Shelter Reopens After Distemper Outbreak At Pima Animal Care Center

TUCSON, AZ — Pima Animal Care Center has reopened part of its main shelter as it continues recovering from a distemper outbreak.

Two areas are now open: the cat room and a section of dog kennels near the back of the facility known as Harry’s Haven, where staff are available to answer questions.

Normal adoption protocols are in place in both areas, including walk-through visits and meet-and-greets. The cat room was not affected by the outbreak, which involved the canine strain of distemper.

An initial round of tests covering about 50 dogs in one section all came back negative, clearing the way for the partial reopening.

PACC’s Eastside adoption center at 7225 E. Broadway Blvd. also reopened last weekend after testing confirmed no distemper among dogs there.

Intake at the main shelter remains limited to emergencies and cases that pose a public safety risk while the shelter waits on additional test results. PACC believes the outbreak started with two stray dogs brought in during the same period.

Both were vaccinated at intake but had not been at the shelter long enough to receive a booster shot and were likely already infected when they arrived.

With distemper and parvo continuing to circulate across Pima County, PACC is reminding pet owners that free and reduced-cost vaccine clinics are available.

Friends of Pima Animal Care Center, the shelter’s nonprofit partner, hosts free clinics and posts details on its social media pages. The Friends Pet Clinic also offers low-cost vaccines.

People who find healthy stray dogs are encouraged to try to reunite them with their owners rather than bringing them to the shelter.

PACC notes that most lost pets are found within two miles of home and has posted tips on its website. For residents who need help with their own pets, the shelter’s Pet Support Center is available.

Pets currently in foster care can still be adopted by emailing the contact listed in each animal’s bio. Additional dogs will be listed on the shelter’s website as test results come in.