Sierra Vista’s animal care center is suspending public access to view and walk its dogs for about two weeks to ensure several cases of “kennel cough” are contained.
Kennel cough is the common name of a highly contagious respiratory disease affecting dogs. With proper care and treatment, symptoms typically remain mild and infected dogs are no longer contagious after about 10 days.
Dogs showing symptoms will be quarantined and treated. Staff will observe all other dogs for signs of infection and will disinfect their kennels daily. Pending adoptions will be completed but all new dog adoptions will be put on hold.
“Kennel cough is typically no more serious than the common cold but it’s important that we limit exposure to keep our dogs healthy and prepare them for potential adoptions as soon as we can,” Animal Control Supervisor Arleen Garcia says. “Cats and other small pets are still available for viewing and adoption while the sick dogs get well.”