The Walker County Animal Shelter has temporarily closed its doors after a stray animal tested positive for parvovirus, a highly contagious and potentially deadly disease affecting dogs.
According to shelter staff, a juvenile stray brought in less than a week ago began showing symptoms of the virus after intake. While all animals are vaccinated upon arrival, the shelter operates as an open-intake facility, meaning unvaccinated strays can still bring illnesses into the population.
The shelter will remain closed through October 6, 2025, as staff conduct a full deep cleaning and continue to monitor the health of the animals currently housed there. The facility does not have a quarantine area, which makes isolating potentially infected animals more challenging.
During the closure, staff members will sanitize the entire shelter — both inside and out — and closely observe all animals for any signs of illness. The shelter is working in coordination with local veterinarians and the Georgia Department of Agriculture to ensure the safety and well-being of all animals under its care.
Walker County Animal Control will continue normal field operations during the closure period.
The shelter encourages residents to follow its social media channels and website for updates on reopening and future animal intake.