The Spokane Humane Society has shut down the canine part of its shelter for at least two weeks because a dog recently rescued from a kill shelter in Texas tested positive for parvovirus on Saturday.
“We know there is a small risk of this happening with animals that come here from other parts of the country,” said Sheila Geraghty, executive director of the Spokane Humane Society. “We are shutting down the canine part of the shelter to follow our strict parvovirus cleaning protocol.”
The more than 150 kennels and all common areas at the shelter must be disinfected several times a day during the shutdown, and staff is watching the remaining dogs carefully for signs of the highly contagious virus.
“We are shutting down to protect everyone. All dogs at the shelter are vaccinated,” said Randi Oien, director of operations and shelter manager at The Spokane Humane Society. “This is one reason why it’s so important to vaccinate your own dogs.”
The ill puppy was sent to an off-site veterinary facility that can properly isolate and treat it. The treatment may cost more than $600. Parvovirus is most commonly spread through direct contact with urine, feces or vomit from an infected dog and it may cause deadly intestinal distress.
For the next two weeks – until approximately Oct. 23rd – The Spokane Humane Society will not adopt out dogs from its campus at 6607 N. Havana St. Also, owner-surrendered dogs will not be accepted for at least a week.
Healthy adoptable dogs will be transported to the Everyday Adoption Center operated by the Spokane Humane Society at PetSmart, 9950 N. Newport Hwy. later this week.
“Adoptions can then take place from there,” Geraghty said.
During the shutdown, The Spokane Humane Society will continue to offer euthanasia and cremation, and the veterinary clinic (which is located in a separate building) will remain open during regular hours.
The feline adoption center on campus will remain open and cats can be surrendered and adopted as usual.
“There is no need for anyone to worry about the safety of their dogs,” Geraghty said. “We are taking all the appropriate precautions to protect the healthy dogs here and in our community.”
(story: KHQ.com; image: Spokane Humane Society)