Dog owner surrender services on hold through Dec. 1 due to highly contagious disease
Source: San Diego Humane Society
November 13, 2023 (San Diego) — San Diego Humane Society (SDHS) is temporarily pausing owner surrenders of dogs, except in emergencies that threaten the health of the pet, due to occurrences of a respiratory disease called Streptococcus Equi subspecies Zooepidemicus (also known as Strep zoo) and a bacterial infection called Mycoplasma. The two in combination have led to more severe disease than what the shelter might see with just one of these pathogens.
Because the shelter is already operating over capacity, and to prevent the spread of disease, the organization is:
- Limiting its dog intake to stray animals through Dec. 1, 2023.
- Requesting that all relinquishments of other species be made by appointment only.
- Waiving reclaim fees for anyone picking up their lost dog through Dec. 1, 2023.
- Waiving adoption fees for all puppies and dogs through Dec. 1, 2023.
- Pleading with the community to temporarily foster a dog in hopes of getting at least 100 dogs out of the shelter as soon as possible.
Three dogs have died from Strep zoo at the organization's San Diego Campus.
Strep zoo is a bacteria that is primarily spread through direct contact and fomites. To prevent the spread of the disease, all 77 dogs who have tested positive or been exposed to Strep zoo are being treated and staff working with the dogs are required to wear personal protective equipment.
San Diego Humane Society is currently operating at 178% capacity for dogs and 116% capacity for cats and continues to be flooded with animals in need.
“Any shelter that cares for the large number of animals we care for is used to managing infectious disease. But this is the first time we have had this highly virulent pathogen,” said Dr. Gary Weitzman, President and CEO at San Diego Humane Society. “We believe this is a direct result of having to operate over capacity this entire year. We really need the community's help to save lives here.”
Serving San Diego County since 1880, San Diego Humane Society has campuses in El Cajon, Escondido, Oceanside, Ramona and San Diego. For more information, visit sdhumane.org.
