Athens-Clarke County Animal Services are no longer accepting owner-surrendered dogs until July 24th.
Intake has temporarily stopped because of a confirmed case of canine parvovirus and space constraints. A case of feline panleukopenia has also stopped the intake of surrendered cats until July 20th.
The shelter will continue to take in stray dogs and cats as strays are placed in separate areas of the facility.
Parvovirus and feline panleukopenia are two very contagious viruses that mostly affect young and unvaccinated puppies and kittens.
“Animal viruses such as canine parvo and feline [panleukopenia] are challenges for animal shelters all over the country due in part to the number of animals that cycle through them,” says Animal Services Director Kristall Barber. “Our facility design, cleaning protocols, and department policies help minimize the impact as much as possible on animals in our care and our operations.
The animal shelter staff is currently undergoing a specialized cleaning process to help minimize the spread of the virus.
