Young-Williams Animal Center pauses dog adoptions, this time at its primary location
Young-Williams Animal Center has temporarily paused dog adoptions and intake at its primary location at 3201 Division St. over ongoing concerns with canine distemper.
Young-Williams staff will be testing and treating dogs at the Division Street location while dog adoption is suspended. Cat adoptions remain open.
Effective immediately, Young-Williams will temporarily accept dogs only in emergencies, meaning the animal is affecting public health and safety.
"By limiting the intake of strays and temporarily halting dog adoption, we aim to contain the disease and protect the animals in our community and those in our care," said Janet Testerman, CEO of Young-Williams Animal Center, in a June 4 statement.
A dog that tested positive for distemper late last week was at the shelter's separate Bearden location on Kingston Pike. Dog adoption at the Bearden location will resume June 5, according to Testerman's statement.
Young-Williams has asked residents not to pick up strays themselves but instead to call the shelter at 865-407-2229 with details on the animal and its location. Owner surrenders have been temporarily suspended, but reclaims are allowed.
Updates will be provided on the shelter's Facebook page.
What is distemper?
Canine distemper is a virus that causes respiratory, gastrointestinal and nervous system problems. Puppies that have not been vaccinated are particularly at risk, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association.
Dogs with distemper have discharge from their nose and eyes, fever, coughing, lethargy and gastrointestinal issues. In serious cases, they develop nervous system problems like walking in circles, head tilt and seizures.
Lisa Chassy, medical director at Young-Williams, said it's important to keep pets' vaccinations up to date.
"Vaccinations are the best way to help keep your pet healthy and stop the spread of contagious diseases like distemper among animals. If your pet has symptoms of distemper or another disease, such as vomiting, lethargy, coughing, reduced appetite and fever, please call your veterinarian’s office," she said.
Hayden Dunbar is the storyteller reporter. Email [email protected].
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This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Young-Williams pauses dog adoptions at Division Street site over distemper