The Stanislaus Animal Services Agency in Modesto has temporarily suspended taking in stray dogs.

The shelter has confirmed the presence of strepotococcus zooepidemicus (strep zoo), a highly infectious bacterial disease. Due to this strep zoo outbreak, severe respiratory disease, and an overcrowded shelter environment, the shelter is no longer taking in stray animals. To prevent the spread of strep zoo to other dogs, the shelter will not be accepting any healthy stray dogs for up to 21 days. 

All dogs already in the shelter will be fully treated and healthy treated dogs will remain available for adoption. Reducing the number of dogs in the shelter helps stop the disease. So now more than ever is a great time to adopt.

Studies show that 92% of stray dogs have a home – the Stanislaus County shelter is asking the public to help those animals get back to those homes. Allowing the dog to enter the shelter could be dangerous for that dog. For those who wish to turn in a stray dog, the County shelter is recommending people try and locate the owners by talking to neighbors, hanging neighborhood posters, or posting on Facebook lost and found pet pages, Craigslist, Nextdoor or other lost pet websites.

To learn more about the Stanislaus Animal Services Agency visit: www.StanislausAnimalServices.com