CLARKESVILLE, Ga. — The Habersham County Animal Shelter has temporarily paused non-emergency intakes after 11 surrendered puppies tested positive for parvovirus, officials said.
Habersham County Animal Care and Control Director Madi Nix said the puppies, from multiple litters in one household, began showing symptoms within hours of arrival.
“All tested positive. Every single puppy,” Nix wrote in a public post.
Despite immediate treatment, one puppy died shortly after arrival. Officials said symptoms were not disclosed at surrender and had apparently been present for some time, lowering the survival rate.
Highly contagious virus
Parvovirus is a highly contagious and potentially deadly illness that primarily affects young dogs and stressed new intakes. It is preventable through vaccination and basic veterinary care.
“When parvo enters a shelter, it does not affect just one group — it puts our entire population at risk,” Nix said.
The shelter is now pausing non-emergency intakes while staff deep-clean, disinfect and monitor animals in their care. The goal is a full two-week period with no additional cases.
Limited isolation space has forced staff to house some infected puppies in the cat quarantine area, reducing cat intake capacity. Nix urged residents to temporarily hold strays if possible.
“If you find a stray and are able to briefly and safely hold onto them, we will gladly provide necessary supplies and vaccinations to help you do so,” she said. “This reduces risk during this critical time.”
Emergencies will be handled on a case-by-case basis. The shelter reported the outbreak to the Georgia Department of Agriculture.
Donations needed
The shelter offers free parvovirus vaccines to Habersham County residents during business hours. However, officials used the remaining treatment supply, including Canine Parvovirus Monoclonal Antibody, to care for the puppies.
“If you are able to contribute toward restocking this life-saving treatment, you are directly impacting whether the next puppy gets that same chance,” Nix said.
Donations may be mailed to:
Habersham County Animal Shelter
4231 B Toccoa Highway
Clarkesville, GA 30523
706-839-0195
“We want to help — that is why we exist,” said Nix. “But helping also means protecting the population already under our roof and the future animals coming into our care. Please give us this time to stabilize, sanitize, and safeguard.”
