Dallas Animal Shelter: Adoption Hours, Free Pets & 311 Help 2026

by
Dallas TX animal shelter guide 2026

Dallas Animal Shelter & Control: Adoption Hours, Free Pets, Lost Pets & 311 Help 2026

Dallas Animal Shelter usually means Dallas Animal Services, the City of Dallas municipal shelter and adoption center at 1818 North Westmoreland Road.

Dallas Animal Shelter searches usually come from people who need adoption hours, free pet adoption details, available dogs and cats, lost-pet help, found-pet steps, animal control requests, surrender resources, foster options, volunteer help and the official Dallas Animal Services address in one place. This 2026 guide explains DAS hours, phone number, adoption cutoffs, free adoption policy, what adoption includes, first-come rules, Petco LoveLost steps, Dallas 311 field service requests, found dog and cat guidance, foster-to-adopt, map directions and the exact official pages to check before visiting.

Dallas Animal Services 1818 N Westmoreland Free adoptions Lost/found pets Dallas 311 animal control
Official Adoptable Pets Lost Pet Help Call 214-670-6800
1
Browse pets firstCheck DAS adoptable pets before driving.
2
Arrive before cutoffMeet-and-greets end before closing.
3
Bring photo IDAdopters must be at least 18.
4
Use 311 for field helpAnimal Services Officers respond through Dallas 311.
Independent guide: This page is not the official Dallas Animal Services or City of Dallas website. Use it to plan faster, then verify live pet availability, hours, adoption status, service request rules, surrender resources and events on official DAS pages before you drive.

Dallas Animal Shelter Quick Details

Dallas Animal Services is the City of Dallas shelter, adoption center and animal services department. The main location is 1818 North Westmoreland Road, Dallas, TX 75212. The City of Dallas lists the main phone as 214-670-6800. DAS adoption and pet support hours are listed seven days a week, with a later opening on Wednesday.

Official nameDallas Animal Services
Main address1818 N. Westmoreland Road, Dallas, TX 75212
Main phone214-670-6800
Animal controlUse Dallas 311 or 911 for immediate danger.

What Dallas Animal Services Does

Dallas Animal Services handles city shelter adoptions, lost and found pets, pet support resources, field service requests, foster and volunteer programs, service request routing, community cat and wildlife resources, and shelter data for the City of Dallas.

Adopt a petBrowse pets online, visit in person, bring ID, and ask about medical, behavior and transition notes.
Lost a petFile and search on Petco LoveLost, visit the shelter often, and email DASPetSupport@dallas.gov if needed.
Found a petReport the found pet, check city limits, scan for a microchip, and follow DAS dog/cat rules.
Animal controlUse Dallas 311 for non-emergency animal service requests and 911 for immediate danger.
Foster or volunteerDAS lists foster, Doggy Daycation, volunteer, group and support options.
Pet owner supportCheck food, wellness, spay/neuter, microchip, rehome and support programs before surrendering.

Dallas Animal Shelter Adoption Hours 2026

Dallas Animal Services lists in-person adoption hours and pet support hours on the same schedule. Adoption visitors should not arrive near closing because DAS notes kiosk sign-in and meet-and-greet cutoffs before closing, and intake closes one hour before closing.

Day In-person adoption hours Pet support hours Best planning note
Sunday 11 AM–6 PM 11 AM–6 PM Weekend visits can be busy; check listings before leaving.
Monday 11 AM–7 PM 11 AM–7 PM Good weekday option for adoption, reclaim and support questions.
Tuesday 11 AM–7 PM 11 AM–7 PM Arrive early if meeting a specific pet.
Wednesday 1 PM–7 PM 1 PM–7 PM DAS opens later on Wednesdays.
Thursday 11 AM–7 PM 11 AM–7 PM Use the longer weekday window, but respect cutoffs.
Friday 11 AM–7 PM 11 AM–7 PM Call or check online if your visit depends on one animal.
Saturday 11 AM–6 PM 11 AM–6 PM Plan extra time for busy adoption traffic.
Cutoff warning: DAS states adoption kiosk sign-in cuts off 30 minutes before closing, meet-and-greets conclude 60 minutes before closing, and intake closes one hour prior to closing. Do not arrive at the last minute.

Dallas Animal Shelter Adoption Fees and What Is Included

Dallas Animal Services states that all pet adoptions are currently free until further notice. The official adoption page also says adoptions include microchip, spay/neuter and vaccines, with exceptions. Free adoption does not remove the cost of ownership, so plan for food, supplies, vet follow-up, training, pet rent if applicable and emergency care.

