Parvo hits Athens-Clarke Co Animal Shelter

Athens-Clarke County Animal Services says it will not be accepting owner-surrendered dogs, and the shelter on Buddy Christian Way in Athens says it is also suspending dog adoptions through October 28. That’s because of an outbreak of canine parvovirus. Animal Services says stray dog intakes and owner reclaims of dogs will continue as normal, and operations with cats are not affected by this latest development.

From the Athens-Clarke Co government website…

The ACCGov Animal Services Department at 125 Buddy Christian Way will not accept owner-surrendered dogs for intake or allow dog adoptions until Saturday, October 28 due to a confirmed case of canine parvovirus and space constraints. Stray dog intakes and owner reclaims of dogs, as well as cat adoptions and all cat intakes, will continue as normal due to separated areas at the facility.

Canine parvovirus, or parvo, is a highly contagious virus that can affect all dogs, although unvaccinated dogs and puppies younger than four months old are the most at risk.

“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.”

Until October 28, Animal Services will limit dog intakes to stray dogs only due to space constraints. Residents seeking to surrender dogs prior to October 28 should contact Animal Services by phone at 706-613-3540 for advice.

Although general dog adoptions will not take place during this time, owner reclaims of dogs will continue. Owners who reclaim dogs will be advised of a potential exposure to parvo and to contact their vet immediately if their dog starts to act ill.

A single stray dog tested positive for the parvo virus on October 14, 2023. Animal Services contacted the Georgia Department of Agriculture and reported the results as required. The dog was located in the main temporary housing area, but did not catch the virus from the facility.

Animal Shelter staff are continuing to undergo specialized cleaning processes to help minimize the spread of the virus. These steps are being taken to prevent accidental exposure to the virus for dogs outside of these shelter areas through dog or human contact.

Animal Services staff has consulted with the Georgia Department of Agriculture’s Animal Protection Division, which regulates and licenses animal shelters, contacted other area facilities that might be affected, and worked with Animal Services’ oversight veterinarian since the illness appeared.

The ACCGov Animal Services Adoption Center’s normal hours are Monday through Saturday from 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM for stray intakes, reclaims, walkthroughs, and adoptions; and Sunday from 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM for stray intakes, reclaims, and scheduled adoption appointments.

For more information about Animal Services and the Adoption Center, visit www.accgov.com/animalservices or call 706-613-3540.

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