CAA pauses dog adoptions, intakes due to canine distemper cases

Companion Animal Alliance (CAA) has paused dog adoptions and restricted dog intakes to emergency cases after confirming five dogs have canine distemper. The East Baton Rouge Parish shelter is implementing isolation and sanitation protocols to stop the spread of the highly contagious viral disease.

How is Companion Animal Alliance responding to the outbreak?

The shelter’s veterinary team has enhanced disease-control measures, according to CAA. These actions include isolating affected animals, expanding testing, and increasing monitoring of the population.

Staff have also implemented enhanced sanitation protocols and additional vaccination efforts for animals at risk. Development Director Holly Danielson confirmed that this is the first outbreak the organization has faced.

Executive Director J.T. Hackett stated that the health and safety of the animals is the highest priority. Hackett noted that while outbreaks are an unfortunate reality for open-intake facilities, the shelter has established protocols to respond aggressively.

Did You Know? Companion Animal Alliance is the only open-intake shelter in East Baton Rouge Parish and estimates that approximately 9,000 animals enter the facility annually.

What does this mean for adoptions and intakes?

Dog adoptions are currently stopped, and it is unknown how long they will remain closed. However, cat adoptions will continue from Friday, June 19, through Wednesday, June 24.

Intakes for dogs are now limited to emergency situations only. This restriction is part of a broader effort to protect the welfare of animals currently in the shelter’s care.

Expert Insight: Samantha Carter notes that in open-intake environments, the speed of isolation is the primary factor in preventing a localized cluster from becoming a facility-wide crisis. The decision to halt adoptions suggests a cautious approach to ensure no infected animals enter the community.

What symptoms should pet owners watch for?

CAA encourages recent adopters, foster caregivers, and volunteers to contact them at 225-408-5360 with concerns. Anyone who recently adopted a dog from the facility should monitor their pet and consult a veterinarian if illness occurs.

Companion Animal Alliance spokesperson shares details about upcoming events

Common symptoms of distemper include fever, coughing, lethargy, reduced appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, and discharge from the nose or eyes. More severe signs include head tilts, lack of coordination, muscle twitches, seizures, and partial or complete paralysis.

What happens next for the shelter?

The shelter may continue to limit intakes if new cases are identified. Dog adoptions are likely to remain paused until the veterinary team confirms the outbreak is contained.

Community support may shift toward the organization’s “Sick and Injured Fund” to help cover the costs of the response efforts. A possible next step could involve expanded vaccination clinics if the risk to the local dog population increases.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did CAA stop dog adoptions?
The shelter confirmed multiple cases of canine distemper, a highly contagious viral disease, among its dog population.

Are cat adoptions affected by the outbreak?
No, cat adoptions will continue from Friday, June 19, through Wednesday, June 24.

How many dogs were identified with the virus?
Development Director Holly Danielson stated that five dogs have been identified with distemper.

How do you think local communities can best support shelters during medical emergencies?