Pocatello Animal Shelter reopening after puppies test negative for contagious disease

POCATELLO – The Pocatello Animal Shelter is reopening its doors to the public.

On Friday, Pocatello Animal Services temporarily paused animal adoptions after finding Canine parvovirus in some of its puppies. Now that the animals under its roof have continually tested negative for the virus, it’s unpausing animal adoptions, effective on Tuesday.

“We sincerely appreciate the community’s patience, understanding, and support as we worked to manage this situation,” a news release from the city of Pocatello says.

While people will now be allowed back to the facility, animal services is keeping volunteer activities suspended “until further notice.”

“We’re not 100% out of the woods yet. I’d like to say we are, but we’re still monitoring the situation,” Chris Abbott, director of animal services, explained to EastIdahoNews.com.

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Out of an abundance of caution, animal services will keep the 10 puppies at the shelter isolated and continue to closely monitor them and ensure they continue to test negative for the virus. The puppies won’t be available for adoption until the shelter veterinarian clears them.

Parvovirus attacks the white blood cells and gastrointestinal tract of not just dogs, but other canids, like coyotes, wolves and foxes, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association. Puppies, which are more at risk if infected, can also have their heart muscle damaged.

Animal services found out parvovirus had breached the facility when four puppies began exhibiting severe symptoms and tested positive for the virus. In order to protect the other animals, animal services humanely euthanized the puppies infected with the virus.

“We never want to put puppies to sleep,” Abbott said. “Unfortunately, it happens sometimes, and to protect the animals here in our care … sometimes it’s necessary.”

It isn’t clear how the virus made it into the shelter because there are many possibilities.

“I wish I knew,” Abbott said. “It could have been from any one of the puppies. It could have been from a volunteer coming in (with it) being on their shoes. It could have been from my staff coming in (with it) on their shoes. It could have been from myself. It’s hard to determine.”

Currently, the shelter’s population is around three-fourths of its maximum capacity. There are currently 37 dogs, 34 cats, 10 puppies and 18 kittens at the shelter. Abbott expects to see more puppies and kittens admitted into the shelter this season.

Abbott discourages people who are not responsible enough to take care of a pet from adopting one on a “whim.” People who do that often end up bringing the animal back to the shelter.

But for people who are capable of taking care of an animal, he said that adopting one and taking care of it is a rewarding experience.

“It’s really rewarding. It becomes part of their family,” Abbott said. “I come home to them every day. I love having them. I wouldn’t know what to do without them.”

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