SPCA offering free canine influenza, distemper shots at Delaware locations

GEORGETOWN — In response to the recent canine influenza outbreak, the Brandywine Valley Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals will provide free influenza vaccinations and distemper shots.

The vaccines will be given at the agency’s Animal Health Centers in Dover, Georgetown and New Castle.

Registration is open at bvspca.org/flu for appointments through Aug. 9.

Each person can register up to two dogs per appointment.

At the time of a dog’s first shot, it will be scheduled for the required booster at the same location.

The vaccines are made possible via longtime supporters of the society and animal welfare advocates Tatiana and Gerret Copeland, through Reggie’s Fund. Since 2015, the Copelands have supported the fund — named after their dog — to cover critical medical needs when families cannot afford to care for pets.

Meanwhile, the free distemper vaccines are provided through Petco Love’s national vaccination initiative.

This move to provide more vaccines comes after the Delaware Department of Agriculture put in place restrictions July 12 regarding the movement of shelter and rescue dogs due to a respiratory disease outbreak.

Since then, there are reports that multiple dogs in the state have tested positive for influenza.

As a precaution, Brandywine Valley SPCA vaccinated all dogs in its shelters and those that entered them last week.

“While this action goes above our usual intake protocols and has meant a significant financial investment in the dogs who come into our care, we felt this was a necessary step to protect them and the community from further spread,” CEO Adam Lamb said. “We are grateful, now with the support of Tatiana Copeland, to be able to provide even further protection to the pet community with these free vaccines for owned dogs.”

Influenza vaccinations can be given to dogs as young as 6 weeks, with a recommended protocol of two doses three to four weeks apart. Boosters can then be given annually.

This vaccine is especially recommended for dogs who spend time with other dogs.

Annual distemper shots protect dogs against the most common potentially fatal infectious diseases. These vaccinations should begin at 6 weeks of age, followed by a series of boosters.