Alachua County Animal Resources is temporarily suspending new animal intakes and adoptions because an upper respiratory illness is spreading among animals at the shelter and the shelter is severely overcrowded.
The emergency measure is necessary to protect the health and well-being of the animals and ensure staff can provide the care they need. Volunteers are still encouraged to report to the shelter.
The shelter will not accept owner surrenders or healthy stray animals during the temporary shutdown. Exceptions will be made for animals requiring emergency medical attention or presenting a threat to public safety.
The shelter will remain open for owners reclaiming lost pets. Animal Resources officers will continue responding to public safety concerns and animal emergencies.
"This is a difficult but necessary decision," said County Manager Michele Lieberman. "Our responsibility is to provide humane, compassionate care for every animal and to protect the physical and mental health of our staff. Our priority is getting these animals healthy, reducing overcrowding, and returning to normal operations as quickly as possible."
During the temporary intake suspension, staff will focus on treating sick animals, preventing the spread of illness, and working with rescue partners and fosters to safely reduce the shelter population.
Residents can help by fostering an animal, temporarily caring for healthy stray animals when possible, and helping reunite lost pets with their owners. Anyone who finds a stray animal is encouraged to check for identification, have the animal scanned for a microchip, and post a found-pet report at 24PetConnect.com. Go to the AMAZON Wishlist to help provide needed supplies.
The county appreciates the community's patience, understanding, and support as Animal Resources works to restore normal operations. The public will be notified when regular intake and adoption services resume.
For information about fostering, contact Alachua County Animal Resources at 352-264-6870 (press #3 for fostering) or visit the Animal Resources website.
For more information, contact Alachua County Communications Director Mark Sexton at 352-283-2317 or msexton@alachuacounty.gov.
