QUARANTINE FOR DOGS ENDED JAN. 3 AND DOG ADOPTIONS HAVE RESUMED AS OF WED, JAN. 4
Strep Zoo Update
In mid-December, we confirmed two positive cases of a more severe respiratory illness, Streptococcus Zooepidemicus (Strep zoo), a potentially fatal bacterial respiratory pathogen that, while rare, can affect dogs in a shelter setting. We thankfully caught the illness early and our veterinary team moved to a rapid quarantine plan, which included immediately administering an injectable prophylactic antibiotic to all shelter dogs as a preventive measure. We also made efforts to reach the owners of all dogs who were adopted or reclaimed from our shelter between Dec. 15 and Dec 22 to provide prophylactic antibiotics for their dogs at no cost. We are happy to report no other cases of Strep zoo were detected and thus we have ended the quarantine and have resumed dog adoptions during normal business hours as of January 4. Dog surrender services will resume after Jan 8th.
Common Questions
What if my dog was recently housed at RAS?
- If your dog was housed on or before Dec. 14, he or she would not have been here during the known exposure window, so no action is needed.
- If you adopted or reclaimed a lost dog between Dec 15 and 22, we likely attempted to reach you to offer a preventive dose of oral prophylactic antibiotics at no cost as a precautionary measure. If for some reason we were unable to reach you, you can still come in during normal business hours to receive the antibiotics at no cost. However, if your dog is not showing any signs of illness by this time, it is probably not necessary to take this step.
- If your dog was housed between Dec 22 and Jan 2, he or she would have already been given the prophylactic antibiotic as a preventive measure.
What are the signs of Strep zoo in dogs?
Dogs may exhibit sneezing, nasal discharge, difficulty breathing, lethargy (low energy), a fever, and possibly vomiting. This bacterium can progress very quickly, and you should seek immediate care if you see any of these signs.
- NOTE: The above symptoms can also be attributed to other illnesses, so any time a pet is showing signs of any illness, it is important to seek veterinary care.
Can humans contract Strep zoo?
It is unlikely but possible. If you have a dog that has been potentially exposed to Strep zoo and develop signs of respiratory illness, especially if you are immune- compromised, contact your medical care professional.
Is it safe to adopt a dog from your shelter?
While there is always a small risk of adopting a pet with an illness from any shelter or rescue, we believe our adoption process is safe and that our Strep zoo infection risk is very minimal at this time. Dogs currently available for adoption did not have any direct exposure to the infected dogs. They have been given a preventive antibiotic and have been under a lengthy quarantine and close observation. We have not had a positive case in over two weeks, which is well beyond the incubation period for Strep zoo.
What if I have to surrender my dog?
We know this can be a very difficult decision. While our quarantine has ended, we are still caring for a high number of animals. We will resume surrender services after Jan. 8th. Please see our surrender page to schedule an appointment.
What if I need to return a dog I adopted from RAS?
We know adoptions do not always work out and we are happy to take your dog back. While our quarantine has ended, we are still caring for a high number of animals. If you are able to keep this pet through Jan 8th , that would be helpful for us. However, if you are unable to, we will take your adopted dog back at RAS.
What if my lost dog is being housed at your shelter?
If your dog is here, you may reclaim him or her during normal business hours.
What if my pet was lost during your quarantine period?
Whenever a pet is lost, it is important to directly visit and frequently check the lost dog pages of all local animal shelters as soon as possible, including Riverdale, as we did take in a few lost dogs during the quarantine. We are also aware some dogs from Adams County jurisdictions may have gone to Denver Animal Shelter, Denver Dumb Friends League, and the Humane Society of Boulder Valley, who kindly assisted us during the quarantine period.
What if I find a lost pet?
While our quarantine has ended, we are still caring for a high number of animals. Please contact your local animal control agency for assistance, as we are working to divert stray dog intakes at our shelter if possible through Jan. 8.
What if I need end-of-life services for my dog?
We recognize this is a very difficult time and are able to provide that support. More information.
What services is RAS providing right now?
While our quarantine has ended, we are still caring for a high number of animals. We will resume dog surrenders and lost dog intakes after Jan. 8 . We are providing all other services to include adoption, found pet reclaims, end-of-life services, as well as our appointment-based vaccination and microchip clinics.
What if I have more questions?
Please contact the shelter at 720.523.7387 or [email protected].
