Dallas shelter seeks immediate fosters to separate healthy dogs from those exposed to distemper
Dallas, Texas – Dallas Animal Services (DAS) is making an urgent plea for residents to temporarily foster dogs after a recent distemper outbreak at the city shelter. The move is aimed at separating and protecting healthy pets from infected ones, while creating space to manage the crisis. Intake at the shelter is currently restricted to only the most critical cases, making community support essential to prevent further spread of the disease.
“Although we vaccinate dogs for distemper upon intake, it takes a few days before the vaccine becomes effective,” said Victoria Bennett, Assistant Director of Dallas Animal Services. “Even just three weeks of fostering can make a huge difference for a dog. This is a critical moment for Dallas to come together. People who can safely foster right now are literally helping stop the spread of disease and save lives in the process.”
Distemper is a dangerous and highly contagious viral disease that spreads mainly through direct contact between dogs, such as coughing or sneezing. Puppies and unvaccinated dogs are at the greatest risk of contracting the illness, which can quickly spread within a crowded shelter environment.
Fostering as a Lifeline for Shelter Dogs
Animal welfare groups are echoing DAS’s message, urging residents to act quickly to protect vulnerable pets. “Dallas Animal Services is doing exactly what responsible shelters should do in a distemper outbreak — asking the community to help save lives,” said Sophia Proler, South Central Regional Director, Best Friends Animal Society. “By calling on fosters now, DAS is preventing unnecessary death and protecting healthy dogs. Fostering is the lifeline these dogs need.”
Distemper is preventable through vaccination. Veterinarians recommend that puppies receive their first distemper vaccine between six and eight weeks of age, followed by regular booster shots to maintain immunity. Annual boosters are essential to protect dogs from this potentially fatal illness.
How Residents Can Help Right Away
DAS emphasizes that fostering a dog during this crisis is one of the fastest and most effective ways for residents to help. No prior foster approval is needed, and the process is simple — potential fosters can visit the shelter, choose a dog, and take them home the same day. The shelter will provide all necessary supplies and medical care during the foster period.
Residents can visit DAS at the following times: Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Wednesdays from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m., and weekends from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more details, email [email protected].
With space limited and the health of hundreds of dogs at stake, DAS hopes Dallas residents will step forward quickly to provide temporary homes, help curb the spread of disease, and save the lives of healthy shelter dogs.
