As canine upper respiratory infections (URI) continue to spread in the community, region and nationwide, The Fairfax County Animal Shelter (FCAS) is seeing an uptick in dogs entering the shelter's care that have been infected. 

Shelter environments and other places where large numbers of animals are housed or congregated can be ideal for illness to incubate and quickly spread. In coordination with shelter veterinarians, FCAS staff continue to employ robust cleaning protocols, monitor all dogs daily for symptoms, treat symptomatic dogs and pursue further diagnostic testing.

To help prevent the spread of canine URI and keep pets healthy, community members can take these proactive measures:

• Recognize the symptoms of canine URI and consult your veterinarian with any concerns. Symptoms include any combination of a loud cough, runny eyes, nasal discharge (often thick and green), wheezing, lack of appetite and depressed behavior.
• Avoid areas where groups gather with unfamiliar dogs, such as dog parks, daycare and boarding facilities. Canine URI is highly contagious and spreads through dog-to-dog contact, including contact with contaminated surfaces. 
• Ensure your dog is up to date on all their vaccinations. 

How can you help shelter dogs?

1. Adopt: We often have pets of every species available for adoption. Cat and small animal adoptions help, too, as fewer pets in the shelter overall allow our staff to devote more time and attention to dogs undergoing medical care.
2. Postpone surrendering: Whenever possible, FCAS aims to keep pets and families together. FCAS can provide assistance in caring for your pet, such as vaccines, food and supplies or temporary crisis care through the shelter’s Pet Resouce Center. If you need to rehome your dog, please consider self-supported rehoming options such as posting in neighborhood social media groups, utilizing Rehome by Adopt a Pet and reaching out to friends and family. If you need to surrender your dog to the shelter, please try to delay at least two weeks, and make sure your dog is up to date on all vaccinations to help them remain healthy once they are at the shelter. 
3. Donate to the shelter: Monetary donations to the shelter’s nonprofit fundraising partner, The Friends of Fairfax County Animal Shelter, are greatly appreciated, as they contribute to supporting the shelter's vital programs and services, including medical care. Additionally, the shelter's most needed items are always listed on its Amazon Wish List.

The Fairfax County Animal Shelter locations include the Michael R. Frey Campus, 4500 West Ox Rd., Fairfax, VA 22030, and the Lorton Campus, 8875 Lorton Rd., Lorton, VA 22079. Walk-ins are welcome, and no appointments are required for adoptions. The shelter is open Tuesday through Sunday: Tuesday and Wednesday from noon to 5 p.m., Thursday and Friday from noon to 7 p.m., Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and closed Mondays.

For more information about the adoption process and to see pets available for adoption, visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/animalshelter/adopt.