News Summary
Columbia Animal Services faces a pneumovirus outbreak affecting dogs, leading to a halt in new admissions while promoting adoptions for Butch, a charming dog in need of a home. The shelter is waiving fees for heartworm positive pets and offering assistance to pet owners. Community outreach programs aim to curb pet overpopulation, encouraging responsible pet ownership.
Columbia Faces Pneumovirus Challenge While Promoting Adoptions with Butch the Dog
In the heart of Columbia, a wave of concern has washed over our furry friends as Columbia Animal Services grapples with a troubling outbreak of pneumovirus. This respiratory illness is causing the shelter to halt new admissions, but in a twist of fate, they are also shining a spotlight on an adorable dog named Butch who is in desperate need of a forever home.
Meet Butch: The Adoptable Star of the Shelter
Butch is a charming 3-year-old dog who has captured hearts with his friendly demeanor and playful spirit. He is neutered and boasts up-to-date vaccinations, making him an ideal companion for anyone looking to add a furry friend to their family. The shelter is going all out this month by waiving adoption fees for heartworm positive pets, making it a fantastic opportunity for those looking to adopt a loving companion.
For other pets that are not heartworm positive, a minimal adoption fee of just $14 applies throughout the month. With the shelter’s current situation, finding a home for Butch and other pets has become more critical than ever.
Pneumovirus Outbreak: A Difficult Situation
The pneumovirus outbreak has made things a bit tense at Columbia Animal Services. This illness primarily affects dogs and manifests through symptoms such as coughing, sneezing, nasal discharge, and difficulties in breathing. It is believed that the outbreak originated from an outside source, and with no vaccinations available for protection, the shelter has taken significant precautionary measures.
Regrettably, dogs diagnosed with pneumovirus within the shelter have either died or had to be euthanized to prevent the spread further. As a result, the shelter is limiting new animal intakes to emergency cases only. This includes sick or injured animals and those connected to animal cruelty situations. This temporary suspension on new admissions will remain in effect for about two weeks.
Helping Pet Owners and Their Pets
In light of these challenges, Columbia Animal Services is encouraging pet owners who need to rehome their pets to explore other resources before relinquishing them to the shelter. The shelter offers valuable assistance, providing basic veterinary care, food supplies, and tools for rehoming pets. They want to ensure that pet owners are supported during these tough times.
If members of the public come across stray animals, they are urged to take them in while attempting to find their original owners or consider self-rehoming. This collaborative effort can help alleviate some pressure on the shelter during this dramatic period.
Community Outreach Programs
In an effort to tackle the root causes of pet overpopulation and stray animals, Columbia Animal Services has introduced a Pet Fix & Return (PFR) program aimed at locals in the 29203 ZIP code. This program offers essential services such as spaying/neutering, microchipping, and rabies vaccinations to pet owners, albeit with limited funding. It is hoped that by improving access to veterinary care, the number of pets entering the shelter will decrease significantly.
Beyond just housing abandoned animals, the department seeks to reshape public views, aiming to be recognized as a pet resource center dedicated to assisting pet owners in the community. Volunteers and donations are always welcomed as they continue their mission to support the animals and their humans.
Get Involved!
The situation may be challenging, but the spirit of Columbia is unyielding! Whether you’re interested in adopting Butch or helping the shelter with donations or volunteer work, there are countless ways to make a positive impact. For more information about adopting a pet, resources for pet owners, or community efforts, feel free to visit the Columbia Animal Services website or give them a call at 803-776-PETS.
Go on! Let’s support our furry friends and find them loving homes, while also addressing the important issues affecting our community.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- ABC Columbia: Pet of the Week – Meet Butch
- The State: Pets Article
- ABC Columbia: Columbia Animal Services Adoption Events
- Wikipedia: Pneumovirus
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Dog
- Google Search: Pet Adoption
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