Midlothian animal shelter suspends surrenders and adoptions

MIDLOTHIAN — The Midlothian Animal Shelter has temporarily suspended intake of surrendered animals and adoptions for one week beginning today, January 22, 2018 through Monday, January 29, 2018. This closure is to isolate dogs that are currently impounded in the shelter that have shown signs of respiratory disease.

There were several puppies that became ill suddenly with a respiratory illness over the weekend. Respiratory viruses can spread very quickly through animals. The animals currently in the shelter have been placed on medication (provided by a veterinarian) and all animals at the shelter showing symptoms of the respiratory illness are currently being treated.

All shelters are at risk for respiratory viruses. Infectious respiratory disease is highly contagious. This is why animal shelters, boarding facilities, and doggy day cares are all highly watchful for this disease. It's important to wash your hands after touching any dog to prevent the potential spread of illness!

Runny nose, watery eyes, and a classic “hacking cough” are the hallmarks of infectious respiratory disease. The cough can sometimes be confused with vomiting. It has been described as “something stuck in my dog’s throat” or “like a cat trying to hack up a hairball.”

Loose and aggressive animals that pose a public health and safety threat will still be impounded at the shelter from January 22, 2018 to January 29, 2018, but kept in a separate area of the shelter and not come in contact with the isolated animals.