Gwinnett Animal Shelter Closed Immediately Due to Illness

The Gwinnett County Animal Shelter is shutting down immediately to combat a mysterious illness that is sickening dogs at the site. One dog appears to have died from the illness, which presents itself as a serious upper respiratory illness.

“After consulting with the Department of Agriculture, the director of the Animal Shelter decided to shut down the shelter for a voluntary self-quarantine until the illness can be determined,” according to a statement.

As of April 10, 2015 at 2pm, the shelter was closed to the public. No animals will be allowed into the shelter and nothing will be allowed to leave. Testing at UGA is expected to take approximately 4 days.

Temporary shelter is being set up at an alternate location for the continuation of services provided by dispatched Animal Control Officers, according to the shelter statement.

Staff is also reaching out to recent adopters and owners whose animal has been through the facility in the last two weeks. These people will be asked to keep their dogs separated from all their other dogs in the home.

If their newly adopted dog or reclaimed dog begins to show any of the symptoms mentioned above, the director recommends that the owner take it to the veterinarian immediately.

For more information about the illness, click here. Email animalwelfare@gwinnettcounty.com for other questions.