After a two month lockdown due to Canine Distemper Virus (CDV), Cincinnati Animal CARE’s (CAC) Northside shelter is fully reopening with a “name-your-price” adoption event.
The shelter partially shuttered operations in early April when it confirmed two cases of CDV in stray dogs that had arrived at the Northside shelter. Dozens of dogs required euthanization in the process of treating the shelter population, but CAC said it was able to successfully treat nearly 100 dogs who had been infected. CDV is highly contagious for dogs, primarily impacting unvaccinated dogs and puppies. CDV can cause a variety of symptoms, including fever, cough, eye and nose discharge, GI distress, lethargy and swelling of the paw pads.
“While this has been a challenging period, the team was able to pivot quickly, adjust operations and maximize lifesaving,” said Carolyn Evans, executive director of CAC.
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CAC enlisted the help of Dr. Cynda Crawford of the University of Florida, who specializes in CDV outbreaks, to control the spread and treat dogs in their Northside shelter. Crawford discovered the canine influenza virus and developed its vaccine and has helped more than 100 shelters across the country get through CDV outbreaks, according to CAC spokesperson Ray Anderson.
“Despite the fact Cincinnati CARE has the municipal contract [requiring the continued intake of stray dogs], they made the decision to save as many lives as possible,” said Dr. Crawford in a press release. “I will say they are part of a very small club. Most municipal shelters I’ve worked with don’t have resources to keep infected dogs [alive].”
In a June 12 news release, CAC announced the shelter has returned to normal operations and that interested new pet parents can again walk through the Northside kennels and meet their next potential pet.
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To celebrate the shelter’s successful return to normal, CAC will host a name-your-price event the weekend of June 17-18, along with a “CARE Cookout” on June 17 with free hot dogs and veggie dogs.
“Name-your-price adoption fees mean just that — you pick your adoption fee,” said Anderson. “Even during lockdown, our work never stopped and we have a lot of awesome, healthy and snuggly dogs ready to meet you.”
The adoption fee applies to all dogs over the age of 6 months at all CAC locations – 3949 Colerain Ave. and 4210 Dane Ave. in Northside, and CAC’s Pet Adoption Center at 3262 Highland Ave. in Pleasant Ridge. Licenses, leashes, collars and other merchandise are not included in the price. The adoption fee includes spay/neuter surgery, microchip, and age-appropriate vaccines, according to CAC.
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This article appears in May 31 – Jun 13, 2023.