The Pinal County Animal Care and Control shelter is temporarily halting public dog walks, playgroups and dog-to-dog meet-and-greets after a dog in its general population tested positive for Canine Distemper, the shelter announced late last night. 

Canine distemper is a highly contagious virus that attacks the respiratory, gastrointestinal and nervous systems of dogs. In response to the confirmed case, shelter officials are taking extensive precautions to limit exposure and prevent further spread of the disease. 

PCACC has paused all nonemergency owner surrenders until at least May 8, ten days after the initial diagnosis. The county is awaiting diagnostic test results from a large portion of its canine population. 

Anyone who finds stray dogs is asked to bring the animals to the shelter for immediate vaccination and then foster them for 72 hours to give the animals the best chance at protection before they enter the shelter. 

“We are doing everything we can to limit exposure within the shelter,” PCACC officials said in a statement to InMaricopa. “This includes revaccinating all dogs in our care, limiting dog-to-dog contact and assigning designated teams for animal handling and cleaning to reduce cross-contamination.” 

Despite the worrisome positive diagnosis at the nearby Casa Grande shelter, dog owners in Maricopa weren’t taking extra precautions. 

“I’m not too concerned,” said Robert Uhrine, 67, at Copper Sky dog park this morning. “We’re here every day. I know the dogs and dog owners that come here.” 

His rescues, Andy and Maxx, enjoy the midday sun while Uhrine has a cigar. The Palo Brea resident was the only one at the docile section of the dog park Tuesday in the late morning. 

While dog-to-dog meet-and-greets are paused, PCACC remains open for cat adoptions, pet licensing and administrative services. Until the shelter gets the all-clear test results, human meet-and-greets will happen in the parking lot instead of indoor meeting rooms. 

Shelter officials are especially seeking fosters for puppies, who are the most vulnerable to the virus. Puppies younger than four months are at especially high risk. Those willing to foster puppies are urged to email [email protected].  

Unvaccinated dogs should avoid public spaces such as dog parks, shelters and day care facilities. Officials also cautioned owners to avoid areas where pets might encounter wildlife like coyotes and javelinas, which can also carry the virus. 

Updates on the situation will be provided as more test results come in, PCACC said.