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Due to a confirmed case of kennel cough, the Prince Edward County Animal Shelter is currently under quarantine. Effective as of Tuesday, April 1, Prince Edward County Animal Control announced that the shelter is under a two-week quarantine due to a case of the highly contagious canine respiratory infection. 

Defining kennel cough

As for what kennel cough is, we mentioned it’s a respiratory infection. It can come through one of three ways, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association. The first is through a bacteria, picked up through a dog’s interaction with infected soil or plants. The second is from infection by the canine flu and the third is from infection by the coronavirus. AVMA officials say symptoms of kennel cough include gagging or vomiting, a dry cough that sounds almost like a honk and a possible fever. 

“It is our standard protocol to take every animal with signs of illness to a veterinary clinic,” said Prince Edward Chief Animal Control Officer Adam Mumma. “In this case, the animal was taken to the veterinarian at the next available appointment. The animal is now under the care of a veterinarian.” 

What does quarantine mean? 

No animals will be accepted or released from the animal shelter during the quarantine period. So that means residents cannot drop any pets off during that two-week period. Additionally, no visitors or volunteers will be allowed to enter the shelter while the quarantine is in effect.

“During the quarantine, the County will limit what comes into the Animal Shelter to emergencies, which is bite and cruelty cases only,” Mumma said. “Animal Control will not accept owner surrenders and cannot pick up stray dogs during the quarantine. If you find a stray, we are asking our citizens to please still file a report with Animal Control, but to also please be patient until the quarantine ends.”

Mumma said a public announcement will be made when the quarantine is lifted and animals are again available for adoption. The shelter officials will also notify residents when strays can be picked up. Animals that are currently at the shelter will be monitored for symptoms and treated, as needed.

If you have any questions about the quarantine, you can contact the shelter at 434-223-7310.