Dallas Animal Services, SPCA of Texas Expand “Cat Help Desk” to Reduce Shelter Intake

Since May 1, 2026, The Dallas Cat Lifesaving Collaboration successfully has offered alternatives to surrendering cats to the shelter.

DALLAS—A core tenet of successful animal welfare long has been the belief that saving animal lives starts before animals ever reach the shelter door. In the case of the SPCA of Texas and Dallas Animal Services and Adoption Center (DAS), it starts with collaboration, innovation and meeting people where they are.

The SPCA of Texas and DAS have expanded the Feline Intake Diversion program the organizations piloted in 2025. Beginning May 1 and running through Sept. 30, 2026, the Dallas Cat Lifesaving Collaboration stations an SPCA of Texas Feline Lifesaving Specialist onsite at DAS.

The specialist helps families identify alternatives for their cats and connects them with resources such as food support, low-cost veterinary care and behavioral guidance. By promoting community cat best practices and facilitating safe alternatives for kittens found by the public, the program keeps pets with their families when possible and frees up critical space at DAS for animals with no other options.

Cat Help Desk hours at DAS are:

Tuesdays: 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Wednesdays: 1 – 6 p.m.

Thursdays: 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Fridays: 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Saturdays: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.

The 2025 pilot—which ran Aug. 1 through Oct. 31, 2025—demonstrated the model’s impact. Operating a “Cat Help Desk” onsite at DAS diverted 351 cats from the shelter. In one month alone, 161 vulnerable cats and kittens were connected with community-based alternatives, helping drive monthly intake down from an average of nearly 1,000 cats to 882.

“This is about using our resources where they matter most,” says SPCA Sr. Vice President & Chief Operating Officer MeLissa Weber. “By reducing unnecessary intake at Dallas Animal Services and responding with the right tools in real time, we can improve lifesaving outcomes for cats and operate more effectively as a system. We’re proud to partner with Best Friends Animal Society on lifesaving solutions.”

Counseling options include free trap-neuter-return resources, low-cost veterinary care and spay/neuter services, as well as placement into SPCA of Texas foster, adoption and transport programs.

The Dallas Cat Lifesaving Collaboration is designed to increase positive outcomes for cats and kittens by connecting residents with resources and alternatives before animals enter the shelter system. By reducing unnecessary intake and expanding access to foster care, adoption and transport opportunities, the program helps create additional capacity for cats with no other options.

“When Dallas residents participate in community cat programs, they’re doing more than helping animals—they’re strengthening neighborhood safety, preventing overpopulation, and supporting a humane, proven approach that benefits both people and wildlife,” says Director of Dallas Animal Services Paul Ramon. “This work is made possible through the collaboration of community members, rescue partners, and animal welfare organizations working alongside DAS to reduce future shelter intake and create lasting, community-driven solutions. DAS is extremely thankful for the support shown by our partners.”

Looking ahead, the SPCA of Texas hopes to recruit more North Texas shelters and rescues to participate in the program in 2026 and beyond, increasing capacity to divert more cats and kittens from DAS. Operation Kindness Humane Society and Dallas Pets Alive! already have committed to participating.

This program is generously funded thanks to a Rachael Ray Save Them All  Grant, made possible by The Rachael Ray Foundation™ and administered by Best  Friends Animal Society.

About Dallas Animal Services

Dallas Animal Services (DAS) is a Department of the City of Dallas. DAS focuses on “The Dallas90 Vision,” which is to lead the nation in compassionate care of animals while finding positive outcomes for all placeable pets through innovative shelter operations and community engagement. For more information, visit their website at https://bedallas90.org/

About SPCA of Texas

Founded in 1938, the SPCA of Texas is a 501(c)3 non-profit animal welfare organization that operates one shelter, one spay/neuter clinic, one mobile adoptions vehicle and an animal rescue center, all located in Dallas County. The entity maintains a team of animal cruelty investigators who rescue hundreds of animals from cruel situations each year in North Texas counties. Moreover, the SPCA of Texas serves as an active resource center for an array of services that bring people and animals together to enrich each other’s lives.

The SPCA of Texas is not affiliated with any other organization and does not receive general operating funds from the City of Dallas, State of Texas, federal government or any other national humane organization. SPCA of Texas is dedicated to providing every animal exceptional care and a loving home. To learn more about the SPCA of Texas, visit spca.org.