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Dallas Animal Services is experiencing a surge in animal intakes this season — straying from the usual pattern of relief at the shelter in the fall months. It is typical for animal shelters to see an influx in the summer because of Fourth of July fireworks and prolonged family vacations, during which some people’s pets escape, explained Sarah Sheek, a shelter spokeswoman. However, intakes tend to slow once the fall begins. ADVERTISEMENT “Last year at this time, you know, we were starting to see kind of a decline into the cooler months, which is a trend you expect to see,” Sheek said. “But this year, it’s not trending in that direction — we’re the fullest that we’ve been all year.” Since June, the Dallas shelter has been burdened by a high number of strays and animal surrenders. As of Wednesday afternoon, the shelter was at 162% capacity, with 485 dogs housed in 300 kennels — meaning the majority of dogs are sharing kennels with others. On Monday, the shelter was at 170% capacity, which put the facility into crisis mode. Breaking News Breaking News Get the latest breaking news from North Texas and beyond. EMAIL ADDRESS Enter your email address By signing up you agree to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy SUBMIT Related:As Dallas animal shelter struggles, this nonprofit throws a lifeline While it’s hard to say exactly why more people are checking in animals, Sheek said that it’s possible that some may be struggling to make ends meet. Some pet owners told her they are experiencing housing instability, which may make it harder for them to keep their dogs and cats. ADVERTISEMENT “It does feel that the people who are coming to us truly do need the help,” she said. “They’re being put into situations where they’re having to make really impossible choices for the animals that they love.” In addition to an unusual fall surge in shelters across the United States, national pet adoption rates are down, Sheek said. “It’s not quite as dramatic as some shelters across the country are experiencing, but it’s an awful time to be seeing a decline in adoption since we are seeing intake climb,” she said. Sheek added the shelter has been doing everything it can to find “positive outcomes” for the animals checked into the service. However, DAS is looking for the support of the community to adopt or foster animals who deserve to be in caring homes. ADVERTISEMENT The shelter is housing dogs of all breeds and ages. All animals are free to adopt, and come spayed or neutered, microchipped and vaccinated. The shelter is also encouraging people who can’t adopt to foster an animal for two weeks at a time, which gives it a break from the shelter and provides a future adopter with home notes, including how it interacts with other animals and people. Dallas Animal Services, at 1818 N. Westmoreland Road, is open for adoptions 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekdays and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekends.

Dallas News 3 Mins Read

AUSTIN — Comptroller Glenn Hegar is biting his nails about the Texas economy, telling lawmakers they likely will have billions…