After receiving a clean bill of health, Columbus Animal Protective Services (APS) reopened its doors for business this morning (Monday).
“We are here and ready to help,” said APS employee Craig Leggett.
The shelter closed last week after an outbreak of parvovirus. The highly contagious disease affects dogs and puppies, and is often fatal. Parvo cases have been on the rise this year across North and South Carolina. It can be prevented through vaccinations both for pregnant and nursing mother dogs as well as puppies.
Parvo can be spread through human or animal contact, even when an infected animal is asymptomatic. Signs include weakness, bloody stools and dehydration.
When a puppy tested positive for the virus last week, the shelter shut down as required by state law. APS scrambled to find alternatives for dogs that were being brought to the shelter. Some animals went to emergency foster homes without ever reaching the shelter. All animals at the shelter now are healthy and many are in need of new homes, Leggett said.
August is half-price month at APS, with the adoption fee for dogs dropped to $67.50 and $37.50 for cats. Each adoption includes rabies vaccination, a dewormer, other vaccinations, and a spay and neuter voucher.
Call 910.641.3945 for more information. Animals may be viewed from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
