BVSPCA offering free vaccines to combat respiratory disease outbreak

The free vaccines are available through through Friday, Aug. 9. (Photo from Brandywine Valley SPCA Facebook)

In light of a canine respiratory disease outbreak in Delaware that forced a couple of the largest animal shelters to close their doors to new dogs, one organization is offering free vaccines.

The Brandywine Valley SPCA announced it will provide dogs with free canine influenza and distemper shots at their health centers in New Castle, Dover and Georgetown.

“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,” said Adam Lamb, chief executive officer of the organization.

He said the Brandywine Valley SPCA is grateful to be able to provide even further protection to the pet community with these free vaccines for owned dogs.

According to the organization, the upper respiratory infections they have seen are among the most common in shelters where large numbers of dogs from varied backgrounds are housed together and are transmitted much like colds in a child daycare.

Dog owners need to make an appointment at one of the three locations through Friday, Aug. 9 and there’s a limit of two dogs per appointment.

RELATED: Del. restricts movements of shelter, rescue dogs

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They will be scheduled at the time of the first vaccine for the required second booster canine influenza vaccine appointment at the same location.

Register here .

The three locations are:

• 290 Churchmans Road, New Castle, 19720
• 1757 Horsepond Road, Dover, 19901
• 22918 Dupont Boulevard, Georgetown, 19947

As the only open-access shelter for lost and stray pets, and victims of animal neglect and cruelty for the entire state of Delaware, Brandywine Valley SPCA cares for more than 70% of the state’s animal intake each year.

Earlier this month, Faithful Friends Animal Society and Humane Animal Partners stopped dog intakes and dog adoptions at their New Castle and Wilmington shelters in order to treat and respond to the illness.

On Friday, July 12, the Delaware Department of Agriculture put restrictions in place regarding the movement of shelter and rescue dogs due to a canine respiratory disease outbreak.

Since then, it has been reported that multiple dogs in the surrounding community have tested positive for canine influenza.

Vaccinations for the disease can be administered for dogs as young as six weeks old, and two doses three or four weeks apart are recommended.

Boosters can be given annually to prevent severe symptoms.

The vaccination is especially recommended for dogs who spend time among other dogs like in dog parks, daycare, boarding facilities or grooming salons.