To curb the spread of the virus and ensure the health of the pets, the entire dog population at the Pet Resource Center will be moved to an offsite quarantine location
The Pet Resource Center is taking action to combat an outbreak of canine influenza by temporarily closing its doors and relocating its canine residents. The shelter, located at 440 N. Falkenburg Rd., will close from Wednesday, June 26, through Saturday, June 29, to undergo thorough cleaning and disinfection. It will reopen on Monday, July 1, for cat-related services only.
Starting July 1, PRC will open with normal hours and will operate as normal for the following cat-related services: drop-offs, adoptions, fosters, surrenders, and medical appointments.
Relocating
Shelter staff began relocating approximately 290 dogs to another County-owned facility starting June 25. These dogs will remain at the alternate location until they test negative for canine influenza. Once they receive a test showing they have antibodies for the virus, and have cleared the virus from their system, they will return to the PRC kennels. The shelter will not accept new dogs or place dogs through adoption or foster care until the dogs return to the shelter on or around July 15. Even though dog adoptions are on hold until dog operations resume, residents can still browse the online kennel to view available dogs and can even pre-adopt with waived adoption fees.
Preventing transmission
To prevent the transmission of the virus, staff have been divided into two groups, with one group working exclusively at PRC and the other at the temporary location. This measure will help ensure the virus does not spread between the two sites. Staff will be able to take advantage of the completely empty dog kennels to perform extensive deep cleaning and sanitizing, using techniques and cleaning solutions that they normally wouldn't be able to if dogs were in the kennels.
Dog flu
Canine influenza, also known as dog flu, is a highly contagious respiratory disease. Symptoms include a persistent cough, nasal discharge, fever, lethargy, and reduced appetite. While most dogs recover within two to three weeks, the virus can cause serious health issues or even death in rare cases. Approximately 20 percent of infected dogs show no symptoms but can still spread the virus.
The virus spreads rapidly in mass-housing operations like shelters and boarding kennels. Since dogs can carry the virus and show no symptoms, it's only a matter of time before any shelter is forced to react and curb a canine influenza outbreak.
The virus poses no threat to humans but can be transmitted via clothing or skin contact. Therefore, stringent disinfection protocols are being implemented at both locations.
Stray pets during the quarantine
During the quarantine period, stray pets should be reported to the Lost and Found Pets of Tampa Bay Facebook page, the Nextdoor App, and by calling Animal Control at (813) 744-5660. While PRC is unable to take in stray dogs at this time, Hillsborough County Animal Control is assisting with the offsite shelter and will be available on a limited basis for sick or injured animals and public safety cases. If able, residents are encouraged to keep friendly strays at their house and out of the shelter. The Pet Resource Center can provide food, collars, leashes, and other items as needed to residents while they are caring for strays.
Residents currently caring for a stray can contact PRC at (813) 301-PETS (7387).