Current adoption costFree until further notice, based on the official DAS adoption page. Verify before visiting.
Included careSpay/neuter, microchip and current vaccinations are listed as included, with exceptions.
Heartworm-positive dogsDAS says heartworm therapy is provided for eligible heartworm-positive dogs, but vet follow-up is still needed.
Check Official Adoption Page City Fee Page

How to Adopt from Dallas Animal Services

The fastest adoption route is usually to visit the shelter in person. DAS says foster-home pets can start with an online inquiry, but in-shelter pets are first come, first served at 1818 North Westmoreland Road.

1

Search adoptable pets online

Start with the official DAS adoptable pets page. Save the animal name, ID, listing link and screenshots. If the listing does not load, use the alternate 24Petconnect link provided by DAS.

2

Check foster vs shelter location

If the pet is in foster, use the online inquiry option and wait for contact from the foster family. If the pet is at the shelter, in-person adoption is the strongest route.

3

Bring photo ID and be ready to decide

DAS says adopters must be at least 18 and bring ID. Bring a carrier for cats, a leash/harness/crate plan for dogs, landlord approval if you rent and questions about medical or behavior notes.

4

Arrive early enough for meet-and-greet

Do not arrive near closing. Meet-and-greet and kiosk cutoffs happen before closing, and staff may not be able to complete a full adoption if you arrive too late.

5

Ask first-week questions before taking the pet home

Ask about decompression, feeding, meds, vaccines, microchip, spay/neuter, heartworm status, behavior notes, kids, dogs, cats, noise sensitivity, crate comfort and vet follow-up.

What to Bring Before Visiting Dallas Animal Shelter

✓Government-issued photo ID. DAS says adopters must be at least 18.
✓Pet name, animal ID, screenshot and listing URL from the official DAS adoption page.
✓Carrier for cats or kittens. Do not plan to carry a loose cat to your car.
✓Leash, collar, harness or crate plan for dogs.
✓Proof of ownership if reclaiming a lost pet: photos, vet records, microchip number, rabies records and ID.
✓Landlord, HOA or household approval if pet restrictions apply where you live.
✓Enough time to complete the visit before adoption and intake cutoffs.
✓Budget for supplies, vet follow-up, preventive care, training and emergency costs even if adoption is free.

Lost Pets at Dallas Animal Services

DAS says every pet taken in is entered automatically into Petco LoveLost, and pet owners should file a Petco LoveLost report and search for their missing pet as soon as possible. DAS also recommends visiting the shelter at the green Intake doors and checking repeatedly because pets can arrive at any time.

If your pet is missing File a Petco LoveLost report, search DAS listings, contact your microchip company, spread the word locally, and visit the shelter at least every other day if your pet may be there.
If DAS has your pet Bring photo ID, pet photos, microchip details, vet records, rabies proof and any license records. If you cannot come immediately or it is outside operating hours, email DASPetSupport@dallas.gov.
Official Lost Pet Page Petco LoveLost

Found a Pet in Dallas: Dogs, Cats, Kittens and City Limits

If you found a pet, DAS says to report the pet on Petco LoveLost first. Location matters because DAS serves the City of Dallas and can only accept stray pets found within city limits. Found-pet rules differ for adult dogs, puppies, healthy adult cats, sick cats, injured cats and kittens.

Found pet situation DAS guidance summary Best next step
Adult dog or puppy Report on Petco LoveLost and bring the dog to DAS for a microchip scan when appropriate. Use found-pet reporting first, then follow DAS intake/foster guidance.
Adult unchipped dog May qualify for the Foster Hero program after a brief exam. Ask DAS whether the dog can complete the three-day stray hold in foster.
Healthy friendly adult cat DAS says healthy stray cats and kittens four months or older are often outdoor/owned cats and are not taken in. Make a found report and let the cat remain in its area if safe.
Sick, injured or skinny cat May need medical attention or trapping help. Bring to DAS during hours or submit a service request if trapping help is needed.
Tiny kittens Not all kittens are orphaned; kittens may need special evaluation. Check DAS found-kitten guidance before moving kittens unnecessarily.
Official Found Pet Page Found Kittens Help

Dallas Foster Hero Program and Stray Hold Basics

The DAS found-pet page explains that adult unchipped dogs may be eligible for the Foster Hero program. During the three-day stray hold, the finder posts flyers, shares pictures online and coordinates with DAS if an owner comes forward. If no owner comes forward, the finder may return the dog, keep fostering or adopt when allowed.

Eligible petsAdult, unchipped dogs may qualify after a brief exam.
Not eligiblePregnant or nursing dogs, puppies under two months, and sick or injured dogs are not eligible.
Your rolePost flyers, walk public areas, share online, watch for owner contact and coordinate with DAS.

