The Lake County Animal Shelter has modified its operations due to multiple confirmed cases of canine pneumovirus. Canine pneumovirus is a highly contagious respiratory illness spread through airborne transmission and there are currently no vaccines available for the virus. Recent months have shown canine pneumovirus cases increasing throughout Florida animal shelters.
Canine pneumovirus is one of many viruses that causes canine infectious respiratory disease complex (CIRDC). The virus remains viable on infected surfaces, such as cages, water bowls, and fabrics, such as collars, unless properly sanitized. Dog owners should watch for these common symptoms associated with canine pneumovirus: coughing, sneezing and nasal discharge. In rare cases when left untreated, the infection can result in pneumonia, causing further respiratory problems like shortness of breath. Residents should contact their veterinarian immediately if their dog shows any of these signs.
Due to the highly contagious nature of the virus, the Lake County Animal Shelter will halt the intake of new dogs. Residents with a found dog are encouraged to file a report with the Lake County Animal Shelter, post on social media or community pages, and walk the dog through the neighborhood to help reunite the animal with their owner. The vast majority of lost dogs are found less than a mile from their home. Residents with a found dog can schedule a drive-thru visit to scan for a microchip, free vaccines, deworming, flea treatment, and supply pick-up. Supplies provided include food, a crate, toys, and a collar/leash. You can use FindingRover.com (with pet facial recognition technology) to list the found pet and to search through lost pets. You can also register the pet on PawBoost.com.
The Lake County Animal Shelter is currently providing care to multiple dogs suffering from canine pneumovirus, and, as a result, the shelter urgently needs additional supplies, such as towels and wash cloths and enrichment activities such as Kongs and peanut butter. To donate supplies, please drop off the items at the facility’s front door. If you have not found a pet but are interested in joining our team of foster families, visit the LCAS website to register.
While intake is suspended, the Sheriff’s Office’s Animal Enforcement unit will be limiting its responses to only those calls that are deemed emergency in nature until further notice. This limited response is being implemented to help shelter staff reduce exposure within the shelter, thus minimizing further spread of the virus.
Many pets are currently available for adoption, and positive placement of available animals will continue. Additional adoption counseling is being provided to educate potential adopters about canine pneumovirus. Recent adopters are encouraged to contact the Lake County Animal Shelter if their dog shows any symptoms, such as sneezing or nasal discharge. To help new and recent adopters ensure their new pet is safe and healthy, the 7-day sneeze free guarantee is being increased to 14-days.
To allow additional staff time for cleaning, sanitizing, and to care for infected dogs, the Lake County Animal Shelter will adjust its hours of operation. The shelter will be open to the public 1 p.m. – 6 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, 1 p.m. – 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. The shelter will remain closed on Wednesdays and holidays.
The Lake County Animal Shelter is located at 12280 CR 448, Tavares, FL. Residents may call 352-343-9688 or email at AnimalShelter@lakecountyfl.gov.
