Dallas Animal Services is urging residents to temporarily foster dogs to help contain a distemper outbreak at the city shelter.
The shelter has limited intake to the most critical cases as it works to separate healthy pets from infected animals. Officials say fostering will help reduce crowding, slow the spread of the virus and save lives.
“Although we vaccinate dogs for distemper upon intake, it takes a few days before the vaccine becomes effective,” said Victoria Bennett, Assistant Director, Dallas Animal Services. “Even just three weeks of fostering can make a huge difference for a dog. This is a critical moment for Dallas to come together. People who can safely foster right now are literally helping stop the spread of disease and save lives in the process.”
Distemper is a highly contagious and potentially fatal disease that spreads between dogs through direct contact, such as coughing and sneezing. Unvaccinated puppies and dogs are most at risk. The illness is preventable with a distemper vaccine, which veterinarians recommend giving to puppies between 6 and 8 weeks of age, followed by annual boosters.
Dallas Animal Services said no prior foster approval is needed for those willing to help.
Visit DAS Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, & Fridays from 11 am–7 pm, Wednesdays from 1 pm–7 pm, and weekends from 11 am–6 pm, and take home a foster dog the same day. All supplies and any medical care will be provided. For additional information, email DASFoster@dallas.gov.
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