WEST PALM BEACH – Due to an increased number of viral diseases from animals being placed into the temporary kennel in the parking lot, Palm Beach County Animal Care and Control has halted its night drop for the month of September.
Animal Care and Control is an open admission shelter which means no domestic animals are ever turned away. Residents finding stray pets are encouraged to bring the animals to the shelter during hours open to the public.
Canine parvovirus in dogs and puppies, and panleukopenia in cats and kittens are two highly contagious viral diseases, officials said. Dogs suspected of having infectious diseases should never be placed into a communal drop. Owners who suspect their pets may have any illness should seek medical care through a private veterinarian. Due to the panleukopenia disease, cat or kitten adoptions have also been suspended for the week.
Officials at the shelter said night drop is becoming inundated with residents placing feral cats, raccoons, and even their own dogs or cats into the cages.
Since the shelter is an open admission facility, owners who no longer want their pets, or trappers with feral cats or wildlife, should always come to the division during open hours. Visit the website for shelter hours at www.pbcgov.com/animal or call (561) 233-1200.