A sudden outbreak of canine pneumovirus at Austin Animal Services has raised the shelter’s need for adoptions and fostering during the holiday season.
Outbreak Details
The shelter confirmed three dogs testing positive for canine pneumovirus, a contagious but non‑fatal respiratory virus that spreads through droplets from coughing, barking or sneezing. Symptoms include coughing, sneezing, nasal discharge, loss of appetite or fever.
Managed Operations
Elizabeth Ferrer of Austin Animal Services said the shelter will not close entirely but will operate in a managed capacity for at least the next three weeks. She said, “We are not closing completely, but we are going to have managed operations and that is what is happening at least for the next three weeks,”. The agency is focusing on mitigation by moving dogs from the intake area—where the risk is lower—into other parts of the facility to reduce crowding and potential exposure.
Community Response and Adoption Drive
APA! has partnered with the shelter, pulling dogs from the intake area and looking to take in about 30 dogs, though it must clear space at its Town Lake location. The organization is calling on the community to foster 25–35 dogs for at least three weeks and has launched a “name your own price” adoption special that runs through the end of the month.
Key Takeaways
- Three dogs have tested positive for canine pneumovirus at Austin Animal Services.
- The shelter will remain open in a managed capacity for the next three weeks.
- APA! is seeking to take in 30 dogs and is encouraging community fostering of 25–35 dogs.
With the virus still circulating, Austin Animal Services and APA! are working to keep the shelter operational while encouraging the public to adopt or foster dogs, helping to meet the heightened demand during the holiday season.
