FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

LA Animal Services Media Contacts: 
Agnes Sibal-von Debschitz, (213) 482-9512 or agnes.sibal@lacity.org
Justin Khosrowabadi, (213) 482-9551 or justin.khosrowabadi@lacity.org
Community Alert:
Canine Influenza at West Valley Center
Los Angeles, October 15, 2021 – A number of dogs at the West Valley Animal Shelter have tested positive for canine influenza. Canine influenza is a highly contagious upper respiratory disease caused by a specific virus known to infect dogs. While the virus does not attack humans, it can be spread to dogs by humans through touching infected areas. Even though the animals at our shelters are either fully or partially vaccinated for canine influenza, exposure to infected animals requires mitigating measures to control the spread. 

In an abundance of caution, we are implementing the following steps at the West Valley Animal Shelter effective immediately to prevent the spread of the virus to healthy dogs in our other shelters and community:

  • All dogs at the West Valley Animal Shelter shall be quarantined as ordered by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health.
  • Members of the public will not be allowed in the quarantined kennel areas.
  • Dogs presented to West Valley Animal Shelter for intake will be triaged and those not exhibiting upper respiratory infection (URI) symptoms will be diverted to the East Valley Animal Shelter.
  • Dogs exhibiting URI symptoms will be maintained at the West Valley Animal Shelter.
 
West Valley Animal Shelter will continue to remain open during normal business hours from 11am to 5pm on the weekends and 9am to 4pm by appointment only Tuesday through Friday. Dogs at West Valley will be available for adoption to Los Angeles County residents and owners may redeem their lost dogs, but will be provided with instructions to quarantine at home until the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health releases them from quarantine. Owners with dogs at home should refrain from bringing a new dog home at this time.
 
Cats, kittens, rabbits, and small mammals are not affected by the canine influenza virus and will be available for adoption at the West Valley Animal Shelter as usual.
 
For more information on Canine Influenza, please visit LA County Department of Public Health’s Website or call your veterinarian for information on getting your dog(s) vaccinated, or how to keep your dog safe from the virus.

To foster a healthy dog or adopt another animal from the West Valley Animal Shelter, you can make an appointment using this link or call 888-452-7381. 
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STAY CONNECTED:
LA Animal Services promotes and protects the health, safety, and welfare of animals and the people who love them, and is one of the largest municipal shelter systems in the United States. With six Centers across the City, LA Animal Services serves approximately 60,000 animals annually and responds to 20,000 emergency calls involving animals or people in danger. LA Animal Services is part of the Human Animal Support Services (HASS) international coalition, joining 38 municipal shelters and animal welfare organizations across the country to reimagine and transform the way shelters care for animals and their families, by offering access to resources to help keep families together; getting lost pets home quickly without having to enter the shelter system; providing food and medical assistance; and continuing to build on a strong adoption and foster program so pets find their permanent homes or are placed in foster care. Visit our link.tree for helpful links to the services and resources available to you and your companion animals. Connect with LA Animal Services and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram.
LA Animal Services | 888-452-7381 | LAAnimalServices.com