Henrico Police Animal Shelter temporarily closed its doors to the public on June 22 after seeing a rise in infections that could lead to canine influenza.

Lt. Matthew Pecka with the Henrico Police Department said in an email on June 28 that “nearly a half dozen animals are showing some sort of respiratory infection.” Those animals currently symptomatic are being quarantined.

Symptoms of canine influenza in dogs are cough, runny nose, fever, lethargy, eye discharge and reduced appetite. The H3N2 strain of the virus can also infect cats.

“The safety of all the animals housed in the care of our shelter is of utmost importance,” he wrote. “We continue to partner with medical staff as these animals are undergoing testing, which remains an active process. Results have not been received.”

The Henrico Police Animal Protection Unit won’t be able to pick up stray dogs or accept surrenders except for bite/cruelty cases, but community members should still report animal related matters or concerns as these calls will be reviewed by the unit.

While the shelter does not yet have a reopening date, adoptions are still able to proceed on a case-by-case basis.

“Community members are encouraged to contact our shelter and express their interest in available animals,” added Lt. Pecka. “Our team will evaluate adoptions based upon best practices and in conjunction with our veterinarian.”

In the days before the Glen Allen shelter’s temporary closure, Richmond Animal Care and Control also announced it would close its doors to the public for two-weeks.

According to RACC’s Facebook page, two dogs returned positive tests for the canine flu; however, the shelter is planning to resume canine adoptions with an event on July 1. The post notes that all the adoptable dogs “have either been treated and recovered, or were never symptomatic and have cleared quarantine.” It adds that no shelter cats were affected and can be adopted by appointment anytime. Normal operations are expected to resume on July 7.

Both shelters are reminding pet owners to make sure all animal vaccinations are current and to contact their veterinarian if they see any signs of canine influenza.