Dallas Animal Control and 311 Service Requests

Dallas Animal Services Officers respond to service requests made through the City of Dallas 311 system by phone, mobile app or online form. DAS says officers respond to service requests 24/7, 365 days a year. If a human or animal is in immediate danger, call 911.

Aggressive animalUse Dallas 311 or the official service request form. For immediate danger or emergency medical help, call 911.
Barking or nuisanceUse the Dallas 311 route for nuisance, barking, howling or other disturbance reports.
Deceased animalUse the correct 311 request type. DAS notes a fee may apply for animals over 100 pounds tied to a water utility account.
CoyotesDAS lists a coyote sighting number and separate service request route for injured or ill coyotes.
Animal in vehicleFollow official city instructions and collect details safely. If immediate danger exists, use emergency help.
Do not self-rescue dangerDo not approach aggressive, injured, trapped or traffic-endangered animals without proper help.
Official Field Services Make a 311 Service Request

Surrendering a Pet to Dallas Animal Services

Surrender should be a last resort. Dallas Animal Services points pet owners toward support resources, food help, wellness events, rehoming platforms and owner assistance before surrender. Owner surrenders are not a simple walk-in process; use official DAS support and partner instructions first.

Try support before surrender Check pet food help, low-cost wellness, spay/neuter resources, microchipping, training support and rehoming routes before giving up your pet.
Do not arrive without a plan Capacity changes quickly. Call, email or use the official support route before bringing an owned pet to the shelter.
Pet Owner Support Surrender / Rehome Help

Foster, Volunteer and Doggy Daycations

Dallas Animal Services depends heavily on foster and volunteer help. The official foster page says a foster home is a temporary living arrangement for DAS pets and that same-day fostering is offered. DAS also lists volunteer roles, orientation steps, youth volunteering rules, court-ordered service restrictions and Doggy Daycations for approved volunteers or fosters.

FosterLarge adult dogs, orphaned kittens, medical pets and moms with babies are among common foster needs.
VolunteerDAS lists dog walking, cat socialization, cleaning, photography, events, outreach and adoption support roles.
Doggy DaycationApproved volunteers or existing fosters can take eligible dogs out for a day using DAS rules.
Official Foster Page Volunteer at DAS

Common Dallas Animal Shelter Mistakes to Avoid

  • Arriving too late: Adoption and meet-and-greet cutoffs happen before closing.
  • Thinking online inquiry holds a pet: DAS says adoptions are first come, first served.
  • Ignoring foster location: Foster-home pets require online inquiry and foster-family contact.
  • Forgetting city limits: DAS can only accept stray pets found within City of Dallas limits.
  • Bringing healthy adult stray cats: DAS says healthy stray cats and kittens four months or older are not taken in.
  • Waiting on a lost pet: File Petco LoveLost quickly and visit the shelter repeatedly.
  • Using the wrong route for animal control: Use Dallas 311 for non-emergency field requests and 911 for immediate danger.

Dallas Animal Shelter Action Planner

Use this browser-only planner to prepare before you contact DAS. It does not search live DAS records, but it helps you choose the right next step.

Choose your situation and create a plan.

Privacy note: this tool runs in your browser. It does not send your entries anywhere.

Dallas Animal Services adoption tutorial video

This DAS adoption tutorial can help visual learners understand how online adoption interest works. Still, live pet availability and adoption rules should be verified on the official DAS adoption page before you make a trip.

Open Video Official Adoptable Pets

Helpful Animal-Shelter.org Guides

These related guides are useful if you are comparing Texas shelter workflows, city animal control pages, adoption hours or lost-pet steps. Each internal URL is unique and used once.

Houston Animal Shelter Guide Compare another large Texas city shelter and animal-control workflow. Garland Animal Shelter Guide Helpful North Texas adoption-hours and city shelter planning page. Lubbock Animal Shelter Guide Texas municipal shelter guide with adoption, lost-pet and service details. Denver Animal Shelter Guide Useful municipal shelter comparison for adoption and animal-control services.

Map to Dallas Animal Services

Use this map for directions to 1818 North Westmoreland Road, Dallas, TX 75212. Confirm hours, pet availability, adoption cutoffs and service rules before leaving home.

Map is for route planning only. Official DAS pages should be used for live adoption, pet support, field service and shelter policy details.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Dallas Animal Shelter located?

Dallas Animal Shelter usually refers to Dallas Animal Services at 1818 North Westmoreland Road, Dallas, TX 75212.

What is the phone number for Dallas Animal Services?

The City of Dallas lists the Dallas Animal Services main phone as 214-670-6800.

What are Dallas Animal Shelter adoption hours?

