Intake of most dogs to be paused beginning Wednesday, March 12
Hillsborough County, Fla. (March 11, 2025) - The Hillsborough County Pet Resource Center will temporarily stop taking in most dogs as it deals with an increase in the number of dogs with canine pneumovirus.
In recent weeks, veterinarians at the Pet Resource Center, 440 N. Falkenburg Rd., Tampa, FL 33619, have noticed a marked increase in the number of dogs with upper respiratory illness coming into the shelter from the community and spreading the illness to dogs within the shelter. Through increased monitoring and laboratory testing, the shelter has identified canine pneumovirus as the cause, with symptoms ranging from mild nasal discharge and cough to pneumonia in severe cases.
Following protocols recommended by experts at the University of Florida's Shelter Medicine Program, the Pet Resource Center will temporarily accept only dogs that are severely sick or injured, and dogs involved in Animal Control cases beginning Wednesday, March 12. Those dogs will be kept at a separate location.
The shelter will continue to take in cats and kittens.
Canine pneumovirus typically resolves in 10 to 14 days, and many of the more than 200 dogs at the shelter might already have developed antibodies to the virus. Once the outbreak has run its course, dog admissions will resume. The target date for resuming regular operations is March 26, pending further test results.
Canine pneumovirus is a respiratory disease that can cause a persistent cough, nasal discharge, lethargy, and a reduced appetite. Most dogs experience mild symptoms, though in rare cases, canine pneumovirus can cause more serious health issues or even death. The virus does not affect cats.
While dog intake is paused, the Pet Resource Center will remain open for dog and cat adoptions, rescue groups and fosters assisting with cats and adoptions, and volunteers. Owners can also reclaim lost dogs during this time.
To help prevent transmission of the virus, shelter staff will be split into two groups, with one group assigned exclusively to the Pet Resource Center and the other group to a separate location where any incoming dogs will be temporarily housed.
Although dog adoptions will continue, adopters should refrain from taking their new pet to dog parks, groomers, or interacting with their current dogs for a minimum of seven days after adoption. Dogs that are adopted while symptomatic will be sent home with medications as needed. Dogs that are not symptomatic but leaving with an adopter, rescue, or foster will be given a prescription for medication if they show symptoms of canine pneumovirus. As with all pet respiratory illnesses, any dog owner with concerns should reach out to their family veterinarian. If early symptoms are monitored and treated there should be no need to seek emergency care.