We’d like to address the misinformation being disseminated about our recent brush with parvovirus in our canine population. Much to our dismay, the information being presented is false and is misleading people to believe that there are deceptive and inhumane practices at the shelter. The only authority about what is happening at the shelter is the shelter itself.
Facts About HSHC
1. We are an independent non-profit 501(c)(3) open admission shelter and have served the Harford County community since 1946. On average we care for nearly 3,500 homeless, stray and abandoned animals annually.
2. We are not a private, for-profit, veterinary practice.
3. We are not a division of the Harford County Government.
–> Want to know more about Shelter Medicine? Click HERE.
Facts About Parvovirus
1. We vaccinate every animal that comes to the shelter with the DAPP vaccine. DAPP stands for Distemper-Adenovirus-Parainfluenza-Parvovirus. Puppies and unvaccinated adult dogs are most susceptible to parvo, and unfortunately, if a dog has already been exposed to parvo before arriving at the shelter, the vaccine will not be entirely effective. It can take up to 14 days for symptoms to appear after a dog is infected.
2. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, the symptoms of parvo are:
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- lethargy
- loss of appetite
- vomiting
- severe (often bloody) diarrhea
- abdominal pain and bloating
- fever or low body temperature (hypothermia)
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Persistent vomiting and diarrhea can quickly cause dehydration, and damage to the intestines and immune system can cause septic shock. This can lead to death, with most deaths occurring within 48 to 72 hours after signs first appear.
3. Also, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association, vaccinations and other preventive measures—including good hygiene—are key to avoiding canine parvovirus infection.
4. Parvo can live in the environment, on surfaces and even our pets, for a very long time and can be difficult to eradicate.
5. Treatment in severe cases includes 24-hour supportive care, IV fluids and full isolation. Caregivers must wear full PPE and discard all bedding, bowls, etc.
Facts About Parvovirus at the Shelter
1. On February 10th, a young dog was picked up as a stray by Animal Control and presented with mild symptoms. Upon arrival he was immediately isolated; SNAP tested for Parvo and received a positive result. With supportive care, his symptoms quickly subsided, and he is now fully recovered and has been adopted. There was no risk posed to the shelter’s population given the immediate isolation protocol.
**SNAP tests are rapid ELISA diagnostic devices (enzyme linked immunosorbent assay)**
2. On February 23rd we received 2 young dogs from Animal Control. On March 6th, one of these dogs was transferred to the Animal Emergency Hospital for symptoms unrelated to Parvo. Shortly after arrival to the emergency hospital the dog began exhibiting symptoms, was SNAP tested and confirmed positive for Parvo. On March 7th, due to declining health, the difficult decision was made to humanely euthanize.
3. On March 10th we received another adult dog as a stray from the general public that presented with severe parvo symptoms. Also, on the same day, the second dog from the February 23rd intake began exhibiting symptoms. Both were tested and confirmed positive for Parvo. Due to their declining health, the substantial costs proposed for recovery, as well as to protect our entire shelter dog population, the difficult decision was made to euthanize these 2 dogs.
4. At the time there were 75 dogs in our care. In an effort to mitigate the spread of the disease, the decision was made to temporarily suspend dog intakes, adoptions and restrict kennel access to all but a few animal care and medical staff, effective March 10th. The shelter posted publicly the decision to close temporarily and circumstances surrounding the decision. Additionally, an update to this public notice, including outcome of the 3 animals, was made on Friday, March 14th.
5. On March 11th Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) were offered to us by a local veterinarian in exchange for a social media mention. mAbs are relatively new and work on a cellular level to prevent the virus from replicating in healthy cells, thereby reducing the severity of the infection and improving chances for survival. It is NOT a miracle cure nor an immediate single shot approach similar to a vaccination. At the recommendation of this veterinarian our staff veterinarian contacted the pharmaceutical company for clarification on how to safely administer this treatment. It was stated that mAbs are to be given in dogs that have been exposed to Parvo and prior to showing symptoms. It must be frozen and then thawed, given by injection, while the patient is given IV fluids and monitored for an extended period of time. A very difficult process for the shelter to undertake without risking exposure to our entire population.
–> Learn more about HSHC Parvo Treatment Cost
–> Learn more about the Drug Facts HERE
6. Given that there were no additional dogs in our care at the time that were candidates for treatment, information about mAbs and the offer for treatment were relayed to those who adopted a dog from the shelter between 3/1-3/10. Adopters wishing to pursue the treatment as a precaution were instructed to contact the local veterinarian.
7. Yet another dog was transferred into our care this past Saturday, March 29th from Animal Emergency Hospital. The multiple rapid “SNAP” tests we’ve done have all shown negative for parvo; however, this dog has remained in isolation since intake. Bloodwork has been sent out for a definitive diagnosis; meanwhile, the dog is stable and symptoms are mild.
Facts About HSHC Operations
1. HSHC has four licensed and qualified veterinarians that consult on these decisions. Our standards of practice/care are available on our website as well as on the MD Department of Agriculture’s website.
2. The Board of Directors oversees the shelter’s financial health and stability and plays a key role in planning new initiatives. Each director is an accomplished civic leader whose community service and business acumen are instrumental in ensuring that HSHC is positioned to meet the needs of a growing and changing community. Board roles are entirely volunteer and unpaid positions.
3. Our live release rate last year was 92% and for the first 3 months of this year, it’s above 90%.
4. County funding does not cover our entire budget. We rely heavily on charitable contributions from our supporters and adoption fees. For the last two years, County funding has remained flat while operating costs have risen by an average of 25%. Increased medical care expenses, higher costs for food, supplies, and utilities coupled with inflation will continue to negatively impact our organization. Harford County’s population continues to grow and will lead to an increase in stray, surrendered and abandoned animals requiring immediate care. We must continually work to find efficiencies while maintaining a high level of compassion and care that our community expects of us. We do not take public dollars for granted.
5. We’ve enhanced our service model to include a comprehensive animal behavior program. We now offer behavioral assessments, training and additional enrichment in an effort to ensure more animals are successfully placed while minimizing behavioral issues that lead to surrenders.
6. Annual impact reports and financial audits are always available on our website for public review. See 2024 data HERE.
What Does This Mean?
We still need YOUR help!
We are constantly innovating and introducing new programs that will strengthen our relationships, educate the public and advocate for humane treatment of animals everywhere.
In a recent national survey 91% of dog owners have expressed experiencing financial hardship. And according to the Humane Society of the United States, of the approximately 20 million pets in the US nearly 70% have never seen a veterinarian.
At HSHC we offer several affordable vaccine clinics throughout the year, a pet food pantry for owners in need and the highest quality care for our animals. We rely on hundreds of qualified volunteers, foster parents and a network of rescue partners, but we always need more! We are incredibly proud of the services we provide to Harford County and will continue to serve as a community resource.
Additional questions can be sent to Amanda Hickman, HSHC Executive Director.