Dog Adoptions Paused At Humane Society Of Harford County Due To Virus

HARFORD COUNTY, MD — Effective immediately, the Humane Society of Harford County has temporarily paused all dog adoptions and intakes after four dogs tested positive for canine parvovirus in the last several weeks, as well as a rise in parvovirus in general across Harford County.

"This decision is being made out of an abundance of caution to protect our current dog population, conduct testing and treat any affected dogs, and isolate the illness to mitigate exposure to new dogs. HSHC’s medical team is acting swiftly and following protocols with the hope that we can re-open in one week," the humane society stated Monday.

Canine parvovirus does not affect other species, so the shelter will stay open to adoptions and surrenders of cats, critters and barnyard animals.

“We are asking for the public’s understanding as we take these necessary precautions and focus on containing the illness,” said Fernando Diaz, HSHC director of operations. “We know it’s not ideal, but we’re asking pet owners to delay surrendering their dogs for at least a week. We’re also advising our community that if they find a dog, and if it’s possible, the best thing to do is to shelter the dog at home and notify us.”

Lost and found dogs
If at all possible, people are asked to not take lost dogs to HSHC. In the event that someone finds a dog, take the following steps to attempt to locate an owner, per the HSHC:

• Post photos and the location that you found the dog to social media and lost and found Facebook pages. Don’t forget to post to other sites like Ring and Nextdoor.
• Hang flyers in your neighborhood.
• Take the dog to a local veterinary hospital to have them scanned for a microchip.
• Fill out HSHC’s lost or found report at https://www.harfordshelter.org/lost-pet-form. We will make every effort to match reports and unify pets with their owners outside of the shelter.
• HSHC can loan you crates, bowls and other supplies while they last.

Resources
People are asked to delay surrendering dogs for at least a week, if at all possible, the HSHC stated.

"If you are struggling to care for your pet, please come in to take advantage of our pet food pantry or seek other resources. We believe that pets should stay with their families when possible, and we're here to support you," the shelter stated.

How to help during closure
The shelter stated that it may need emergency foster parents to help protect the healthy and fully vaccinated adult dogs in their care.

"Fostering not only keeps these dogs safe but also creates space for unavoidable emergency cases. If you’re able to foster or want to help during this critical time, please reach out to us at foster@harfordshelter.org or fill out the foster application at https://www.harfordshelter.org/foster-a-pet. By opening your home to a dog in need, you’re playing a vital role in keeping them safe and supporting HSHC through this difficult situation," the shelter noted.

Others interested in helping can donate at www.harfordshelter.org to help offset the cost of additional testing, medical supplies, cleaners and kennel supplies. The care team also is in need of supplies to help with the care of the dogs including blankets; protective gear like booties, vinyl gloves and disposable gowns; dog treats; and empty paper egg cartons for enrichment.

How to prevent the spread of parvo
The community is asked to take preventative measures to protect their dogs at home by vaccinating their dogs for distemper. Puppies can receive the series as young as six weeks while also needing a booster every three to four weeks until they have reached 16 weeks old. In adult dogs, their initial canine distemper will need a booster just once, two to four weeks after the initial. This will then be a yearly vaccine. Dogs not fully vaccinated should be isolated at home.

Canine parvovirus is a highly contagious virus that’s particularly prevalent in unvaccinated puppies and dogs that are immunocompromised. Dogs are exposed through direct contact with an infected dog’s feces or indirectly by contaminated objects such as toys, bedding, leashes and bowls. This virus is very resilient, so it is crucial to keep the infected dogs quarantined and dispose of contaminated items. The virus can also be passed from mother to puppy.

Dogs will usually show symptoms four to six days after being exposed. However, appearance of symptoms can range from three days to two weeks. Symptoms include, diarrhea, vomiting, lethargy, fever, dehydration and loss of appetite. Seek immediate veterinary care if your dog shows any signs of illness.