PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) — ACCT Philly is still desperately trying to find homes for the dogs that are due to leave the shelter by Monday.
The non-profit organization says dozens of dogs have caught the canine flu, and while it is working to isolate and treat these animals, it is trying to place healthy animals to protect them.
Over the past week, officials said the shelter has been able to place dozens of dogs, but there are still more animals arriving.
“Our officers are picking up two dogs, we have two more at the moment, so that’s already four and we just opened,” said Sarah Barnett, executive director of the shelter.
Every week ACCT philly receives an average of 100 dogs, but with the spread of the virus, these dogs are at risk of catching the canine flu.
“He can be contagious for up to 21 days and that’s really the problem in a facility that has multiple dogs. The dog might get better after the first week, if he has a mild case, but the problem is he spreads to other dogs,” Barnett said.
To combat this, the establishment has set up this temporary house lined with tarps and kennels where, from Monday, sick dogs will go to recover while the rest of the shelter is deep cleaned.
It can accommodate 50 dogs in this space.
“We will have to see what today brings in terms of numbers. If we stay at the bottom of our average consumption we will be fine and will not exceed 50 dogs, but our average is between 15 and 25, so if we go up in that high end, we’ll be a little above 50,” Barnett said.
While sick dogs recover in this space, regular kennels and offices will be sanitized.
“We have a company that comes in the evening, they’re going to clear the air. Part of the problem we have in this building is that our HVAC isn’t circulating properly, so we’re working on improvements on that as well. other things in the building,” Barnett said.
The refuge will be closed Monday and Tuesday to the public for this deep cleaning.
ACCT Philly says the public can help in three ways during this crisis. More foster families and adopters are still needed, and the shelter is also accepting donations. He must pay for medical supplies for sick dogs and equipment for deep cleaning.
For help, visit the ACCT Philly website.