Despite Illness ‘It’s OK’ to Adopt Dogs, Cats, County Says

Eighteen cases of parvovirus have been reported at Hillsborough County Animal Services in July.

That number, however, doesn’t add up to an “outbreak,” county officials stressed during a press conference on the topic July 31.

“It’s OK to adopt a dog or a cat from our shelter,” County Administrator Mike Merrill assured during the conference.

News of the parvovirus cases at Animal Services has created backlash from animal rights activists, shelter volunteers and others concerned about the welfare of creatures in the county’s care. Animal Services has come under fire recently not only for the reported cases of disease, but also for overcrowding, a lack of overall care for the animals and poor communication among staff members. 

Two staff veterinarians even resigned in recent weeks.

Parvovirus is responsible for the recent closing of the Pasco County Animal Services shelter in Land O’ Lakes. While the virus that causes vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite and even death among dogs was classified as an “outbreak” there, that’s not the case in Hillsborough, officials stressed.

Hillsborough Animal Services director Ian Hallett said 18 cases of parvo were reported in July 2013 versus 26 cases last July. The drop does not signify an “outbreak,” Merrill said. Parvo, he added, is known to increase in frequency during the summer months.

Friends of Hillsborough County Animal Services recently posted a blog on Patch that explains the summer rise in parvo numbers. It also provides advice for helping prevent the spread of the virus.

Animal Services in Transition

Animal Services has undergone a number of changes in recent months as the county has made a concerted effort to increase adoption rates and decrease euthanasia. Since adopting its Be the Way Home plan, the agency has taken fire from critics about overcrowding, a lack of care for animals and more.

County Commissioners recently upped funding for the agency by $250,000. 

It was announced Wednesday that a structural change is also under way. The agency’s animal control officers will now temporarily report to the county’s Code Enforcement department, Merrill said. This will free up Hallett and other administrators to focus on getting problems at the shelter straightened out, he added.

The realignment of field officers isn’t a permanent move at this point, but Merrill said it could become so down the road.

Have you adopted a pet from Animal Services in the past? What did you think about the experience? Tell us by commenting below!