INDIANAPOLIS — The death of a stray dog brought to Indianapolis Animal Care Services on South Harding Street by animal control officers, has raised concerns about the spread of parvo.
The pause was put into effect after a dog suddenly and unexpectedly died under 24 hours after first experiencing the illness.
"That's very sudden. That's very unexpected and because of how rapidly that went, we thought it was best to send samples for testing," said Olsen.
It's prompted an investigation into possible causes and prevention methods.
The shelter has since halted new intakes in non-emergency situations.
"Just to make sure we can provide care and potentially prep for any necessary medical care for any animals that are still there and just focus on emergency only intakes," said Olsen.
Emergency intakes include animals that are injured or pose a threat to public safety.
Workers are also evaluating the intake process. Those surrendering an animal must make an appointment and fill out a form with as much detailed information as they can about their pet.
The number of intakes doesn't account for the number of dogs and cats animal control officers can also bring in.
"Space gets taken up at the shelter pretty quickly," said Olsen. "Just taking them in and taking them in leads to overcrowding and when we're overcrowded, it is more easy for bacteria and viruses and things to spread among dogs."
Olsen said the shelter, like many others, is already overcrowded, understaffed and under resourced.
"How can we build a more community focused response to helping strays find their homes," said Olsen.
Forever homes to give animals a chance to live long, happy lives.
Currently, the shelter has 162 dogs and 43 cats available for adoption. While the shelter waits for test results to return from the sickness, intake of new animals will be limited to emergencies only so that the staff can continue to safely manage and treat the current animal residents.
IACS is asking the public to visit the shelter and consider bringing home a new family member, especially to keep them safe from the unknown illness.
The shelter said it will start taking animals in non-emergency situations back if negative test results are provided or after an appropriate quarantine period.
The Indianapolis Animal Care Services shelter can be found at 2600 S. Harding St., and will be open for adoptions daily from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.