards, be sure to either prop the door open or tap the latch so you can get back inside. After you're finished using the play yard, please ensure the doors are fully closed.
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Red Squares on Kennel Cards
If you notice a red square on a kennel card, please remember that these animals are designated for staff handling only. Volunteers are not permitted to remove these pets from their kennels.
Red squares are placed with safety in mind in order to protect our staff, volunteers, and visitors. If you're wanting more information about why a particular animal has a red designation, feel free to ask a member of the volunteer team for more information.
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Volunteer Town Hall
Join us (virtually) for our upcoming volunteer town hall on June 18th at 6pm. During this meeting, we will go over important updates, upcoming events, and volunteer opportunities. Afterwards, we will host a Q&A for you to bring your questions and concerns to our attention.
If you have any questions you would like to submit in advance, please email us at DASVolunteer@dallas.gov by June 17th at 10 AM. We are always grateful for your feedback and ideas!
Join the meeting now
Meeting ID: 294 750 263 396 8
Passcode: rt7Mx7Az
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Volunteer Shout Out!
Every newsletterwe try to randomly select an active volunteer to recognize for all of their hard work! This month, we would like to shout out Belinda Field. Thank you for everything you do as a volunteer.
How long have you been volunteering at DAS?
I've been volunteering with DAS for four months now. My flexible schedule allows me to visit weekly, and I always look forward to it.
Do you have any pets at home?
I'm a proud "mom" to two Toy Schnauzers, Levi and Otis. Levi is our sweet senior gentleman, while Otis is a tiny whirlwind of young energy-we've nicknamed him "Hurricane" Otis.
What is your favorite volunteer position?
My favorite role is working with the newly arrived pups, doing observations and photos. Many are understandably scared and timid after arriving at the shelter. Being able to offer them comfort, patience, and loving interaction is rewarding. Seeing their fear gradually lessen, replaced by wagging tails and happy smiles, makes all the effort worthwhile. It's a privilege to help them regain their trust.
What is your favorite part about volunteering with DAS?
The most fulfilling aspect of volunteering with DAS is witnessing the tangible impact we have on these animals' lives. Knowing I'm contributing to their journey toward finding loving homes is motivating. Even though the shelter faces an overwhelming number of animals, the feeling of making a difference, however small, is powerful.
Do you have a favorite DAS story to share?
Before volunteering, I had limited knowledge of DAS and its vital work within our community. The onboarding process changed my perspective, revealing the dedication of both the staff and the volunteers. I'm continually impressed by the efforts of everyone involved in giving these animals a second chance. Seeing the weekly social media posts showcasing successful adoptions is a testament to the work being done. It brightens my week to see these happy outcomes.
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Welcome New Volunteers!
Welcome all of the new volunteers who have joined us since the last newsletter!
Anna B. | Alexis C. | Kullachart K. | Joanna P. | Stefanie O. | Kamryn W. | Lorena P. | Ashley S. | Antonio G. | Broch G. | Sophia H. | Danielle M. | Brittany S. | Linda B. | Kaleigh K. | Leslye M. | William P. | David A. | Maricely A. | Dandra D. | Sebastian D. | Sean H. | Minsun K. | William N. | Sofi R. | Kristen W. | Itzamara C. | Gabby H. | Caitlyn L. | Andrea M. | Abigail R. |
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