Twenty puppies and small dogs at the Indianapolis Animal Care Services have been exposed to canine parvovirus, a highly contagious virus that attacks the digestive system of animals. The shelter is urgently seeking temporary homes for these dogs while they clean and disinfect cages and common areas to prevent the spread of the virus. Dawn Olsen, chief communications officer for the Department of Business and Neighborhood Services, emphasizes the importance of fostering the exposed puppies until the shelter can confirm the virus hasn’t spread.
While humans cannot contract parvo, it is crucial for pet owners to be aware of the symptoms in their dogs, which include diarrhea, vomiting, and extreme lethargy. Olsen advises potential fosters to keep the puppies separate from their other animals and practice good hygiene by cleaning up after pets and washing hands after handling animal waste.
Despite the recent exposure, Olsen assures the public that there is not an outbreak of parvo at the shelter and the call for fostering is a precautionary measure. Those interested in fostering can find more information on the IACS Rescue Trello page. The shelter is open Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Adoption fees are waived this weekend only. The shelter is located at 2600 S. Harding St.
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