Pasco Animal Shelter's Temporary Closure Extended

Pasco County Animal Services in Land O’ Lakes will remain closed to the public for longer than expected after more dogs tested positive for parvovirus. 

Officials had temporarily shuttered the public adoption area a week ago when four dogs were found to contain the canine virus. The facility was to remain closed until July 9 but now three more animals are positive, keeping the closure in effect until July 16 pending no further outbreaks, officials have now announced.

“All animals in the facility are being carefully monitored and if any show symptoms of illness they’re being evaluated and isolated,” Suzanne Salichs, Ph.D., Assistant County Administrator for Public Services, said in a statement. “We have implemented precautionary measures to ensure the health and well-being of the animals in our care. We appreciate the support of the community as we experience this hardship and look forward to reopening dog adoptions when the risk has been eliminated.”

Parvovirus is considered very contagious. Dogs that enter the shelter are examined and given vaccinations, officials said, but the virus has a three-to-12-day incubation period. During the incubation period, dogs that carry the virus can test negative for it.