Outbreak Halts Dog Adoptions, Viewings At Prince George's County Animal Shelter

PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY, MD — An outbreak among dogs at the Prince George’s County Animals Services Facility and Adoption Center has prompted officials to halt all dog adoptions and viewings.

Shelter staff are working to identify the undetermined illness, stop the spread of the disease and treat dogs who are sick. The disease is not spreading from dogs to other animals in the facility, officials said.

“As we continue to see overcrowding in our shelter, we are seeing an uptick of disease, as are other shelters nationwide, and we are acting quickly to help stop the spread of this disease,” said David Fisher, associate director of the county department of animal services. “The best place for a dog to be now is with their owner. If you have no pets and would be willing to short-term foster a dog not showing signs of illness, please reach out to fosterpgcpets@co.pg.md.us.”

A canine can leave the facility if:

• It is being returned to the owner.
• An adoption is in process and the pet shows no signs of illness; or
• The pet is considered for fostering and shows no signs of illness.

All other animal adoptions and interactions continue as normal.