Temporary Closure of Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter’s Watsonville Location Due to Health Concerns
WATSONVILLE, Calif. — The Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter (SCCAS) has announced the temporary closure of its Watsonville location due to serious health concerns affecting some of its animals. Under the guidance of shelter Veterinarian Dr. Maris Brenn-White, the shelter has made the difficult decision to close its doors following confirmed cases of two highly contagious diseases: canine parvovirus and feline panleukopenia.
Health Risks and Confirmed Cases
The Watsonville shelter will remain closed until at least Tuesday, October 29. The closure comes after a stray puppy, which arrived on October 18, tested positive for canine parvovirus. Additionally, two kittens were found to have feline panleukopenia earlier this week. Both diseases pose a significant risk to the health of unvaccinated puppies and kittens, with the potential to be fatal. They can spread rapidly through direct contact and contaminated surfaces, making immediate action necessary to protect the shelter’s animals and the community.
Steps Being Taken to Mitigate Spread
In response to these health concerns, the shelter is implementing a series of precautionary measures. Animals currently at the Watsonville shelter are being evaluated and quarantined until they are medically cleared for transfer to the Santa Cruz location. The shelter is also undergoing a thorough cleaning and disinfection process to eliminate any potential pathogens. A spokesperson for the shelter stated, "The Watsonville location will be reopened once we are confident it is safe for animals, staff, and visitors."
During this closure, the shelter will not be accepting new animals or facilitating adoptions at the Watsonville site. However, the Santa Cruz shelter is continuing its operations, including a special promotion for adoptions throughout October.
Adoption Fees and Promotions
In an effort to encourage pet adoptions during this challenging time, the Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter is offering reduced adoption fees as part of their “Spooky Low Adoption Fees” campaign. Dogs and cats can be adopted for just $31, while small pets are available for $13. This initiative aims to find loving homes for animals while also alleviating some of the pressure on the shelter during the closure.
How the Community Can Help
The Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter is reaching out to the community for support during this challenging time. Here are some ways residents can contribute:
1. Donations
Financial contributions are crucial for covering additional medical costs associated with screening and titer testing, as well as for purchasing extra cleaning supplies and personal protective equipment (PPE). Every donation helps ensure the shelter can effectively manage this health crisis.
2. Foster Homes
The shelter is seeking individuals who can provide temporary care for medically cleared animals. Fostering helps reduce the number of animals in the shelter, allowing staff to focus on higher-risk and higher-needs animals while also facilitating deep cleaning and sanitation efforts.
3. Spread Awareness
Community members are encouraged to inform other pet owners about the importance of vaccinations for dogs and cats. Vaccination against parvovirus and feline panleukopenia is vital in preventing further outbreaks, both within the shelter and in the wider community.
4. Vaccination Clinics
For pet owners with limited incomes, the Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter offers "Healthy Pets for All" vaccine clinics. The next clinic is scheduled for Friday, October 25, in Felton. This initiative aims to make vaccinations accessible to all pet owners, ensuring the health and safety of pets in the community.
Conclusion
The temporary closure of the Watsonville location of the Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter is a necessary step to protect the health of its animals and the community. By taking proactive measures and seeking community support, the shelter aims to navigate this challenging situation effectively. As they work diligently to ensure the safety of all animals, the shelter remains committed to its mission of providing care and finding loving homes for pets in need. Your support, whether through donations, fostering, or spreading awareness, can make a significant difference during this critical time.