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Dog adoptions on hold, Prince George’s Shelter takes action to stop illness spread

Here's what anyone looking to adopt in the area needs to know.

PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY, Md. — Prince George’s County Animal Shelter is pressing "paws" on dog adoptions—for now! Due to an undetermined illness affecting dogs at the facility, the Animal Services Facility and Adoption Center (ASFAC) in Largo, MD, has temporarily halted all dog adoptions and viewings as they work to contain the spread.

The staff at ASFAC is moving quickly to investigate the mystery illness, isolating affected dogs and initiating quarantine protocols to prevent any further spread. The good news? The illness appears to be confined to dogs and isn’t affecting other animals in the shelter.

David Fisher, Associate Director of the Department of Animal Services, explains, “With shelters nationwide facing overcrowding, we’re seeing a rise in disease, and we’re acting quickly to help stop the spread.” To help alleviate the situation, he’s encouraging those without pets to consider fostering a healthy dog temporarily. If interested, potential fosters can reach out to fosterpgcpets@co.pg.md.us.

Despite the temporary halt on dog adoptions, a few special cases may still leave the facility, including:

  • Return-to-owner (RTO) dogs
  • Dogs with adoptions already in process who show no signs of illness
  • Healthy dogs being considered for fostering

In any of these situations, pet owners will be asked to sign a waiver acknowledging the possibility of exposure.

For now, the shelter is asking pet owners throughout the community to take precautions to protect their pets. Keep your dog’s vaccinations up to date, avoid shared water bowls, and watch out for any symptoms like coughing or runny noses—if you notice anything, reach out to a veterinarian.

Other animal adoptions at ASFAC are still running smoothly, and the shelter will provide updates on the dog adoption status as more information becomes available. For questions or updates, call ASFAC at (301) 780-7200.

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