Facility Scheduled to Reopen to the Public on Tuesday
(Douglas County, GA) – A mandatory quarantine imposed by the Georgia Department of Agriculture has been lifted following a virus outbreak at the Douglas County Animal Shelter late last month. On May 22, 2025, thirteen dogs were diagnosed with Pneumovirus and three dogs tested positive for Parvovirus. According to shelter officials, the dogs infected with Parvovirus had the illness upon entry to the shelter but because the symptoms were not immediately visible, the infection was not detectable at the time of intake.
Effective Monday, June 9, 2025, the state-mandated quarantine was officially lifted. Normal business operations have resumed, and the facility is scheduled to reopen to the public on Tuesday, June 10, 2025, during regular operating hours. The shelter will continue a self-imposed quarantine for approximately 30 dogs that have not yet shown symptoms of Pneumovirus. Those dogs are being housed in a separate area of the facility and are undergoing a 14-day exposure monitoring period.
"Pneumovirus is significant because it lasts longer, is more contagious, and can sometimes cause pneumonia or other complications," said Vanessa Francikowski, Douglas County Animal Services Director. "While all animals are vaccinated upon intake to prevent disease transmission, some may arrive with unknown vaccination histories and may already be carrying active viruses.”
There is currently no vaccine for Pneumovirus but according to veterinary experts, once a dog has been exposed to the virus, developed symptoms, and completed medical treatment, they have life-long immunity. More than 45 dogs have completed treatment and are now available for adoption.
“I’m incredibly proud of our team for navigating this situation with such dedication and resilience,” said Director Francikowski. “Typically, shelters impacted by Pneumovirus are shut down for six weeks or more. The speedy recovery of our animals is a testament to the hard work and commitment of our staff to the animals in our care.”
Animal Control has resumed normal field operations and is actively responding to service calls and picking up animals.
For additional information, please contact the shelter at 770-942-5961.