A recent uptick in parvo and distemper cases has led to the Maricopa County Animal Care and Control to suspend all activities that bring new dogs into the shelters.
Spokesman Jose Santiago says the county pound is not accepting new dogs being surrendered for a week. Canine meet-and-greets and public dog walks also are being suspended for the next month.
Expanding on actions announced Tuesday, the Maricopa County Animal Care and Control department said Wednesday the East shelter will be under quarantine for the next two weeks and will not be taking any new dogs there.
The county says it “desperately” needs help from the public to foster or adopt dogs from its West shelter because space is "at a premium."
Both parvo and distemper are potentially fatal viral infections for dogs. Santiago says that while puppies are at greatest risk, the odds of getting sick increase for any dogs not current on vaccinations.
“You would not let your two-legged child play with a perfect stranger or play with another child that you’re unsure is healthy or not, same thing should be done with your pet," said Santiago.
Owners who notice symptoms like eye or nose discharge, tremors and teeth chattering should contact a veterinarian immediately.