DAS lists Sunday 11 AM–6 PM, Monday 11 AM–7 PM, Tuesday 11 AM–7 PM, Wednesday 1 PM–7 PM, Thursday 11 AM–7 PM, Friday 11 AM–7 PM, and Saturday 11 AM–6 PM.

How much does it cost to adopt from Dallas Animal Services?

The official DAS adoption page states that all pet adoptions are currently free until further notice. Verify before visiting because policies can change.

What is included with a DAS adoption?

DAS states that pets leave spayed or neutered, microchipped and current on vaccinations, with exceptions. Ask staff what is complete for the specific pet.

Do I need to be 18 to adopt from DAS?

Yes. DAS says adopters must be at least 18 and should bring ID when picking up a new pet.

Are Dallas Animal Services adoptions first come, first served?

Yes. DAS says adoptions are first come, first served, and online inquiries do not hold shelter pets.

How do I request Dallas animal control help?

Use the Dallas 311 system online, by app or by phone for non-emergency animal service requests. Call 911 if a human or animal is in immediate danger.

What should I do if I found a pet in Dallas?

Report the pet on Petco LoveLost first. If the pet was found within Dallas city limits, follow DAS found-pet guidance for dogs, cats, kittens and microchip scanning.

Does DAS accept healthy stray cats?

DAS says it does not take in healthy stray cats or kittens four months or older. Sick, injured, skinny cats and young kittens may need different steps.

Final Takeaway

Dallas Animal Shelter is officially Dallas Animal Services at 1818 North Westmoreland Road. The most important visitor details are simple: check adoptable pets first, remember adoption cutoffs, bring ID, understand that adoptions are currently free until further notice, use Petco LoveLost quickly for missing pets, follow DAS found-pet rules, and use Dallas 311 for animal service requests instead of trying to handle unsafe situations yourself.

Official Adoptable Pets Back to Top
USA-wide shelter helper • adoption, lost pets, found pets, surrender and animal control

Animal Shelter Action Planner: Lost Pet, Found Pet, Adoption, Reclaim & Surrender Helper

Use this free tool to create a practical next-step plan before visiting or contacting an animal shelter, humane society, rescue, or animal control agency. It does not search a live shelter database, but it helps you prepare the right documents, questions, safety steps, and official-source searches.

Lost Pet PlanSearch, microchip, shelter checks, flyers
Found Pet HelpSafety, scanning, reporting, holding
Adoption PlannerReadiness, questions, supplies, budget
Visit ChecklistDocuments, call script, official links

Build a USA-wide shelter action plan

Select your situation and location. The tool will create a general action plan, search links, call questions, and a copyable checklist.

Important: Shelter rules vary by city, county, agency, and animal type. Always confirm hours, intake rules, fees, appointment requirements, and proof-of-ownership rules with the official shelter or animal control agency before visiting.

Lost pet recovery checklist

Check the steps you have completed. This helps you stay organized during the first urgent hours and days.

0% completed

Found pet safety decision helper

Use this when you find a stray or loose pet and need a safe next step.

Safety first: Do not approach an aggressive, injured, trapped, or traffic-endangered animal if doing so could put you or others at risk. Contact animal control, emergency services, or a qualified professional when needed.

Adoption readiness checker

This helps adopters prepare before visiting a shelter or rescue. It is not a guarantee of approval.

0% readiness signals checked

Pet reclaim document checklist

If your pet may be at a shelter, prepare proof before visiting. Exact requirements and fees vary by agency.

Owner surrender preparation helper

Surrender rules vary. Many shelters require appointments, proof of residence, behavior/medical information, and may offer alternatives.

Helpful reminder: Ask the shelter about pet food pantries, low-cost vet care, behavior support, temporary foster options, and safe rehoming resources before making a final decision.

Animal control contact decision helper

Choose the situation and get a general USA-wide contact path. Local rules may differ.

Emergency warning: If there is immediate danger to a person, a serious bite, traffic hazard, or active attack, contact local emergency services or animal control according to local rules.

Adoption and first-month budget planner

This is a planning guide, not a shelter fee database. Always confirm adoption fees and included services with the shelter.

Your generated shelter plan

Your action plan, search links, call script, checklist, or budget guide will appear here.

Start with the Planner tab

Select your state, city/county/ZIP, pet type, and goal. The tool will create a practical USA-wide shelter action plan.

USA-wide Shelter user intent Official-source focused

Privacy note: this tool runs in your browser. It does not send your entries to animal-shelter.org.

Independent shelter-help tool. Not affiliated with any animal shelter, humane society, rescue, animal control agency, city, county, state agency, veterinarian, or microchip company. Always confirm current rules, hours, fees, and requirements directly with the official organization.