Athens-Clarke County Animal Services have extended their shelter limitations until Nov. 3. The shelter is not accepting owner-surrendered dogs or allowing dog adoptions due to a second confirmed case of canine parvovirus on Oct. 20.
Canine parvovirus, commonly known as parvo, is a highly contagious virus that can affect all dogs, although unvaccinated dogs and young puppies are at a higher risk of contracting the virus. The shelter staff are continuing their specialized cleaning processes to help limit the spread of the virus and prevent accidental exposure to the virus.
“We have the same challenges with animal viruses as animal shelters all over the country due to the numbers of stray and community animals that come through here,” says Animal Services Director Kristall Barber. “While our facility design, cleaning protocols, and department policies minimize the impacts as much as possible, there are required changes to our operations whenever a case occurs.”
Although general dog adoptions will not take place, the shelter will continue owner reclaims of dogs, cat adoptions, and all cat intakes but will limit stray dog intakes due to space restrictions. The shelter is advising all owners who reclaim dogs about the potential exposure to parvo and to contact their vet immediately if their dog begins to show symptoms.
Residents who are seeking to surrender dogs before Nov. 3 should contact Animal Services at 706-613-3540 for advice.
