Memphis animal shelter waives adoption fees amid distemper outbreak

Days after Memphis Animal Services discovered multiple dogs kept at the shelter were infected by a deadly disease, the shelter is now calling on Memphians to adopt uninfected dogs to stop the spread of the virus.

Further encouraging those efforts, MAS said all of its adoption fees will be waived until May 21. For those needing additional support, like supplies, the shelter said it would provide help while supplies last.

That assistance includes education, crates, dog beds and dog food.

When the distemper outbreak was discovered May 3, MAS said it immediately separated the animals that were infected from those that were not. The shelter is only accepting animals “in situations posing public safety risks,” including those in cruelty cases and needing urgent medical attention.

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“Shelters around the country are seeing an uptick in viruses like (distemper) and (canine infectious respiratory disease complex),” MAS Director Ty Coleman said in an email statement. “When you have so many animals in one place coming from different circumstances, with varying health challenges, it can happen. Our team is understaffed, but we work diligently to continuously improve intake processes, increase positive outcomes and find forever homes for all pets under our care.”

There have been 14 dogs confirmed to be infected with distemper, according to Monday’s update.

If unable to adopt, MAS is asking people to foster an animal for at least four weeks to “alleviate shelter congestion.” Fosters will be provided with food and other resources needed to take care of the animal.

“Helping us clear our overcrowded shelter can go a long way in helping sick dogs get well faster, and safeguard those yet unaffected,” Coleman said. “Our dedicated team remains steadfast in prioritizing the safety, health and overall welfare of every animal entrusted to us.”

Lucas Finton is a criminal justice reporter with The Commercial Appeal. He can be reached at [email protected], or (901)208-3922, and followed on.

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