Douglasville, Georgia – Douglas County Animal Services (DCAS) has extended the closure of its animal shelter to the public until Wednesday, July 21. The extended closure will provide additional time for continued deep cleaning and animal quarantine efforts to help prevent the spread of “kennel cough.” The Shelter initially planned to reopen on Friday, July 16th.
Kennel cough is a contagious upper respiratory infection that most often affects dogs housed in kennels. Out of an abundance of caution, the DCAS staff has enacted protocols to contain the virus and help prevent the spread to surrounding pet residents. Medical treatment is being administered to those animals currently showing symptoms.
Upon arrival to the shelter, all animals are observed for kennel cough related symptoms, and vaccinated if needed. Unfortunately, the vaccination history for most incoming animals is unknown, and kennel cough symptoms can take 10-14 days to appear. Kennel cough can be easily treated with antibiotics, and DCAS is fully committed to preventing the spread of this airborne related illness both in the shelter and community at large.
For more information please contact Rick Martin, Director of Communications and Community Relations at rickmartin@co.douglas.ga.us.