Dog Tests Positive for Canine Distemper Virus

Pinal County Animal Care and Control (PCACC) will be pausing public dog walks, doggy playgroups, and dog-to-dog meet and greets for the public until further notice. PCACC is still open to view adoptable cats, purchase a license, and complete other administrative needs.

We have received results that a dog in our general population tested positive for Canine Distemper Virus. Canine distemper is a contagious and serious disease caused by the canine distemper virus. The virus attacks the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and nervous systems of dogs. We are taking every measure to limit exposure and prevent the spread within the shelter. We are doing so by revaccinating all the dogs in its shelter, limiting dog to dog contact (i.e. halting public dog walks, play groups, public walking through the kennels and assigning designated teams for animal handling and cleaning to reduce cross contamination) and getting as many animals out to foster or adoptive homes as possible.

PCACC will be halting all non-emergency owner surrenders for at least the next 10 days while we await the results of diagnostic testing for a large portion of our canine population. Citizens who find stray dogs will be asked to bring the animal to the shelter for vaccination and then hold the pet for 72 hours to provide the best chance of protection when they enter the shelter.

We are still open for fosters and adopters! We are not currently conducting dog-to-dog meet and greets. Instead, dog-to-human meet and greets will be held by car side in our parking lot, rather than within our meet and greet rooms, to help reduce cross-contamination. Our incredible match-making adoption team will do their best to match you with the dog that is the right fit! All fosters and adopters will be sent home with the required medications for PCACC pets.

PCACC would greatly appreciate your help. We have more than a dozen puppies of various ages within the shelter that are the most at risk. If you can foster puppies for even a short time, please reach out to us at [email protected]

Owners should ensure that all pets in their care have been vaccinated against distemper, as this is the most effective measure to prevent infection. All dogs are at risk of canine distemper. Those at particular risk include puppies younger than four months and dogs that have not been vaccinated against canine distemper virus, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association.

If your animals are not vaccinated, don't take them to public spaces such as dog parks, the shelter, doggy day care, etc. Owners also should avoid urban wildlife reservoirs, such as arroyos and washes, where dogs may encounter javelinas, coyotes, or other wildlife.